Making pens

[Tony Kent]

Ooops, so sorry folks there was this same Q asked not long ago..
So thanks to those that answered so far on the pens.

Hello all,
I usually turn bowls etc and have never tried pens and would like to start doing it so I can use up some of my cut-offs.
What do I need to start with pens? I don't at this point need or want to spend a whole lot I only need basic set up for one style of pen but am a bit confused on what I need. Here are the specs on my lathe in case that is needed and thanks for any and all info you all give I really appreciate it.
Lathe-----16" delta steel bed, 1.5 horsy's elec. variable speed. 1 1/4-8 tpi spindle, morse taper 2 on both ends.
Oh and just thought of something else but not pen related.....which brand is your favorite after-market tool rest? I am having issues with mine and it's so messed up I figured just replace it, I even thought of screwing a stainless steel piece to it but not sure how to cut stainless....lol.....thanks again:)

Thanks folks,

[Neal Addy]

Definitely start here: http://www.woodturnerruss.com/

Everything you need to know about getting started and more.

[Tony Kent]

Hello
Ahhhh, yes thanks Neal for the link, I love this guys site so informative.
I totally blanked (pardon the pun) on looking up his site, thanks again,
Tony

[Jonathon Spafford]

Your gonna need a mandrel to fit your lathe, you are going to need a slimline kit to start with (cheapest and easiest), bushings, a drill bit, a barrel trimmer, and your set. You'll probably pay $75 or so to start out. Sometimes Penn State will have deals to get you started so you might look into that.

[Tony Kent]

Hello
Thanks so much, I appreciate the info. 75 isn't as high as I thought it would be....thanks again, this will give me the chance to get rid of 2-3 huge box's of cut offs. I am so glad I listened to a friend that told me to keep the cut-offs it saves so much money.
Thanks again,
Tony

[David Walser]

Tony,

The PSI video and the info available from Russ Fairfield's web page (http://www.woodturnerruss.com/Index.html) will get you started. I also encourage you to take a look at the tutorial at Craft Supplies USA on the various types of plating available on pen kits (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/catalog/plating101.html) When you turn your first few pens, it makes sense using the cheaper kits. However, it can be very discouraging to turn what you think is a nice pen only to have the plating wear off in a matter of days. DAMHIK!

Also, for just starting out, this is hard to beat: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=950-0002. It's got everything you need to turn 5 pens (including wood, glue, and finish) except your lathe, gouges, and sandpaper for less than $70. (You don't need special gouges to turn pens.)

[Benjamin Dahl]

I would also check out Berea Hardwoods as they have a decent 7mm intro set as well for about $40. the deal from woodturners also looks pretty good and it includes some things that you would not get with the berea set.
Ben

[John Hart]

I would also check out Berea Hardwoods as they have a decent 7mm intro set as well for about $40. the deal from woodturners also looks pretty good and it includes some things that you would not get with the berea set.
Ben

I started out with the Berea set. Mandrel, Taper, Bushings, Drill Bit, 5 slimline pens, 5 slimline pencils. I think it was $35 back then. Might be more now. Sure got me rockin'.