Needed some pens

[Dalboy]

I needed some pens

Well from very few pens to a small batch. Yesterday's and todays turning

Slimline with a Iron Bark blank

A couple of Bullet pens with a camo blank

A couple of Lever bolt action pens using the other halves of the two previous bullet pens

Lucida with a Olive wood blank

Omega with a Chestnut Burr blank

Empress in one of my white cast blanks

Mistral in a Mailee burr

And finally a razor with one of my own cast blanks

 

[CHJ]

Darn, not a bad-un amongst them, will this guy never rest!!

The Olive, Chestnut Burr and the home grown White strike a particular cord for me. Seem to make a statement all their own.

 

[Dalboy]

Thank you Chas only one more to turn and I can put the lathe away and do some arty piece that I want to make

 

[ScaredyCat]

Do you do these on a full size lathe or can you get small ones for doing pens etc? I fancy having a go at making pens but don't really want a humongous lathe.

 

[Dalboy]

Do you do these on a full size lathe or can you get small ones for doing pens etc? I fancy having a go at making pens but don't really want a humongous lathe.

I use a small lathe for these but can also do them on my large one. My small one is a variable speed but you don't need that. Mine is an older model to THIS

 

[ScaredyCat]

Thanks, I'll take a look.

Nice pens btw, although I'm not keen on the bullet ones. The others look really nice.

 

[Dalboy]

Thanks, I'll take a look.

Nice pens btw, although I'm not keen on the bullet ones. The others look really nice.

Not sure what equipment you already have but don't forget turning tools something to sharpen them with and a mandrel set up as well as the useal things like sbrasives and finishes.
There are other machines of the size I showed you so have a look around and don't be afraid to ask any questions especially about the lathe as there are some cheap and nasty ones out there which you can't easily get accessories for

 

[ScaredyCat]

Not sure what equipment you already have

I have nothing as yet,

but don't forget turning tools something to sharpen them with and a mandrel set up as well as the useal things like sbrasives and finishes.

Do they need to be special small ones or can you use regular ones?

There are other machines of the size I showed you so have a look around and don't be afraid to ask any questions especially about the lathe as there are some cheap and nasty ones out there which you can't easily get accessories for

I did see another Axminster lathe - it looks like it's specifically for pen making etc. but might be limiting if I caught the bug.

 

[Dalboy]

Not sure what equipment you already have

I have nothing as yet,

but don't forget turning tools something to sharpen them with and a mandrel set up as well as the useal things like sbrasives and finishes.

Do they need to be special small ones or can you use regular ones?

There are other machines of the size I showed you so have a look around and don't be afraid to ask any questions especially about the lathe as there are some cheap and nasty ones out there which you can't easily get accessories for

I did see another Axminster lathe - it looks like it's specifically for pen making etc. but might be limiting if I caught the bug.

Standard tools can be used, my main weapon of choice is a 3/4" spindle roughing gouge and a skew for pen turning
I would not get that pen lathe it is great for pens but as you stated if you catch the bug then one similar to the one I linked to will allow you to do more.
Many people like the Record lathe The thread size and morse taper seem to be the size that many lathes are now starting to use more than other sizes which means that any accessories such as chucks can be interchanged if you decide a larger lathe is wanted in the future. Look around as some companies do a package deel which will include things such as chucks.
With turning as you start to get more involved the extra's can soon add up and it can become a very slippery slope if the bug realy bites.
If you decide to take up turning then find a club local to you as you maybe able to see some macines in action as well as get some hands on experience from the better turners.
I already covered some of the main things in my last post