RPM's for penturning...

[bgray]

A friend of mine will be selling me his Smithy lathe/mill combo.

I could use it for some metal working here and there, and I'm contemplating it's usefulness for penturning.

Obviously, it will be great for metal pens, but I'm thinking about wood as well here and there.

The dilemma is that it only goes to 1600 rpms.

I prefer higher speeds for penturning...what are the downfalls of turning and finishing
pens at slower speeds?

Thanks.

 

[redfishsc]

I would find acrylics a bit more of a challenge, might have to hone the skew a bit more.

IMO you'll need to use sharper tools (I'd find a 150-220 grit wheel as a final touch for sharpening, I use a 150 wet wheel that does great). Take lighter cuts.

I don't think it should hinder you though. If the price is right, why not?

Sanding and finishing shouldn't be a problem, other than burning on a coat of friction polish won't be quite as easy, which is good, because I have yet to see a friction polish I like.

 

[bradh]

I use 1700 as my top speed for turning. I sand and finish slower. I think a 1600 RPM max would limit you if you do any friction polishes or try to buff on the lathe.
Brad