Newbie Question

[Bill Arnold]

In an effort to make sensible purchases to begin making pens, I'm checking vendor sites along with some of your websites. I've found a few answers to questions by checking the archives on this forum; i.e., mandrels, kit sources, etc. What do you use for assembly and disassembly of pens?

I saw this item on PSI, but it seems a bit pricey at about $43.

 

[diamundgem]

In my opinion, thats the best press but nearly all Co's sell them. Check for the best price

 

[Robert Taylor]

be sure not to order anything from "Stee-Bar" no matter how good the price appears.

 

[wpenm]

I have been using that same press for about 4 years now. I only use it for the pens that use the Cross refills. I use my wood vise for all others. It is a good press, but if I were starting over I would just make some spacer blocks for my vise and use the money for more pen kits or blanks. Just my thoughts. Have fun.

 

[heinedan]

Pen Press

Bill,

Check out the post in this section from Paul Huffman - vice update/sneak peek. Paul makes a pen press that is the very best money can buy. He also makes a vice for holding your blank and frilling it that will last at least a couple of lifetimes. I have both, and love them. I went through 3 pen vices from Woodcraft and Rockler before buying Pauls's. Save money over the long run, and buy the best!!!!

Good Luck,
Dan

 

[Russianwolf]

do you have a drill press already? You can use it to press pen together by making a simple wooden insert for the quill. This is what I use, and have never had an issue with it. I like the fact that the pen is upright and near eye level so I can see how it's going together and make any needed adjustments.

The insert I made is a simple stepped dowel with one end small enough to fit in the chuck and the other about an inch in diameter (Mine is cocobolo since that's what I had laying around).

 

[JimB]

I bought mine from Grizzly. I believe it is the same one but only cost $25.

 

[Bill Arnold]

do you have a drill press already? You can use it to press pen together by making a simple wooden insert for the quill. This is what I use, and have never had an issue with it. I like the fact that the pen is upright and near eye level so I can see how it's going together and make any needed adjustments. ...

Yes, I have a floor mount drill press. I also have a bench vise and a woodworking side vise that I could use, too. I like your comment about working at eye level with the drill press -- my eyes aren't as young as they used to be! :wink:

 

[maxwell_smart007]

Bill, I use an arbor press that I bought for a little over 20 bucks...it's a really nice tool to have. Harbor Freight's a good place to find a cheap one.

For dissasembly, HF and Lee Valley both sell Transfer Punch Sets that are incremental in size that work well for taking all types of pens apart...

 

[wdcav1952]

Bill,

I use a 5" drill press vise I got from Grizzly and am happy with the control it gives me.

 

[wicook]

My Dad has had problems with the wooden-base press from Penn State (same one at Lee Valley and others), but I bought one from CSUSA with a metal base and have been very pleased with it. I did, however, buy a handle type clamping screw to replace the knob since it was difficult to get enough clamping pressure with the knob. Here's a link to the press:
javascript:PopupPic('/products/large/pen-press_l.jpg');http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Pen_Making___Pen_Making_Tools___Pen_Press___pen_press?Args=

If the link is broken, just go to their site and search for "pen press."

 

[Daniel]

I have an arbor press also, but get the second from the smallest press as the smallest just does not quite have enough room.
having said that I would say that a better vice would apply pressure by turning a screw rather than a direct ramming action. it would help in preventing over pressing parts and setting transmissions to far in. there are other was to prevent this and I use those and my press still.

 

[TellicoTurning]

In an effort to make sensible purchases to begin making pens, I'm checking vendor sites along with some of your websites. I've found a few answers to questions by checking the archives on this forum; i.e., mandrels, kit sources, etc. What do you use for assembly and disassembly of pens?

I saw this item on PSI, but it seems a bit pricey at about $43.

Bill,
I bought this pen press from PSI and sent it back after about 3 attempts to use it... the lever mechanism bent on the 3rd try. I use an arbor press from harbor freight and it works perfectly.

 

[Bill Arnold]

Thanks...

...for your input and opinions, everyone. You've given me options that I can use in startup mode as well as in the future if I get the "fever" like you guys have!

 

[randyrls]

Bill; I'll take a contrary position....

When I consider a tool purchase, I always think; "What else can I use this tool for?"

For pen assembly, I use a standard bench vise with some wood jaws "stuck on" with double sided tape. I'd use my wood vise if it had a quick release/adjust and I've considered this option too!

 

[THarvey]

I bought mine from Woodcraft for about half that price.

 

[Dario]

For more than a year, I used a wood clamp to assemble my pens. It worked but very slow. I found and bought a Grizzly arbor press years ago for $13.00 (on clearance) and it works great!