Pen press

[RMcMillan]

So, I have just recently decided to start turning pens and was wondering what everyone recommends for a pen press. It seems that they all look fairly similiar, but wanted the opinion of those that have been at it for a while.

 

[ivel]

I use these because I already had them.

 

[wolf creek knives]

So, I have just recently decided to start turning pens and was wondering what everyone recommends for a pen press. It seems that they all look fairly similiar, but wanted the opinion of those that have been at it for a while.

I received my pen press (Item #: PENPRESS5) from PSI in a kit when I first started turning pens. It works great but it does require some modifications. On the plastic piece where the tip fits into a hole, on the lighter metals it has a tendency to put crimp marks around the pen tip. I took a quarter ($.25), used a counter sink bit and made a dimple pretty deep in the quarter but not all the way through. That way the tip isn't pressed into the plastic housing and the crimp mark doesn't show. Why a quarter? It's thick enough to handle the bit and also almost completely covers the plastic piece.

 

[RangeRat]

I've only been turning pens for about a year, but I started out and still use my lathe as a press. You can buy premade delrin pads with magnets that simply stick onto the headstock/tailstock or they can be made in the shop easily. Simply lock the tailstock and advance the quill to press parts together.

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKPRMAG.html

 

[ivel]

I've only been turning pens for about a year, but I started out and still use my lathe as a press. You can buy premade delrin pads with magnets that simply stick onto the headstock/tailstock or they can be made in the shop easily. Simply lock the tailstock and advance the quill to press parts together.

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKPRMAG.html

That's pretty niffy.

 

[dogcatcher]

I use a pipe clamp, a cheap one from Harbor Freight with a foot long piece of pipe. $5.99

 

[mecompco]

I've assembled all my pens on the lathe. Simply turn a couple of MT2ish tapers on some hardwood and make sure the big end is square. I used an old plastic cutting board for protective tips--just epoxy them on. When the tips get chewed up, just re-face or replace. Works great for free.

 

[bradh]

I use an Arbor Press. I find it easier to line up the parts when they are vertical. Better alignment = less cracked blanks.

 

[Swagopenturner]

I usually use one of PSI's, but have also used a woodworker's vise, bar clamp and the lathe. All work equally well, just a matter of personal preference.

 

[Russknan]

Love, love, LOVE the Milescraft! Quality construction. Easy to use. I just clamp it to the bench when I need it. Russ

 

[PenPal]

Besides my bearing press similar to the one ton one shown I use this unit for longer presses.

Peter.

 

[wouldentu2?]

Squeeze clamp or drill press.

 

[Warren White]

This is what I have used...

...and it does everything I need. It has a pin on one end that keeps the blank centered (and it can be removed when needed). It fits into the Morse taper, one part on the head stock and one part on the tail stock.

Craft Supplies Artisan Pen-Ultimate Assembly Tool
Part# 1027970001 $19.95

 

[More4dan]

I just use my drill press with two pieces of scrap wood. Works great and is free.


Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app

 

[rd_ab_penman]

My 15 year old $1.00 pen press.

Les

 

[MiteyF]

I use a small hammer (gasp!) and a piece of hardwood scrap. No problems yet.