My First Pen - Yew and ROTUR kit

[KDM]

Well, here's my first pen.

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Made from a piece of West country yew and a standard 7mm ROTUR kit.

I have a Prazimat metal turning lathe, so I ground a woodcutting bit for it.

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I enjoyed this, so I think I'll invest in a small set of proper wood tools and make a little tool rest.

My mandrel was made from the guide rod out of an old printer. I cut an M8 thread on one end and used a bolt to hold the working pieces in place. The spacers are made from a piece of centre-drilled mild steel.

I'm reasonably happy with the finish. It's brought up with fine wire wool. I think I'll invest in a set of wet and dry sanding pads. I put a little CA glue on before the final sanding: I didn't want it to look too unnatural.

 

[ROOKIETURNER]

Very Nice! Made on homemade tools. Now that's taking it a step further.

 

[Rick_G]

Cool first pen and made your own tools to make it with. Keep that pen for comparison years from now to see your progression.

 

[Steve Busey]

You're off to a great start, Ken! Hang on to this pen and look at it in a year, to show yourself how far and fast you progress!

 

[rdunn12]

Nice I like it,great work.

 

[CaptG]

That is a good looking pen. Would not have guessed your first. Keep it up.

 

[thewishman]

Nicely done - especially for a first pen. Nice shape and accent lines. You seem like a guy that can get things done.

 

[johncrane]

Well done on your first.

 

[workinforwood]

Definitely a great looking first pen Ken.

 

[Mrs Rojo22]

Nice!

Robin

 

[KDM]

Thanks for the kind words folks. Very encouraging.

I'm already looking for interesting stuff to make pens from. I have sandwiched the aluminium from a lager can between two pieces of plexiglass. I'll let you know how I get on with that!! I fully expect it to splinter as soon as I hit it with a drill.

I've been asked about the ropes holding the lathe up. This is it being hoisted into position. It weighs over 250lbs.