There’s something about engine blocks that looks cool. Perhaps it’s the intricacies that detail the hunk of metal, or that it’s the core for the roaring heart of a car. Whatever it is, it has captivated me since I first saw them and it’s been on my bucket list to machine an engine block, something that was not feasibly possible until I got my 5 axis machining center.

And now that I’ve familiarized with the machine, designed the block, programmed the toolpaths, and cut some prototypes, I am excited to share my creation with others that share the same passion and awe of engine blocks in a format that can fit on your desk! 

About the pen holder

The block

The engine block is machined from a solid billet of aluminum on my Hurco VM10Ui 5 axis machining center (1 of 2, 5 axis machining centers (that I know of) in the state!).

There are some details that you can make out from the manifold bolt holes to the cylinders, the bores for the fuel intake/exhaust, bores for cam rods, and the cavity for the crankshaft. The engine block is very loosely based on the LS3 engine block. 

How it’s made

 Below is a short video showing operation 1 on the 5 axis machining center.

Acetal (also known as Delrin) liners for different pen sizes

This pen holder has the increased functionality in that different sized inner diameter liners can be placed into the cylinders. So in otherwords, you can fit your Sharpie, your Pilot G2, your Rotring, and your fine tipped Sharpie! To assist with a snug fit into the cylinder bores, an O ring groove is designed into the liner (also making it resemble a piston). This makes it easy to insert, remove, and swap liners around. Acetal has very good durability and chemical resistance. 

Small liner (3/8″ OD) recommended for slim writing instruments such as #2 pencil, Uniball Vision, Frixion Slim.

Medium liner (1/2″ OD) recommended for Sharpie, Pilot G2 (and most other standard sized writing instruments). 

Large liner (9/16″) recommended for any writing instruments just slightly larger than a standard Sharpie. 

Rubber feet

The pen holder sits on 4 adhesive backed rubber feet that will protect both the pen holder and your desk. 

Finishes

The pen holder will be offered in two finishes, machine finish and bead blasted (which might represent the casted texture of a real block).