I'm going to be teaching some of the guys at church how to make a pen, but I almost exclusively use my hss skew which will not be the best choice for first timers. Which single tool would you think would be best to make a pen for a first timer?
I like this comment.The question in my mind is are you going to teach or entertain for an afternoon? When is the best time to learn? I would suggest in the begining. Start with scrap wood and teach rounding the blank, coves and beads then make a pen. If you use carbide they will probably never be "turners". Just my $.02