Learning - Don't buy one of each pen kit to "try-out"

[RegisG]

Well, I kind of have to laugh at myself for jumping in and buying a variety of pen kits. Which means, a variety of bushings which "may" or may NOT" work for more than one type kit. At least there seems to be a limit to drill bit sizes, 4 so far.
The kit manufactures must have internal contests to see who can come up with a kit that needs a few thousands difference in bushing from other kits. I can almost hear the weekly design meeting.

Oh, I'm having so much fun with all of this. Yep, some mistakes, some, "not-so-wise" purchases but all in all fun. Much less expensive than golf!!!

For those that are not in pen making for business, do you stay with 2 or 3 styles, or do you make a large collection of styles?

I have learned to NOT buy, "bargain" or closeout kits until I learn to know more about what should/must be there.

And thanks for tips I've learned from folks here.

Regis

[stonepecker]

Regis.
We have all made some type of mistake like this.
After a while, you can either order new bushings with each bunch of kits OR order kits that you already have the bushings.

Personally, when I try a new pen kit I try to use the bushings I have or order a complete bushing kit with the drill bits that are needed. And I have even doubled up on drill bits at times.

They don't go to waste lucky for us.
Enjoy the hobby and fun. Laughing at yourself is part of the fun.

[jttheclockman]

After you get done trying and experimenting you will settle into certain go to kits. These will be ones that sell well and look good and not all the gimmicks. It is ok to try new kits but it is so cheap to order the bushing and a couple extra sets of tubes to go with them and then decide if you like the kit for future projects. Just label or mark your tubes and bushings for each kit so that you can identify latter. Have fun.

[Skie_M]

Mmm ... since you're just starting out, keeping the bushings in their original baggies is an OK storage and identification solution, but you're going to want to work out a much more organized and MUCH LARGER CAPACITY storage solution before too long.


I currently have one of those 24-compartment storage boxes from Harbor Freight ($3.99), and it has ONE available space left .... :)

[KenV]

Regis, another way to play the game is to pick a bushing set and buy one each of the pens which use that size bushing.

When you hit the Junior Gent bushings you can buy a lot of pens......

[RegisG]

Originally Posted by KenV

Regis, another way to play the game is to pick a bushing set and buy one each of the pens which use that size bushing.

When you hit the Junior Gent bushings you can buy a lot of pens......

So now I have a good reason to use the bushing/tube references on the home page here. I have Android so the apple app won't help. Does it cross reference the companies or just within a company?

Thanks for the tips,
Regis

[MikeinMich]

Yeah, every pen turning company should have a big "Before you buy a bunch of stuff" list of lessons like this, I did exactly the same, then had to try to figure out metric and 27/64" vs 25/32" conversions

[Smitty37]

Originally Posted by Skie_M

Mmm ... since you're just starting out, keeping the bushings in their original baggies is an OK storage and identification solution, but you're going to want to work out a much more organized and MUCH LARGER CAPACITY storage solution before too long.


I currently have one of those 24-compartment storage boxes from Harbor Freight ($3.99), and it has ONE available space left .... :)

True I have a 60 drawer chest with about 4 or 5 unused---and most of them I don't even use anymore and some that I want I'll need to buy when I get the kits.

[Smitty37]

Originally Posted by RegisG

So now I have a good reason to use the bushing/tube references on the home page here. I have Android so the apple app won't help. Does it cross reference the companies or just within a company?

Thanks for the tips,
Regis

Sierra Bushings as well and when you go to bigger kits Emperor(Dayacom) there are a bunch of kits that using the same drill bit and bushings.

[KenV]

There is a big all-in-1 file combining 20 sources.

Suitable to have on several platforms....