My first pen completed :)

[L2wis]

Completed my first pen! Made from a walnut blank. I'm massively pleased as I thought it wasn't going to fit together or look right. I used the parting tool throughout as it's my only non blunt tool! (need grinder asap!)

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Nice, well done.

 

[L2wis]

Thanks . The finish isn't the best but I'm really pleased with it over all. I used 100 grit with tea light and olive oil followed by 150 and then 2 pieces of 150 rubbed together. lastly I used some shavings to polish/ish.

I need some fancy sand paper of varying grits.

 

[Jensmith]

Looks great for a first go. I used friction polish on mine and micro mesh pads are great for sanding.

 

[jumps]

looks good - I like simple lines like this

 

[L2wis]

Thanks chaps, I wanted to make something simple for myself whilst at work . I won an auction on ebay for 10 english yew pen blanks for just £2.99 delivered (i think that's a good price but never brought wood before). So looking forwards to knocking up something a bit fancier looking.

 

[Blister]

Hello

Well haven't you done well :mrgreen:

Not the easiest thing to make as a first project

Drilling / turning / sanding / finishing all need to be done well along with the correct gluing technique or bits of wood that are not glued fly off and ruin the project

Looking forward to your future projects

:wink:

 

[L2wis]

Thanks very much blister. I'm looking forwards to trying a sugar bowl and little boxes are also on the list of things I'd like to try.

 

[Hitch]

Nice one Lewis.

I have been pondering buying a pen mandrel, trimmer etc this week.
I acquired a fair number of wooden blanks when i bought the lathe, and fancied having a go.
But as Christmas is rapidly approaching, I thought i'd give everyone a chance this year and wait....axminster vouchers will be the order of the day probably.

 

[L2wis]

I really enjoyed making it so I'd say give it ago once you get some vouchers! Like yourself I'm holding off buying some kit but due to xmas coming. Not sure I'm going to last without a benchgrinder... I'm already down to my parting tool my skew chisel just pours uneven spirals into my work.

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

Looks good Chief. A pen mandrel is one of the many things on my wishlist.

 

[nev]

=D> looking good, and no mean feat doing it with a parting tool!

 

[Jonzjob]

L2, as long as your skew isn't too blunt it is easily sparpened on a whet stone. In face when I have to sharpen mine it is usually done on a diamond whet stone. Eventually it has to go back on the grinder, but after the grinder it's back on the whet stone before I use it again.

I like the pen by the way and as has been said a very good finish from a parting gouge mate! Well done and make getting some decient abrasives a priority mate. It is cash well spent and I can't remember who it is on here that sells the rhyno abrasives, sorry , but they are worth getting!!

 

[Blister]

I can't remember who it is on here that sells the rhyno abrasives, sorry , but they are worth getting!!

John , Its Richard Findley

http://www.turnersworkshop.co.uk/

:mrgreen:

 

[Jonzjob]

Thanks Allen. My memory has always been awful, but it now worse and I have the worlds best memory for forgetting names!

 

[L2wis]

Thanks chaps, I spoilt myself this afternoon and ordered a bench grinder, I justified it with some small project kits for christmas presents. I also put in the order the axminster sandpaper box thing: http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ax ... prod19815/ I hope it does me alright. Has anyone tried one?

 

[Jonzjob]

I have one and that is a very good start for you!! You will soon notice the difference, but don't use it too much or it will start to cut too hot and with the small amount of wood between the abrasive and the glue/brass tube it could heat the glue too much.. Light pressure is good because it causes less heat.

Keep em comming mate!

 

[L2wis]

Ah thanks for the insider tip . In my axminster order I put in 3 of their chrome pen kits, I'll make sure I take pics when I get round to using them .

 

[gregmcateer]

Nice pen Lewis!
Well done.
Greg

 

[L2wis]

thanks greg! I've been showing it off at work today, some very jealous colleagues