Arlin Eastman wrote on Aug 29
th, 2017 at 10:14am:
Steve
There are two things that could go wrong with that.
1. One is if a person trims the blank to much and goes into the brass
2. If someone is going to make a customized pen.
The guideline of 10.1 cm that Steve mentioned will remain true no matter what, provided we are still using standard 7mm hardware and a cross refill.When making a pen, you start with a kit and build the pen around the kit.
You don't/can't change the measurements of the mechanics in the kit.
(You can change dimensions
within the overall mechanical measurement but not the overall measurement itself)
The 'kit" must remain the same in order to receive a standard refill (this is a fixed length) and function properly.
1. If you trim the blank too much, you will need to adjust how far you insert the transmission. (obviously not as far) The overall length (10.1cm) needs to remain the same.
2. Making a customized pen beings up many factors but if you're using "standard" 7mm mechanisms/parts the overall function should be the same. The length of the refill and the transmission do not change, which are the determining factors for the length of 10.1cm.
personally, I prefer to physically check mine rather than to solely rely on a measurement which I mentioned in the previous post.