First Post and first pics

[nanosec12]

I have only been making pens, or turning at all, for about a month and decided it was time to get some feedback. All three are finished with CA/BLO with an overcoat of HUT crystal...

First is a Trimline twist with black palm with gunmetal fixtures
Second is a Trimline twist with Yellowheart and 24k gold fixtures
Third is a Trimline twist with BOW and chrome fixtures

please comment away and help me get better

Thanks

Rick Moore
USN Retired

 

[Displaced Canadian]

The finish looks good, just be careful with the larger section on the middle pen. A little taper is nice but can get too fat for most people fairly quickly. The black palm looks nice and can be a bit of a pain to turn. Good work.

 

[Janster]

Nice start.....

...you'll get better as you go! Hit the forum library and read, read. read!
Welcome to the site!....Be well........Jan

 

[bobjackson]

MIGHTY NICE WORK FOR YOUR FIRST PENS. cOngrats. and welcome.

 

[nanosec12]

The finish looks good, just be careful with the larger section on the middle pen. A little taper is nice but can get too fat for most people fairly quickly.

The fatter middle pen was on request actually...it's for my step-mother and she has trouble gripping things that are too thin/narrow.

Thanks for the feedback, and the black palm was a pain to turn it kept tearing out slivers, but i think i got it under control in the end.

 

[crokett]

Nice job on the black palm. I have tried twice and haven't gotten a pen successfully turned with it yet.

 

[azamiryou]

Black palm is impressive - it's not really a "beginner" wood. So you're off to a great start!

 

[1080Wayne]

Before finishing , I find it helpful to examine the barrels under different light sources . Low angle incident light , either natural or artificial , is preferable to direct overhead . Also helps to look at the barrel both lengthways and sideways , rolling it entirely around .
This should allow you to detect any areas needing further sanding to remove tool marks .

Difficult to evaluate the black palm because of the darkness of the photo , but it definitely is a difficult wood to turn , particularly crosscut .

 

[Johnny westbrook]

Very nice pens Rick.

 

[dozer]

Nice pens.

 

[mikespenturningz]

Those are a great start. Keep on making them you will have great fun and have found a great hobby.

 

[denaucoin]

Beautiful work, from one Navy guy to another.