new guy with a question

[nlynch0032]

First off i want to thank everyone for the usefull information on this site. Ive been turning pens for about a month now and have really enjoyed it. Im from northwest ms and theres not really a pen shop close so i have to order most all my supplies. All ive really done is slimlines. Im wanting to move to a little nicer looking pen without breaking the bank. Not wanting to go all out with the fanciest just yet. So my question is what would be a good one step up pen that isnt going to break my bank. Im on somewhat a limited budget to buy kits so i was wanting to try something that i could get more than one or two kits for my budget. i like the slimline i just think its time to move up a little. Thanks for reading and thanks for any tips or help you all have.

 

[Jim Burr]

IMHO, a Sierra style may be a good choice, or perhaps a Vertex?

 

[ghostrider]

This is really a relative question. There are lots of options depending on your perspective. Some Slimlines can cost as much as $8.00. While other places will sell a Chinese Cigar for less than $4.00. That same style made in Taiwan can start at $6.95. If you want the hybrid, it's even more. You can even get the Chairman (Chinese copy of the full size Gent) for less than $10, while the real deal at CAUSA starts at $16.80. It really all depends on which direction you want to go. (I have noticed a slight difference in the plating finish on the clips of some Cigars). You can spend a lot on more expensive kits, or a little on less expensive kits.

Kits to try other than Slimline are Cigar/Big Ben, Sierra/Diplomat/Wall Street/etc..., Monet/Le Roi/Gatsby (similar to Sierra, but with finial twist), You can get inexpensive rollerballs at at least a few vendors listen in the Links section. There's also the Atlas/Polaris, Executive (PSI), Retro (Woodcraft), and a few others.

Personally, I think a good place to progress to is the Cigar, or Sierra style pens (Including the finial twist variations), but that doesn't mean you can't try others. It's really a matter of where your interest lies, and how much you want to spend.

 

[rkenly]

I second the Sierra - either the click or twist. They look very nice when complete.

>>>Rod<<<

 

[Jim15]

Welcome Noah.

 

[76winger]

If you'd like to sick with a slender pen but try a single body pen, the PSI Executive and it's variants would be a nice one.

The Sierra/Gatsby and Polaris are single tube varieties as well, but a little larger in diameter.

If you'd like to sick to a twist in the middle type of pen, the Cigar, Designer/European are good options.

Then there's the removable-cap rollerball pens which take you to a new level and there's a wealth of variations in that class, if you're interested in going that big of a step up.

 

[Robert111]

The Graduate ballpoint from PSI is a nice pen for about $8. It's a two-barrel twist (like the cigar pens). But maybe a nicer shape, I think.

It takes bushings of 7mm and 3/8" for the barrels. I think the 3/8 can be used for some other pens so that will save you $$ on bushings down the road.

They also have a starter kit on sale now of 6 Graduate ballpoint pens with bushings and drills at a very good savings.

 

[JamesB]

I agree with the Euro/Designer pens. If you go to www.woodworkingshop.com there are some pretty good clearance pen kits on the last page. Now that I put that out there I hope there's a few left after I get off work so I can place an order. LOL

 

[Tim'sTurnings]

Wouldn't the Euro/Designer pen style require a tenon be made on one end? I thought that would be more difficult for a beginner. (That's why I haven't put mine together yet). Even though I am not a beginner.

 

[JamesB]

Wouldn't the Euro/Designer pen style require a tenon be made on one end? I thought that would be more difficult for a beginner. (That's why I haven't put mine together yet). Even though I am not a beginner.

Yes, they require a tenon but I thought the tenon was pretty easy to make. Ive only made one so far though. I'm a beginner, I've only turned about 10 pens, straight kits with no mods.

 

[GColeman]

How far are you from Bartlett, TN.? There is a wood working store with a pen turning section there. It is behind Wolfchase Galleria. I think they sell PSI kits. I am not really sure though.

Below is the link to The Woodwork Shop

HomePage

 

[nlynch0032]

the shop is about an hour from me. ive been there but they are kinda pricey on things. I have bought a few kits from them but prefer to order to save the money

 

[ren-lathe]

Wouldn't the Euro/Designer pen style require a tenon be made on one end? I thought that would be more difficult for a beginner. (That's why I haven't put mine together yet). Even though I am not a beginner.

Yes, they require a tenon but I thought the tenon was pretty easy to make. Ive only made one so far though. I'm a beginner, I've only turned about 10 pens, straight kits with no mods.

It is my understanding PSI "new Style" designer' no longer require a tenon

 

[JamesB]

Wouldn't the Euro/Designer pen style require a tenon be made on one end? I thought that would be more difficult for a beginner. (That's why I haven't put mine together yet). Even though I am not a beginner.

Yes, they require a tenon but I thought the tenon was pretty easy to make. Ive only made one so far though. I'm a beginner, I've only turned about 10 pens, straight kits with no mods.

It is my understanding PSI "new Style" designer' no longer require a tenon

Oh yeah, PSI does have a Designer NT. I think we got ours from Woodcraft though.

 

[TerryDowning]

Get used to making tenons, it is common throughout turning projects.

Fear not the tenon!

Terry