Coming into turning forum and with a question.

[devonwoody]

Got a M330 axminster lathe on order and now needing to tool up.

My drill press is a cheapie (Ferm) and only has a 50mm depth. Does this mean I will have to drill my pen blanks from both ends or is there a better way?

Most probably will just be practising turning on some scrap pieces first!

So what chisels should I buy?

 

[NickWelford]

Wheeeeeee - I see a slippery slope coming on..........

 

[stevebuk]

hi DW
you cant drill a hole from either end, it never works out. I use a 50mm drill press and it just means you have to lift the blank once you have reached the depth it can drill, but i have also used the lathe to drill the holes with a lot of success.
As for chisels, i use a spindle gouge to rough down the wood, and sometimes thats all you need, and then sand to finish. I also use a skew if i am cutting corian or polyresin, as the gouge is not always the best tool for it.
Hope this helps, any more help, just ask.

 

[chippypah]

Hi devonwoody,
If you are going to use the lathe to drill pen blanks, then don't get a Morse taper mandrel but get a strait shaft. This is because it makes life easier as you do not have to keep taking the chuck off. I only ever use 3/4 inch roughing out gouge, from beginning to end.
Hey nice pen stevebuk.
Cheers
Pete

 

[TEP]

Hi DW, it is always better if you drill all the way through IMO, but if you have a problem use the lathe as a drill. Place the blank in the chuck and drill through using a drill in the tail stock.

 

[devonwoody]

I dont think the M330 comes with a chuck, wheres my wallet gone.

Thanks above.

 

[PowerTool]

Hi DW - have you ever read Argee's pen-making page ?
Full of good info and pictures.

Andrew

 

[devonwoody]

thanks again, I have bookmarked that one as well