Finishing question and more

[Tuba707]

Hello everyone,
New to the forums and relatively new to turning/penturning... I have about 60-70 pens to my name but the first 50 or so were the trial-and-error kind - I didn't really have anyone showing me what to do so I have learned all sorts of things the hard way. But I discovered that there are a bunch of people out there that are much better and have been there/done that so I figured I would start with a few questions because I am anxious to learn and be as good as I can be. Thanks also to Skye and Gerry Rhoades of Montana Pens for some help already.

I know this is bridging several different areas so I will post it in several different areas.

1st - Can someone give me a rundown on the different types of popular finishes - pros/cons on lacquer, CABLO, friction polishes, sprays, dipping, etc.

2nd - I have a number of El Grande Streamline FP's (platinum) and I am trying to think of some imaginative way to turn the pen into a desk stand sort of thing - except probably just using the body of the pen because I don't want it to thread in - I just want it to set in - but obviously I can't have the nib touching anything. My album has a pic of this general idea with a baron fountain. Any brilliant ideas that do NOT involve using the cap? And does anyone know if the Baron closed-cap mandrel (made for 15/32) would work for the 31/64 body of the El Grande Streamline so that I can do a closed-end?
(BTW If anyone would like to take a pack of 10 of the FP's off of me for $60+ $5 shipping please let me know. That's much less than I paid for them).

3rd - How often do group buys for CSUSA come up? Does that just depend? And is there a cheaper source than CSUSA for Tru-stone?

4th - I was told by Gerry that a round-nose scraper works well for acyrlic - any recommendations on a specific brand/size? My two turning tools are a Kryo pen gouge and a Kryo skew.

5th - Anyone have any good recommendations for someone on the forums that could get me a simple web setup for a reasonable rate (I have very good hosting, I just don't have the time to take advantage of it b/c I'm currently in college)?

6th - Best place to sell higher-end pens - I know this probably depends, but I would love some ideas.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to talking to everyone and learning lots. I love penturning and I am hoping to use it to help finance some of my tuition as well. Your help is appreciated!

 

[Tuba707]

Sorry, I posted in the wrong forum, but I do have a turning question or two in there =)

Can I change old posts of mine, or topic names?

 

[Scott]

Hi Joel!

You seem to have some penturning questions in there, so I'd say you're OK. You should get plenty of answers. You can learn a lot about finishes just by going to that forum and reading through the posts. I prefer CA finishes because they're quick and durable, but there are many options to choose from, and they all deserve consideration.

Good Luck!

Scott.

 

[webmonk]

Hi Joel,

5) My day job is as a web developer. Email me (jon@centralridge.com) with some idea of what the site is going to "do" (is it a full blown store, a gallery, just a hey, look at me kind of thing?) and I'll help ya get an idea of what will be required.

6) I sell my high-end stuff in a couple of places, but I've had the most success in a men's high-end clothing store (the kind of place with $2,000 suits). For me the key was getting in good with the salesmen. From the stories I hear from them, they often do the shopping for the customer who will call in some vague request like "I need a gift for my uncle's 50th birthday." If the salesman is your buddy, the odds are good that person may just be getting a pen.

Hope that helps!

Jon

 

[gerryr]

For your first question, use this link. Russ Fairfield probably knows more about finishing than any 10 of us here.
http://www.woodturner-russ.com/FinishingSecrets.html

3rd - Groups buys for CSUSA come up on a faily regular basis and right now CSUSA is the only source for Tru Stone. There's another company that has a website but it was supposed to be open months ago and still isn't. They may never actually open for business.

4th - My scraper is a brand I can't remember, fairly uncommon. A scraper is a simple tool. What you want is one that is thick, the thicker the better. Mine is 1/4" thick and solid as a rock. I wouldn't use one that was less than 3/16" thick and if I were buying one now, I would probably get a 3/4". Sometimes 1" is too wide. Don't worry about brand for a scraper, just make sure it's made from HSS and is no less than 3/16" thick or might have a chatter tool.

5th - Go to the member list and find "kiddo" and send her an email. She had two domain names for sale and, IIRC, a website already set up or can set one up easily. She's very good.[]

 

[jeffj13]

I'll tackle #2, by saying that, while possible, this is not a good idea. When not in use, fountain pens should be stored wtih the nib up. This is so the ink will not clog the feed.

jeff

 

[Rudy Vey]

BTW, Arizona Silhouette has the EG Streamline FP on close-out sale right now for $4.75 only!!