Pen Turning Tools

[Making Shavings]

I'm looking to do some fine detail spindle stuff where fine measurements will be critical. The closest thing I can think of is pen turning, but I've never done any. Is it necessary to use mini-tools for that? If so, what do you use, and why? (brands and types could be useful please)

 

[nev]

How fine do you want to go? This was done with a bog standard (Record Power)1/4" or 3/8" spindle gouge and a 3/4" oval skew and fits in a matchbox. Also made plenty of pens with just a skew gouge and even at times just a roughing gouge and I'm far from an expert (hammer)

 

[Making Shavings]

Starting with 14mm dia dowels. Certain parts need to be turned down to 8.5, some 9, some 12mm dia.

 

[Duncan A]

As Nev says, no need for specific small tools. The only time I can see that they would be handy is if you've got a particularly small lathe and you find the longer tools fouling some parts of the lathe.
Duncan

 

[Making Shavings]

Magic, thank you.

 

[Paul Hannaby]

For very small coves a small spindle gouge might be needed - the smallest I have is 3mm. Or for narrow slots a narrow parting tool comes in useful but these can be ground to suit. For most other things, big tools can turn small things!