Hello from Texas

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Quality Pen

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2014
Messages
1,403
Location
Lumberton, Texas
Just joined the forum... looking to learn about pen turning. I've actually never turned a pen nor do I own a lathe yet. But I want to start off right so I'm doing my due diligence.

My first order of business is trying to find out the right lathe to buy on a budget. That's how I found this site actually via Google.

Seems like a nice, helpful, and active forum. I look forward to it. And hopefully I can have a pen to post about soon!
 
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mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
12,720
Location
Medina, Ohio
Welcome from Ohio! Use the library link for general stuff (very helpful) - and keep asking questions.

My thoughts on a lathe... If only pens, I have a Jet mini (my budget was tight at that time, so no variable speed - if I had to do it again, I would get the variable speed). Rikon also makes a good mini from what I hear (i've never used).

If you have patience - watch for sales and go to Amazon and e-bay. I have bought very little at full price over the past 2 years since starting.

After the lathe... check out the IAP vendors - my opinion... I prefer if possible to buy from friends (even though we b.itch at each other and argue a lot :)). I have a small business, others have small businesses... I like the personal service from IAP members.

ENJOY and have fun!

Mark
 

skiprat

Passed Away Mar 22, 2022
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Joined
Oct 19, 2006
Messages
7,812
Location
In a Skip in Wales
Mmm, well hello Quality Pen from Texas, :wink:
With a name like that, you'll fit in perfectly with our resident anal debaters!:biggrin:

Just kidding, it's just that 'Quality' is always such a 'fun' topic around here.
Do you have a real name? You sound familiar.:)
 

Quality Pen

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2014
Messages
1,403
Location
Lumberton, Texas
Thank you for the warm welcome. My name is actually Bobby. Im from Southeast Texas near Beaumont.

As far as the username, I like the word "quality" and if you read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance you'd kind of know why I guess. It's a good word :D .
 

ossaguy

Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
1,370
Location
San Diego
Hi Bobby, Welcome from San Diego!

Now you will need to put the Zen pen kit on your future pen project list. (Exotic Blanks & Crafts Supplies USA sells them,in case you didn't know.)

There are a lot of folks here from Tx.,I'll bet there are club meetings you could attend.

Have fun turning!

Steve
 

plano_harry

Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2012
Messages
1,959
Location
Plano, TX 75093
Yes, welcome from Texas! We are all friends here (except for that one guy) and you might have some fellow turners nearby -- so gives us some clues in your profile :) Also, you might want to subscribe to the appropriate chapter forum to find out about meetings in your area and watch some pens being turned.

Harry
 
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