I need to make a base for my Pencraft pen. I queried the issue here.

Now, this question is primarily about materials, but feel free to add input regarding my method.

I figure that I can make the hole by using two drill bits. Three at the most.

For reference, here is the pen.

The first measurement is the shoulder of the nib: 3/8"
Then the section at its narrowest part, the nib-end, of the section: 7/16"
Now, the section at its widest: 1/2"

Very convenient measurements!

OK, so, the first (and shallowest) hole will be 1/2" diam, this will allow the entire section to sit down in the hole.
The second hole will be smaller that 7/16", but larger than 3/8", this will allow the nib to pass through, but will be small enough that a ledge is created at the right depth so that the shoulder at the end of the section rests on it, where the threaded end of the section just enters the hole.

The question is: what materials to use and where can I get it. I've sourced some black ABS rod that I can get for $8 a foot at 1" diameter. I think this diameter is good because I can just drill my holes into it, and then drill a 1" diam hole into my base material (wood, stone, glass) and then drop the unit in there. The plastic piece will be about 1 3/4" long.

Anyhow, I am thinking about this thing, and wonder if anyone has done anything like this and can lend some experience.

I'd be tempted to use Acetal/Delrin if I had it around. I do have a bit in stock and also UHMW, Nylon and a bit of Acrylic too. If not, I have wood and epoxy. I also have some of the laminated wood stuff. If I had an old oversize chunk of pen barrel celluloid, it might get used.

Last year I bored and cut a light taper to a wood block, gave it two coats of epoxy and used it to store my Parker "51" while working. A friend who also uses a "51" told me I could make another one and took it. It seemed to work well.

Ron

Cool, I can get the UHMW pretty cheap too. And PVC. Perhaps I will try all three.