A question on pens

[ajmw89]

Have been challenged by my mother to turn her a fountain pen so that she can write my wedding invitations for me.

Is there any merit to buying this kit
http://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+woodworkin ... a+m_dk1278

over this one?
http://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+woodworkin ... a+m_dk1342

To me, the premier kit has tools, whereas the deluxe one looks like it has a more heavy duty mandrel. Does it matter which mandrel I have? I know for a fountain pen I'd need a separate parts kit and bushings, but I'll get those at a later date. I guess it's more a case of which mandrel is more adaptable?

I also assume that I can use regular tools to turn a pen over the mini ones that come with the premier kit? Do the mini ones make it easier or is that just a gimmick?

Cost isn't really an issue, but durability is

Cheers,

Adam

 

[Dalboy]

I have always used my standard tools for turning pens. I can't comment on the rutland pen mandrel set but they all look much alike, you also get some pens to start you off

 

[SteveF]

I am not an expert but make a few pens
if you are going to do a few then get a mandrel which is adjustable
if you bend \ damage the bar it can just be replaced without buying the whole mandrel
consider a mandrel saver...again...only if you intend doing a few
if it is a one off ...just turn between centres
dont worry about fancy tools...no point
u can turn the whole thing with a 1"roughing gouge
maybe finish off with a skew or detail gouge

Steve

 

[ajmw89]

Hi steve,

I'd like to do more than just a one off anyway, so will be getting a mandrel. As my lathe is 1MT, it looks like the premier kit with the tools is cheaper than the one without at rutlands. Might have to order that one (Bit of a hoarder when it comes to tools!)

Cheers,

Adam

 

[nev]

I have the rutlands kit (without gouges) and its the only mandrel I have ever used. It works and will allow you to turn your pen.
some observations...
Full size tools are fine enough, no real need for the littl'uns.
The slimline kits that come with the kits will give you some practice.
The enclosed barrel trimmer will probably only be any good for 7mm tubes (unless you turn some suitable inserts for the larger tubes in the fountain pens)
The wax polish is not really up to much, you'll want something else to finish your pens. CA or friction polish or MC polish etc


So .... you may be better off finding a mandrel sold separately and a barrel trimmer with various sleeves. check out Axminster and Turners Retreat too.

 

[Lons]

Better buying the mandrel seperately IMO Adam. I use the mandrel from http://www.penkitsuk.com/ and you can get the pen kit as well if you want.
My mandrel has been good for a couple of hundred pens so far though I do use a mandrel saver.

A very good source of pen kits and blanks is Vince at http://www.theturnersworkshop.co.uk/ He's local to me so I know him well and he's a really nice guy to deal with.,

Bob

 

[Vic Perrin]

Adam, if you don't want to go to the expense of buying all that gear to turn just one pen I have some Empress Fountain Pen Kits and some nice White Mistral Corian type material that would make a nice pen for the job you want.

I can either turn you a pen or send you the pen parts and blanks to do it yourself.

No cost other than postage.

PM me if you are interested.

Vic

 

[ajmw89]

Vic, thanks for the offer.

Want to get all the bits and bobs I need to have a go myself. Want to make a few regular pens first just to practice. If it goes wrong, I'll be in touch!

Nev and lons, thanks for the advice. Will be sure to check them out