I want to start pen turning, help please!

[=Adam=]

Hi guys!

I went to a craft show in the botanical gardens (Wales) today and had a great chat/one to one lesson with a turner from a local club, he talked me through making a pen (start to finish) so I have decided that I want to start doing pens

Can anyone write me an idiots buying list for pen turning please?

I know I need a mandrel, but is there anything else? I know I need wood and a pen kit too but do I need any other hardware?

Also are the eBay pen kits any good or should I get some axminster ones?

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[CHJ]

......Can anyone write me an idiots buying list for pen turning please?
........

You don't need any special turning tools and the support bits needed to handle the kits is minimal.

 

[=Adam=]

Thanks for the info!

Do you need a specialist tool to flush off the brass/timber or can you use an ordinary drill bit?

Are there any views of the eBay (endless green) kits?

 

[Hitch]

I bought a Planet setup, mandrels,, drills, came with a barrel trimmer, which is fine for the 7mm kits, but any other sizes you need different trimmer centre pins. I believe its possible on a sander, and some care, but i use the trimmer.

As someone that has only recently taken it up, I would recommend some budget kits for your first few, there will more than likely be a few mistakes along the way if my attempts are anything to go by!

Theres quite a few kits to choose from, and a few suppliers such as 'The turners Workshop' and 'Pencrafts' which have a good selection (and good service too).

 

[CHJ]

..Do you need a specialist tool to flush off the brass/timber ....

A sample of a trimmer is shown in the above link.

 

[=Adam=]

Again, thanks for the information guys!

I have been looking at the mandrels on axminster and there are two models that they offer (standard and deluxe), what is the reason for the deluxe model to cost more than the standard one?

If anything the standard one looks better?!?!

It turns out that there is an ebay seller who stocks many wood turning bits and pieces about 20 mins down the road from me, I may just ask to pop down and take a peek haha!

 

[nev]

Again, thanks for the information guys!

I have been looking at the mandrels on axminster and there are two models that they offer (standard and deluxe), what is the reason for the deluxe model to cost more than the standard one?

If anything the standard one looks better?!?!

It turns out that there is an ebay seller who stocks many wood turning bits and pieces about 20 mins down the road from me, I may just ask to pop down and take a peek haha!

The deluxe one by the looks of it has a removeable shaft with collet fittings so you can use the main bit as a tiny chuck for holding very small things. also you can adjust the length of the shaft for the different length penkits so you dont need to use spacers to make the pen bits tight on the shaft.

I started with and still have one of these and it has everything you will need including some pen kits and wood blanks (which I'd say would cost you 3 quid each and a quid each respectively?)
The only thing ive bought since then tool wise for pen making is more drill bits (different kits need different sizes) and a bigger trimmer, the one in the box being ok for pen diameters of up to about 10-12mm?

I am guessing the ebay person is endless green? not had any dealings with them so would be interested in feedback if you venture that way.

There is also Timberman just the other side of Carmarthen that holds a few (pen) turning bits and pieces, might be worth a phone call

 

[=Adam=]

Thanks nev!

I have just ordered the kit from rutlands! It was a bargain too! £35 reduced from £70 and then a further 14% off plus free shipping!

I can't wait to get cracking with it now!!!

 

[woodyturner]

ty these supplies I use them all the time
http://www.timberbits.com/
http://www.des08.com/t/22945161/806158792/54579668/0/