First pens, a slippery slope!

[Tim_H]

I have posted something similar on the what have you made today thread. However I thought I would post here as it is all turning related.

I am just finishing my lathe workbench (just some drawers to sort out in the base) and I threw together a small project dust collector, based on designs on the t'internet and YouTube, which works really well for pen turning at least. I did my first three pens yesterday and I suspect I am now on a slippery slope!

The European style twist pens are from Axminster in oak and sapele, the slimline in oak from eBay, all finished with CA glue. They are not perfect but I will have fun improving!

 

[Clwydianrange]

A good start Tim. Pen turning can be addictive though mate.

 

[IHc1vtr+]

Very nice. Now you have started pen turning,it's hard to stop as you say.

 

[marcros]

Good start tim. Oak is not an easy one to finish, so don't beat yourself up if the finish isn't perfect.

 

[Dalboy]

Yes it can be a slippery slope. At least you have made a start, just watch out at the junction of the blank and pen fittings as I can see some steps on the pens. As you have just started out buy the bushings every time you get a different kit this will help.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I think the wings of your dust collector could restrict your tool approach - I'd be tempted to cut them back to give you more clearance, especially at the tail stock end.

Regards Mick

 

[Tim_H]

Thanks for the comments, you are right about the junctions, the European pen design was an interesting choice for my first pen but I will endeavour to persevere.

The dust collector is a WIP and I may well chop bits off if needed or redesign it completely, although so far for pen turning it is working really well. That is the nice thing about jigs yu can jigger about with them.

It is a slippery slope, I have done another three and now I am going into the "man shed" to try and make some very simple pen boxes.

 

[nicguthrie]

A very nice start to a very good hobby to have, and potentially more!

Good job on the pens, I hope you enjoyed making them!

Have you found the tips on YouTube about alternating layers of Boiled Linseed Oil and CA glue? It speeds up the drying and finishing times very impressively - if you've not seen it yet, it's worth a try.

Nic