Wanting to turn pens

[harold brock]

I think I would like to turn pens, but am not sure what all I need to get started. Anyone got any ideas on what chisels to get. What are some good chisels that are not as expensive as Sorby. What all materials will I need to get started. I appreciate all the help you can give

Thanks,
Tody

[David Walser]

Tody (?),

Many vendors have starter kits for turning pens. Here's a link to one that has everything you need except a lathe and turning tools:

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Pen_Making___Starter_Sets___Beginner_Kit___pen_beg inner_kit?Args=

Here's a link to one that has everything you need, including the lathe and turning tools:

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Pen_Making___Starter_Sets___Deluxe_Pen_Turners_Sta rter_Kit___deluxe_pen_starter?Args=

As for which turning tools you might need, I suggest you stay away from "pen turners tools". Most tools sold as for pen turners are small in scale. You don't need that for pens. Full size tools will work just fine. The small tools may not be large enough for your other work.

All you need are a basic set of spindle turning tools:

3/4" or 1/2" spindle roughing gouge
1/2" skew A skew is not essential. You can use a spindle gouge, instead.
3/8" spindle gouge with a fingernail grind
thin parting toolYou can get a cheap set in several places. Here are links to two examples:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=35444
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lchss8.html

[Bernie Weishapl]

Here is another set of Kits. The Variable speed is $565 and the non-variable speed kit is $465 plus has free shipping.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/getting-started.html

[John Grabowski]

At the Penn State site, you get a set of Benajmins Best tools for about 65$. I have several of their tools and really like them. They cut and sharpen very nicely.

John G

[Ed Davidson]

Tody,

Here's a photo how-to on making a pretty common and popular pen...the cigar:
http://www.penturners.org/content/CigarPenInstructions.pdf

And this link provides a somewhat dated list of what's needed to make a pen:
http://www.yoyospin.com/pen/

[Ronald Fox]

I have taken a class on bowl turning at a Woodcraft store here in Oregon. It was well worth the money. I know they also have classes on pen turning. If one of these stores is close to you, I would recommend taking the class before buying anything. Might be worth looking into, here is a link:
http://www.woodcraft.com/education.aspx

I am sure other stores have classes as well.