What do I need to start turning pens?

[Lou Ferrarini]

Well the bug has bitten and I guess I am ready to dive in. I am looking at picking up the mini Rikon or Jet. Beside the obvious tuning tools and a way to sharpen them what else do I need to turn pens? I do have a drill press for drilling blanks. Are special drill bits required? Is a lathe chuck needed?

Which would you choose, Ricon or Jet? Sorry for all the questions but would like to keep initial expendatures down to a minimum and not buy anything I really don't need.

Thanks for the help.

[Dennis Peacock]

Good Morning Lou,

While not a pen turning expert, I can help answer your question.

1. You'll need a "Pen Mandrel" that will fit the Morse taper on your new lathe. Many lathes have a #2 morse taper. Get a good pen mandrel while your getting. Should be uner $20.

2. Make sure you have a small box to keep the various pen bushings in as many pen kits have their own special sized bushings and keeping them seperate in a container will make it a lot easier when you go to look for those Flattop American pen bushings a few months from now. DAMHIKT

3. Get you a good assortment of sandpaper. This should also include the Micro-Mesh sandpaper that goes up to 12,000 grit.

4. A barrel trimmer (sheesh, I hope that's the right term) comes in handy on the DP for trimming those pen blanks with the brass tube glued in them to be flat and true.

I used to finish all my pens with a Shellac / Carnuba Wax blend that I ordered from online. It's a friction finish and works pretty nicely.

I did most of my pen turning with a 3/8" spindle gouge and I turned MANY pens with a 3/4" skew.

Best of luck to ya and welcome to the spinny world.

[Tom Hintz]

I have a story on turning pens that shows most of the tools and equipment in use. See the link below.
One of the nice things about pens is you don't need a whole bunch of stuff to do it. Lots of guys make some of the tools/equipment, some get acrried away and go into production. Beware - turning pens is just as addictive as anything else in turning!

http://www.newwoodworker.com/turning/trnpens.html

[Bill Turpin]

There is nothing inexpensive about turning pens. It becomes just as addictive as any other form of turning. BUT I LOVE IT!!!! Have fun.

Bill in WNC mountains

[Bernie Weishapl]

Lou you can't go wrong with either the Jet or Rikon. I just got the Rikon at Woodcraft on sale for $219.99. I have turned on it for a couple of hours now and like it a lot. As far as pens go woodturningz.com is the cheapest way to go. Give them a call. They are extremely helpful. You will need a 7 MM bit to drill the slimlines.

[Bart Leetch]

The book Turning Pen & pencils by Kip Christensen & Rex Burningham & or the DVD's by the same I have both the book & both DVD's but then I'm an information hog. You can also get a free DVD from Pennstate Industries by going on line here http://www.pennstateind.com/ its right on the first page. I used to use a 3/8" gouge but found I like the 3/4" one better I also use a 1/2" skew & a parting tool. They don't have to be the most expensive tools I used some high speed steel Craftsman tools that I got at a garage sale a set of 12 for $20 actually purchased & given to me by a friend.

I use plexi glass finish if you want Terry Millers info on how to make & use it PM me. I sand 150, 220, 320, the micro mesh.

I have & like the Wolverine sharpening jig with the fine white sharpening wheel on a 6" grinder 3450 RPM & use a light touch & have had no problem sharpening tools just a quick touch up from time to time about to 30 seconds to a minute any more & your wasting steel & time.

[Lou Ferrarini]

Well I just got back from Woodcraft with a Rikon in the truck. Could't pass up the sale. Probably pick up the Delta grinder this weekend. Well, on to woodturningz. I can see where this is going.

Thanks for all the info, and I'm sure I will have plenty more questions.

[Don Baer]

Lou,
Great choice, your gonna like the little machine.

But I guess it's realy not there cause I can't see it..

[W.C. Turner]

<<<"what else do I need to turn pens?">>> My answer is "A lot of money" just to get started.

I've also thought about turning just a few pens, but, it's kinda confusing, trying to decide what is actually needed to begin. I guess I'll forget about it, especially, after Bart Leetch told me how much he spent, to get started!

[Scott Donley]

Hi, you might start with something like this , eveything you need to start but the sandpaper. the set includes the mandrel of your choice and the 7mm drill bit, and bushings. Use a quick grip clamp for the pen press (or something like it ) and you have a good start. Also, be sure to get their FREE dvd on turning pens.

[Lou Ferrarini]

Lou,
Great choice, your gonna like the little machine.

But I guess it's realy not there cause I can't see it..

OK, I'll try to post a pix later. Right now i'm too busy turning.

All kidding aside, I set it up and just played around turning a few spindles from scrap. Looks like a nice machine.

[Lou Ferrarini]

OK, Heres the pix:

BTW, I cleaned up the dust before I took the pictures.

Lathe:

And a scrap piece of Mahogany. My first turning....

[Don Baer]

Great looking bonker and a great looking machine.

[Nancy Laird]

<<<"what else do I need to turn pens?">>> My answer is "A lot of money" just to get started.

I've also thought about turning just a few pens, but, it's kinda confusing, trying to decide what is actually needed to begin. I guess I'll forget about it, especially, after Bart Leetch told me how much he spent, to get started!

I agree with Scott, start with a kit to see if you like it, then you can go on to bigger and better things. Aside from my lathe, I think I have about $400 in blanks, kits, bushings, barrel trimmer, pen press, finishing stuff (sandpaper, ScotchBrite pads, and crystal cost), and boxes. We already had the turning tools (I'm using full-sized), but we bought a set of mini tools that I've tried to use once and put away. I've already made my money back with the pens I've sold. Now...if I can just get the deposit on that big order for 50 pens from one man, I'll be sitting pretty.

Nancy

[Corey Hallagan]

Excellent choice Lou! Enjoy the lathe and hope to see the first pen soon!

Corey