Pen Turning - Looking to get started

[Jon Wilson]

OK, don't laugh...
As the title suggests, I am interested in making a few pens as xmas gifts and am looking for some guidance.

I saw a how-to at the Rockler website showing how to make a pen without a lathe. This intrigued me beyond belief,
mostly because I don't have a lathe and have always wanted to make a few pens here and there.

What supplies do you folks recommend for someone that may or may not stick with pen making.
I don't want to drop a load of cash on the basic supplies and then figure out I don't like making pens.

Any cost effective places I should look for the needed supplies?

I have plenty of scrap to make a ton of laminated and single piece blanks, that's about the only thing I have going for me as of now.

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.

[Brian Kent]

How solid is your drill press, if that is what you are thinking?

[Jon Wilson]

You arent using your drill press as a lathe, if that is your concern.

With the rockler how-to you arent exactly turning the pens. The process uses a spindle sander (either stand alone or on the drill press) and sandpaper glued on pieces of plywood.
You are basically sanding the pen into shape using the usual suspects (mandrel/bushings) in a different manner.

[Joe Kieve]

You might check these folks out. http://www.pennstateind.com/store/DPLATHE.html

Also, look at their website as they have fairly inexpensive components to get you started.

Fair WARNING...if you decide you like turning pens, it's a vortex you will get sucked into pretty quickly.

[Dale Gillaspy]

I like woodturningz.com (http://www.woodturningz.com) Same stuff as Penn State, but better prices, and IMHO, better customer service.

[Donny Lawson]

Check with some local turners in your area and take a few lessons from them. You will know if you like it from there. I think you will be hooked. They are fun to make and make great gifts and some extra cash for yourself too. If your on Facebook look up "Penturning" and join in. Plenty of local to learn from.

[James Combs]

Welcome to the vortex. You may also want to check out the IAP(International Association of Penturners) over at penturners dot org. They have a great library about all things pen-turning.

[Dan Hintz]

Jon,

If you don't mind a short drive to Columbia, you're welcome to drop by... I gave a pen-turning lesson to James Tibbets a few weeks back, just waiting for him to come back and try some of the stuff on his own (but under my eye).

[Jim Burr]

IAP is your best bet. Quality pens, especially ones as gifts should be done in a quality fashion.

[Lee Reep]

Welcome to the vortex. You may also want to check out the IAP(International Association of Penturners) over at penturners dot org. They have a great library about all things pen-turning.

I second this! I've been doing pens for about 3 years. Lots of good info, and some great vendors. I've bought pen kits from the local stores, but mostly support the smaller dealers/distributors/individuals that participate on penturners website. I've ordered some amazing exotic wood blanks from many individuals, including some from a wood harvester in Australia.

I also got hooked on turning tool handles. Here are some reversible screwdrivers I made for Christmas gifts last year. I bought plastic-handled reversible screwdrivers from Home Depot, and Dremeled off the handles. Ferrule is a piece of copper tubing. This year it will be pepper mills for gifts.

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[Jon Wilson]

Thanks for all the great advice... getting excited to get started.

According to the Rockler how-to I need the following;
Quick-Set Glue (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10562)
Pen Mill (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18001)
Mandrel & Bushings (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10667)
(http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10662)
I'm looking to start with 7mm pens, any specific styles/brands of these items?
Any place I can look for "value" supplies? I'm not against spending the money for quality stuff, if I know I'm going to stick with the projects.

** Remember - I'm starting without a lathe, using just my drill press **

Dan , if the offer stands after the holidays I will definitely take you up on the offer to come down for a visit. I appreciate the invite.

[Dan Hintz]

Personally, I'd skip the mandrel, get some quality stainless steel bushings meant for TBC (turn between centers) for $10, a 60 degree dead center (for headstock) for $10, a 60 degree live center (for tailstock) for around $50 (you'll use this for nearly every turning project, not just pens), and you'll be ready to go. Removes the potential hassle for bent mandrels, no worries about off-center turnings, etc.