any tips

[cowboy682]

any tips for pen turning from mandrel on wards l have a lathe

and l would really like to get into pen turning so any and all advice will be welcome, also looking for a chuck to fit the lathe? have been looking on the for sale page limited budget

 

[keithkarl2007]

If you join the Penturners.org forum you will have access to a wealth of shared knowledge.

 

[Vic Perrin]

any tips for pen turning from mandrel on wards l have a lathe
View attachment 1390

and l would really like to get into pen turning so any and all advice will be welcome, also looking for a chuck to fit the lathe? have been looking on the for sale page limited budget

Hi Graham, I have exactly the same lathe as you have, which I have dedicated entirely to pen turning.
The options that you have now are endless.

I would suggest that you get yourself a decent mandrel kit that will come kitted out for making standard 7mm pens.

I would start off doing Slimline pens until you get the hang of it as these are quite easy to do and you can put your own design features onto these.

There are numerous places that sell the pen kits I have used penkits uk and found them to be of decent quality and very reasonably priced.

With regard to blanks you can either source them yourself or there are plenty available on the internet.

Have a look on the internet for a second hand book on pen making there are loads of them available I found these invaluable when I first started.

Once you get the hang of it you will find them quite easy to make but at the same time very satisfying.

It won't be long before you are up for buying bushes for all sorts of pens.

If you fancy a chat pm me

Regards

Vic

 

[cowboy682]

Vic which mandrell did you buy?, as for blanks l have a friend who is a tree surgeon who l can have as much wood as l want and then cut down to width and length

 

[Vic Perrin]

Vic which mandrell did you buy?, as for blanks l have a friend who is a tree surgeon who l can have as much wood as l want and then cut down to width and length

Hi Graham, I have a couple of kits. The best one that I got was a Rotur kit that came with the mandrel, 7mm bushes, 3 drills for 7 mm pen tubes, and a barrel trimmer. Everything you need to start making pens. I think it included a couple of pen kits as part of the deal.

Once I had got used to the slimlines I just brought bushes for the different styles of pens. I love doing fountain pens now.

I am not sure but I must have made 500 pens now and still like to spin one now and then.

Vic

 

[bellringer]

If you want info on pen turning then this is the place to go http://www.penturners.co.uk/forum.php

 

[CHJ]

Vic which mandrell did you buy?, as for blanks l have a friend who is a tree surgeon who l can have as much wood as l want and then cut down to width and length

Don't forget you will need to dry the wood before use, down to about 10% moisture max.

 

[Dalboy]

Just a small list which will help with pen turning, I also have that as my second lathe it is great for turning pens.

list of things required or are usefull(not in any order)

MT2 Pen mandrel
Chuck with small jaws (to hold blanks) for this lathe 1" X 8TPI
MT2 taper fitted with a jacobs chuck (for drilling blanks)
Most obvious turning tools
End mill kit (to clean up end of blank once tubes are glued in)

This really is the basics but will make life easier and also get you turning pens, the chuck is something that will also make it easier for turning bowls as well.
If you have a drill press already then you may not need the long jaws on a chuck of the jacobs chuck but I find it alot easier to do it all on the lathe.

 

[CHJ]

Some basic comments on pen turning Here and a search of the forum should show up many more members links and threads.

 

[nev]

Vic which mandrell did you buy?, as for blanks l have a friend who is a tree surgeon who l can have as much wood as l want and then cut down to width and length

Don't forget you will need to dry the wood before use, down to about 10% moisture max.

Which for small things like pen blanks can be done in a microwave.
A spare one. Not the one in the kitchen. put on defrost for 5 minutes then allow to cool. weigh. repeat. until it doesnt get any lighter. do not leave unattended as wood may catch fire. Unlikely but dont say I didnt warn you.

 

[Dalboy]

Vic which mandrell did you buy?, as for blanks l have a friend who is a tree surgeon who l can have as much wood as l want and then cut down to width and length

Don't forget you will need to dry the wood before use, down to about 10% moisture max.

Which for small things like pen blanks can be done in a microwave.
A spare one. Not the one in the kitchen. put on defrost for 5 minutes then allow to cool. weigh. repeat. until it doesnt get any lighter. do not leave unattended as wood may catch fire. Unlikely but dont say I didnt warn you.

I forgot and put the microwave on full luckily I smelt it as I did not leave it alone so wise words from Nev

 

[davem62]

Hi Graham
you could pop down to Birstall wood turning club in Mirfield. Lots of friendly advice and help.we have 17 lathes and a fully equipped workshop.your first day is a free trial.the club is open 5 days a week
regards david

 

[cowboy682]

thanks for the advice and l look forward to showing you all the pens l do

 

[Grahamshed]

If you want info on pen turning then this is the place to go http://www.penturners.co.uk/forum.php

Who would have thought there would be a forum specifically for pen turners Duly noted, bookmarked, and I will be there when the lathe arrives.

 

[Lons]

If you want info on pen turning then this is the place to go http://www.penturners.co.uk/forum.php

Who would have thought there would be a forum specifically for pen turners Duly noted, bookmarked, and I will be there when the lathe arrives.

Very friendly forum Graham. Helpfull members and great advice. I started making pens in December and it's certainly improved my results.
Look forward to seeing you there in due course.

Bob