Ex-Engineer in Seattle!

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Westifer

Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2019
Messages
5
Location
Kent, Washington
Hello to all!
I re-started turning last winter and I am hooked! My favorite things to turn are pens, although I do many other items as well.
I use a Jet 1014 and a Laguna 1836. They both do a terrific job for me.
I use HSS tools as well as Carbide tools I assembled myself.
I am very interested in hearing about experiences and recommendations for two things:
Laser engravings for pens and other items, and
A cheap source (China?) for quality pen kits, including fountain pens.
I'd love to hear from any members who have explored these topics.
Thanks!
Wes Ames
 
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George883

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Messages
276
Location
Peoria, Arizona
Hi Wes, welcome to the site from Peoria, Arizona and an ex=Seattlelite. I'm new to pen turning, using a Jet 1221vs, and am thinking of upgrading to a Laguna 1836 for turning larger projects. How do you like yours?

George
 

Westifer

Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2019
Messages
5
Location
Kent, Washington
Hi Wes, welcome to the site from Peoria, Arizona and an ex=Seattlelite. I'm new to pen turning, using a Jet 1221vs, and am thinking of upgrading to a Laguna 1836 for turning larger projects. How do you like yours?

George
Hi George!
I absolutely love my Laguna 1836. I bought mine as a floor model locally and saved quite a bit that way. I wrote a somewhat lengthy review all about it for Amazon. I will attach it below :) .

Good luck to you with your upgrade!

Wes

-----------------AMAZON REVIEW FOLLOWS: -------------------------

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Lathe. This review includes specifics from my 110v model.
May 12, 2019

This is a well designed, high quality lathe. They do go on sale periodically, typically for 10% off the list price, but sometimes you can do even better.
Positives:
The 110v system has an inverter that creates ample three phase 240v power to the motor.
Adjustments are easily made, and handle positions are easily adjustable within their rotations so the lock position can be set where you want it.
Very heavy duty machine. All parts and systems are built for rock steady performance.
Morse tapers are perfectly made.
Very steady at high speeds, terrific balance.
The display is outstanding.
The sturdy and heavy weight allows for turning good sized out of balance pieces if required.
Less Positives - Things to consider:
Power sensitive - This machine requires very clean power. I found I could not use my extension cord that had worked fine with a previous lathe When I changed that to another cord, it worked great! This sensitivity could account for the few negative reviews I have seen.
Power inverter - I did not get any information with my lathe regarding the Delta power inverter that creates the three phase power to the motor. I learned the exact same unit is used on many other brands and models of lathes, and the manual is available online. With clean power, mine works great.
Height is typical, but as a tall person I like it higher. Laguna offers a pair of $300 risers to lift it 3" and a fancy wheel kit for $500. I made a super sturdy base with 8 casters out of a single Harbor Freight hardwood dolly at each end and 2x10 boards as lengthwise runners. My cost - about $50 for a super solid wheel system.
The control panel is easy to understand and works as it should. That being said, the labels on the panel could be more clear than they are. This is also true for the power inverter. However, it is not a problem as the controls all operate as any woodturner might expect, regardless of labels.
Bottom line:
Get the best deal you can find on this lathe, and it is built to serve high end usage for a very long time. I strongly recommend it.
 

magpens

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
15,913
Location
Canada
Hi Wes !! . Welcome to IAP !!

My advice ... don't go cheap on your pen kits ... buy what you LIKE ... they should be nice and a source of pride when your work is finished.

You don't get quality for cheap ... your stated requirements are incompatible !! LOL !! ;)

Cheap is only OK for practicing.

If you are going to be doing a lot of fountain pens then I suggest you move in the direction of kitless pens.
And if you want them to be truly unique, then do your own casting of the blanks in Alumilite, or similar "resin" .
 

Westifer

Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2019
Messages
5
Location
Kent, Washington
Hi Wes !! . Welcome to IAP !!

My advice ... don't go cheap on your pen kits ... buy what you LIKE ... they should be nice and a source of pride when your work is finished.

You don't get quality for cheap ... your stated requirements are incompatible !! LOL !! ;)

Cheap is only OK for practicing.

If you are going to be doing a lot of fountain pens then I suggest you move in the direction of kitless pens.
And if you want them to be truly unique, then do your own casting of the blanks in Alumilite, or similar "resin" .
Thanks, I'm sure you're right.
I haven't gotten into alumilite yet, but that is a future plan. I'm still investing in my wood turning gear, so the casting expense will have to wait a while. I am thinking of a stabilizing tank though, to help solidify some pungy spalted wood I would like to try. I've been carefully using thin CA to stabilize it in the meantime.
Cheers!
 

magpens

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
15,913
Location
Canada
@Westifer
As a "halfway" measure for stabilization, try the Minwax brand of Wood Hardener. . Soak your punky spalted wood for 20 mins and then let harden for 2 days. . I have found that works quite well.
 

vtgaryw

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2012
Messages
657
Location
Milton, VT
Hello to all!
I re-started turning last winter and I am hooked! My favorite things to turn are pens, although I do many other items as well.
I use a Jet 1014 and a Laguna 1836. They both do a terrific job for me.
I use HSS tools as well as Carbide tools I assembled myself.
I am very interested in hearing about experiences and recommendations for two things:
Laser engravings for pens and other items, and
A cheap source (China?) for quality pen kits, including fountain pens.
I'd love to hear from any members who have explored these topics.
Thanks!
Wes Ames
I do have to take exception to your thread title - there's no such thing as an "Ex-Engineer." 😀

-gary (once an engineer always an engineer...)
 
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