Getting Ready for first pen

[Mike Rushing]

Got the lathe and been playing. Tonight I glued the tubes in the blanks so I will try my first pen tomorrow. Is there anything I need to know before I get started? I hope I have enough sandpaper.

[David E Keller]

Sharp tools, spin fast, and light cuts. Enjoy!

[Michael James]

ALLRIGHT! Safety 1st!! protect your eyes and lungs. Dull tools and too much pressure will blow the wood off the tubes.... and when you go to square of the ends I find I ruin less blanks if I disc sand the corners off each end. Im assuming you have a barrel trimmer here.
The vortex calls, amigo............... the answers are in the creek, but therre is no cure.:eek:
Michael