A couple questions from a newbie

[cseymour]

Hi All,
I am a total newbie, chomping at the bit to get started. I am still accumulating funds for a lathe (hopefully April timeframe).

Anyway 2 questions --
1. Has anyone used the drill press lathe? Is it worth trying?

2. Does anyone make their own pen boxes? I have a scrollsaw and some nice scrolling wood, was wondering if their are any plans available to make pen boxes as I wait for my chance to start turning (then really start asking questions)

Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[mredburn]

I cant answer about the drill press lathe, but several members make pen boxes but I dont remember any plans being posted. You should be able to look at the finished designs and redreate them without plans.

 

[ctubbs]

We had a member that used a drill press for a lathe and made some rather good pens on it. However, using a regular lathe appears to be much easier and faster. i do not remember just who the gentleman was. It is doable.
Charles

 

[bensoelberg]

Check out the first 3 projects on this library page for boxes.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/f139/iap-library-other-things-we-make-77370/

 

[PenMan1]

After one pen on the drill press lathe, your back and neck will really hurt. You kinda gotta turn your head sideways and stay bent over to keep a perspective on what you are doing. It is also difficult to keep the tool on the "tool rest". But as Charles says, it is doable.

On making boxes, I did make my own. But unfortunately, today, you can actually buy a quality box for about $10. The materials to make that same box are about $20.

I do plan to go back to making boxes as soon as I get the CNC router.

 

[OOPS]

I know that Woodcraft sells plans to make an interesting box. When you open up the lid, the pens rise up from their nesting place. I understand that its not too difficult to make, either.

 

[Ted iin Michigan]

Chris - I make my own boxes (mostly scrap wood from other projects). Here's a pic and a post I did a while back that has a drawing and notes/constr hints (pic is kind of big)
Post link: http://www.penturners.org/forum/f22/pen-boxes-87409/index2.html#post1297633

 

[cseymour]

Thanks for all the replies
Ted those boxes are fantastic.
Andy - thanks for the comments on the dp lathe. That is just me being impatient. I will wait for the real lathe. At least now I can try making some boxes until I cann get my lathe.

Thanks again for all the replies.