Sorry its Pens again

[boysie39]

Hiya, All, was at a demo today and at the end I asked Instructer if he would make a Pen. He got his gear and made a lovely spalted beech Pen. I am hooked ,he was rushing away and I could not get any info.from him.
So now to turn Pens and Pencils what do I need I was told there was some good making sets and some not so good. I have turning tools but I would need everything else. So what do I need and where do I get it from.I realise it is diffacult on a forum to call a spade a spade, some will have their favorite and others theirs. But I would like to get a very good set .Not gold plated ,but will do the job well. I guess what I am doing is feeding off your expertise, without having to find out the expensive way.
I have seen most of the pens on view over the past few years but thought (and still think) its beoynd my ability but I would like to give it a shot.You fellows probely dont bother with sets but HELP me please.
Dont I get my message across very simply,REgards Boysie

 

[CHJ]

Well Boysie, as far as wanting everything else the only real essential to doing them without unnecessary risks is a mandrel.

Can't get much more basic than the stuff I use.

Just be aware that dependant on the 'pen kit' chosen you may need additional bushes to support the tubes and give you the correct diameter guide.

 

[Argee]

And I manage even more simply than Chas' excellent jigs!

Ray.

 

[TEP]

Mornin' boysie, pen making is one of those turning things that you just have to buy some extra kit. Unless you know someone who would let you borrow their gear for a try. It is also a waste if you go off the idea later, cause the set-up is not that cheap. Unless you can manufacture your own.

You will need the mandrel, but can manage without the pen mill at first by using a flat sanding wheel instead. Just be careful not to take too much off. You can use all you normal turning tools, don't buy small ones. Start off with a few sets of the cheap kits 7mm to find your feet and get your hand in. Then is the time to spend a fiver a kit if you still like the idea.

Good luck.

 

[boysie39]

You Guys, See, I've been on to the US forums again. But thanks to Chas. and Ray for their Hold My Hand look at Pen making.

I had made out a list of things I would need to get started, it would have cost me in excess of £100 to start off I'm now down to just over £44.

This would be lower if my ears were not so close together.

When Tep came in with his (Hapert worth) I quickly revised my list and am looking before leaping. Thanks once again REgards Boysie.