Pen Turning Advice Please

[mr.alan.]

Hi Folks,
Looking for advice for pen turning. What would you suggest is the best "Kit" to get. - Mandrel etc, Never done any pen turning so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Stiggy]

Hi,

There are loads of really good threads on pen making in this forum, the search feature is awesome!

Here are a couple of threads I found by searching for "pen making kit' to get you started.

pen-turning-where-to-start-t56029.html

pen-turning-set-up-kits-t48268.html

pens-no-kits-required-t79481.html

...as I say, there are loads more with many more links.

 

[Dalboy]

In the second link that Stiggy linked to it appears that the photo's disappeared or I moved them as I am sure that I still have got those.

Anyway a mandril is a useful piece to get hold of but not essential as most pens can be turned between centres. If you do get a mandril then also buy a mandril saver as pushing a bit hard on the end can distort the shaft and the pen will be off centre.
Pen kits I would go for the slimline to start with not that they are any easier than other but the fact is they are cheaper to start with and if you mess one up not so bad.
Someone I get my kits from is Dan at Taylorsmirfield he is very good and can get the kits out quickly