First pens

[Jensmith]

I hadn't noticed the section on turning until now. I was looking for a little lathe for my 30th a few months ago for turning little items for my dolls house and though I was getting one out of my Dad's garage. Unknown to me though he advertised somewhere and picked up a 2nd hand Seig C0 baby lathe.

Strictly it's for metal turning but it does the job well enough with the wood rest and it's a good small size for miniatures.

Anyway, after having a go with some vases I discovered pen making and thought it would be good to make a few as presents.

My efforts so far haven't been perfect as I've had a few issues with getting black ends to them and the finishing is definately the hardest part but they've improved a fair bit with practice and some advice from a guy I know who used to make pens.

Anyway, see what you think. Hope it works!

That one is Yew which I really like as you get such variation in colour and the grain pattern is lovely.

I don't seem to have images of the fancier one I did but it had 2 grooves at the clip end which I burnt black with some wire. Looked pretty good.

Like I say, none have been perfect but I've learnt a lot.

 

[caretaker]

You have had more luck than me with pens, it looks great.
I have just started with a dolls house, what items can you make for them?

 

[Jensmith]

Hi Reg,

Well, you'd be surprised, as I was at what a skilled turner can produce. Have a look here at my friends site on Etsy (hope that's allowed?) just so you can see what is possible.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/micklen

I have made some quite poor vases and a slightly better one from Yew but it's my first attempts.

Mick has made vases, a bed warmer (the old Victorian type), hot water pig - the old type made from stone, bottles, mortar & pestles, saucepans, goblets, plates, display plates like in cake shops etc.

He's been using Corian and acrylic most recently and got some very good results. Good stone and china effects with the corian and glass effects with the acrylic.

 

[CHJ]

Good to see you joining us spinny folk Jen, the world of miniatures could do with a boost around here, most of us have hands like bananas and eyesight wanting somewhat so the small stuff is in short supply on the show and tell front.

Neatly finished Pen, I like the elegance of a straight turned slimline.

A couple of simple ideas for the Dolls House collection (1/12 scale)

 

[Paul.J]

Welcome to the turning section Jen,glad you have found us
Looks like a good start to me,so keep em coming

 

[NikNak]

Jen.... a nice first effort, the more you make the better you'll get.


Caretaker... whereabouts in Hampshire are you..? I'm just outside East Southampton.



Nick

 

[Jensmith]

CHJ I love those little wine glasses. They're tiny - don't know how you managed to get such a nice shape when they're so small!

Thanks all.

This is the little vase I made but it's a bit big still for a table top and I managed to chip the edges of the lip unfortunately.
The photo doesn't do the colour justice as it's quite a bit darker and richer - made from Yew.

 

[CHJ]

Just basic tools Jen.

 

[Jonzjob]

I have never tried pens either, but that looks good to me Jen!

I have had a dabble at 12th-ish scale though and love it. A pair of candle sticks, with separate candles because you have to replace them when they burn down?

Jen, the lip on that vase was obviously on some dodgy wood! Just a touch with some sandpaper will sort that for you..

A cake stand ready for the visitors and a vase for some flowers

Oh, and a few plates for the cakes, bowl for some fruit?

The sky really is the limit for 12th scale just the same as for full size, but with a lot less in the way of chippings and quicker to boot.

Jen, I will have to have a look at pen and pencils soon? Not a real interest at the mo, but???

I doo like that little goblet Chas! And the table is delightful!

 

[Jensmith]

John, they're great. Removable candles! That's sophisticated!

The picture at the end with the plates and vases - what wood is that? It's a really nice grain.

I've been using pen blanks as they'#re fairly cheap and a good size for my little lathe.

The pens I found rewarding but also frustrating as it's quite hard to get a good finish. Little mistakes make quite a difference but once I got the hang of the skew I got on better.

My tools are also mini ones.

 

[Jensmith]

Chas, are they all full size tools? I didn't think you'd be able to turn something so small with bigger tools.

What wood is the table made from? It's got a nice tight grain for 12th scale.

 

[CHJ]

Yes Jen. full sized tools, but some folks use old Masonary Nails or Hex Allen Keys ground to suit.

The table was some close grained pine/fir from a scrap box if I remember correctly.

There is a picture of Graham (Oldsoke) using a ground down Masonary nail fitted in a handle in one of the pictures on this page (first turning bash 2007) 7th one down I think.

 

[Bodrighy]

I use old masonry nails, Allen keys and dental picks for miniatures. That is apart from conventional tools. A skew is really useful as you can get into tight corners with the tip of it. Some of the things I make are seen here. All 1/12th scale. Includes rolling pins, honey dippers, mortar and pestles, tables, tureens with lids, bowls, platters, candlesticks ad nauseum. If you can make it big you can make it small. I even did a natural edged bowl in yew for someone that is just under an inch diameter. Not as hard as people seem to think, Getting the proportions right is the hardest part.

pete