Pen turning advise needed

[Jim Watson]

Recently got a steal on a Grizzly G5979 (looks like a G1067Z). I am not at all lathe "literate" so was wondering if any of you fellows would know if this lathe would work for turning pens. I cannont really justify the expense of a smaller lathe.

Am I correct in presuming that tuning the pen cylinders is fairly straight foward.

Are there any good how-to books out there that anyone would recommend. And finally are there any good sources someone would recommend for equipment and supplies. I keep getting catalogs from Pennstate (at least I think it is) and thier products look good to one who knows nothing!

thanks much for any advise - appreciate it,

Jim

[Bill Turpin]

I turned enough pens on that same Grizzly to pay for it. Penn State, Craft Supplies, Steebar, Packards all sell pen supplies and kits. Have fun, pen turning can become an addiction.

Bill in WNC mountains

[Joe Tonich]

When I need pen parts I go to :

http://www.bereahardwoods.com/

Have fun! :D

[John Hart]

When I need pen parts I go to :

http://www.bereahardwoods.com/

Have fun! :D

Geez Joe...you live 10 minutes from there. You shop on line?

Yep Jim...I second Berea Hardwoods. And if you call them, they'll steer you right and offer advice.

[Ernie Nyvall]

Yep, the berea people are pretty helpful. John Hart was a lot helpful. Also pen kits come with instructions. When you get ready though and have more specific questions, there are plenty here that can answer. I don't think a book is teslly all that necessaary for turning pens.

Ernie

[Randy Meijer]

You will need to buy a 60° live center if your lathe did not come with one. The standard live center that comes with most wood lathes will not work well with a metal pen mandrel. Try www.littlemachineshop.com (http://www.littlemachineshop.com) . About 13 bucks plus shipping. Get the standard duty unit.....#1189 if your TS has a #2 Morse taper. The HD unit is overkill and actually will not work as well. Randy

[Jim Watson]

Thanks for the info guys. I will check out the couple of websites suggested. Appreciate it,
Jim