Pen Turning Advice Needed

[big chief]

Hi everyone

I am quite new to turning, but I have decided I would like to start making pens.

What sort of things would you say are the absolute minimum needed to start with?

I have got a pen turning lathe which came with the mandrel.

I have seen a whole range of different items and know I won't need everything just yet, but I would like advice from experienced turners about what would help me get started.

All help greatly appreciated!
:?

 

[Bodrighy]

Welcome to the forum. Pens are pretty popular on here with just about everyone but me so someone will be along soon with loads of advice.

Pete

 

[big chief]

Thanks!

Have been reading a lot of posts and picking up some great tips!

As I said I'm new to turning but this seems to be one of the more informative sites. Always seems to be a lot help and advice offered.

Hope to be around for a while!

 

[CHJ]

Welcome to the forum big chief, rather than trotting out all the basics and starting the never ending discussion on what is and is not essential I suggest you do a search of this site.

Key words: Pen turning,
Search for all terms
Topics

Wade your way through that lot and if anything specific causes a need for further explanation just shout.

Most of the basics have been covered in threads over the last few weeks.

Try these two references for starters,

http://www.raygirling.com/penwip.htm

http://quest42.co.uk/woodwork/pens/pens.htm

 

[Paul.J]

Hello BC and welcome
I think Chas as covered most of what you need to know.
Will look forward to seeing some of you work.

 

[big chief]

Thats great!

Thanks for the links.

Can't wait to really get stuck in!

I will let you know how I get on.......... :lol:

 

[Paul.J]

There is also This site for some inspiration

 

[big chief]

Thanks for all the help!

What glue would anyone recommend for gluing the tubes into the blanks? I am using Tite Bond but was wondering if there is any other glue that would set in a much quicker time?

Also I have found when using the barrel trimmer I have had a few of the tubes come loose and stick the trimmer. This is a nightmare to get off. Would this just be that I am not using enough glue or is there something else I may be doing wrong?

I really appreciate all the help!

 

[Argee]

What glue would anyone recommend for gluing the tubes into the blanks? I am using Tite Bond but was wondering if there is any other glue that would set in a much quicker time?

You need to use a cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) and rough the outside of the brass tubes a little to ensure a good bond.

You could also use Gorilla Glue, which takes considerably longer to cure, but woodworking glue just will not do the job. This is why your tubes are breaking free when using the trimmer, without a doubt, unless you're using Titebond Polyurethane. If you are, then it's not cured properly, or for long enough, by the sound of it.

Superglue is off in a few minutes, Gorilla takes about 4 hours IME. I use superglue exclusively now as you'll see from this link to my page that Chas kindly provided.

Ray.

 

[CHJ]

I do use superglue, but prefer to use epoxy (Z-Poxy Epoxy Resin - 30 Minute {Axminster})

I assemble them in batches of 5 or 6 sets and I find enough epoxy mix to do that quantity is just about manageable before it starts to set.
As Ray says a rough up of the tube with abrasive is very desireable.

 

[big chief]

Thanks again

I find there is sometimes a large build up of glue by the time I come to trim the blanks. Is there any way I can stop this happening?

Should I be cleaning the blanks somehow before they set?

 

[Daven]

I'm no expert but this is what I have found so far:-

I use Titebond and push the excess glue out with and old bit of rod. I then stand the blanks on end for a few minutes and then wipe them accross a bit of newspaper which helps cut down on the build up.

When they are dry (overnight) I use an old drill bit to clear out any dried glue then use a threaded rod (as suggested by someone here) before I use the trimmer.

Some WD40 on the shaft of the trimmer also helps.

Dave

 

[Paul.J]

This is what i use now.Found it to be very good with just a couple of failures out the load i've made so far.
You must make sure that the hole that you drill isn't too loose.
Make sure you clean the tubes with some abrasive,giving the glue something to adhere too.
Holding one end of the tube,Just put 3 strips of glue evenly spaced round the length of the tube,and as you put the tube in the wood turn it so the glue spreads evenly round both surfaces.
Most of the excess glue will come to the top of the tube where your holding it which can be wiped off.Leave to dry

 

[big chief]

Great!

I'll give it a go and see how I go!

Cheers for that

 

[CHJ]

Great!

I'll give it a go and see how I go!

Cheers for that

Don't forget to use Grahams tip (oldsoke) of using a spud to stop adhesive entering the tubes, saves a lot of aggro. See Hints and tips

 

[jpt]

I use gorilla glue or similar these days and since changing over from super glue I have not had any failures.

Another tip that works very well is instead of cleaning and the using abrasive on each tube individually soak the whole batch in full fat coke not one of the diet or other variates. Leave them in for about 30 min this removes any grease and slightly pits the surface so the glue has something to grip on.

If you are using gorilla glue or one of the other makes that cure in the presence of moisture before you put the tube and glue in moisten a cotton bud and use it to moisten the inside of the blank.

john