Finishing question + more

[Tuba707]

Hello everyone,
New to the forums and relatively new to turning/penturning... I have about 60-70 pens to my name but the first 50 or so were the trial-and-error kind - I didn't really have anyone showing me what to do so I have learned all sorts of things the hard way. But I discovered that there are a bunch of people out there that are much better and have been there/done that so I figured I would start with a few questions because I am anxious to learn and be as good as I can be. Thanks also to Skye and Gerry Rhoades of Montana Pens for some help already.

I know this is bridging several different areas so I will post it in several different areas.

1st - Can someone give me a rundown on the different types of popular finishes - pros/cons on lacquer, CABLO, friction polishes, sprays, dipping, etc.

2nd - I have a number of El Grande Streamline FP's (platinum) and I am trying to think of some imaginative way to turn the pen into a desk stand sort of thing - except probably just using the body of the pen because I don't want it to thread in - I just want it to set in - but obviously I can't have the nib touching anything. My album has a pic of this general idea with a baron fountain. Any brilliant ideas that do NOT involve using the cap? And does anyone know if the Baron closed-cap mandrel (made for 15/32) would work for the 31/64 body of the El Grande Streamline so that I can do a closed-end?
(BTW If anyone would like to take a pack of 10 of the FP's off of me for $60+ $5 shipping please let me know. That's much less than I paid for them).

3rd - How often do group buys for CSUSA come up? Does that just depend? And is there a cheaper source than CSUSA for Tru-stone?

4th - I was told by Gerry that a round-nose scraper works well for acyrlic - any recommendations on a specific brand/size? My two turning tools are a Kryo pen gouge and a Kryo skew.

5th - Anyone have any good recommendations for someone on the forums that could get me a simple web setup for a reasonable rate (I have very good hosting, I just don't have the time to take advantage of it b/c I'm currently in college)?

6th - Best place to sell higher-end pens - I know this probably depends, but I would love some ideas.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to talking to everyone and learning lots. I love penturning and I am hoping to use it to help finance some of my tuition as well. Your help is appreciated!

 

[JimGo]

With all due respect, do a little searching before posting something like #1. There are a LOT of good topics that relate to this in the Finishing forum. Also check out http://www.woodturnerruss.com

WRT #3, they come up as often as people feel like running them. Not trying to be sarcastic...that's just how it goes.

#4 - I use a cheapie HF scraper.

#5 - I understand Kiddo does a good job

Those are the only ones on which I can give feedback.

 

[LEAP]

Joel,
If you still have the 10 El Grandes drop me a message on how you want payment and I'll take them off your hands.

As Jim said do some research on old posts and you will find the answers to all your questions. Don't forget the archives. There is a ton of info available on every aspect of turning and not just pens. When I found this sight last fall I probably spent 20 hours just reading old posts the first week or so. I learned more that week then I had in a couple of months turning on my own. These folks are great about answering questions but don't want every new guy like us asking the same old questions that have been answered a couple hundred times already.
Welcome to the madness, I'm sure you are hooked already!

 

[Tuba707]

JimGo, with all due respect, I have done a little searching - there is almost too much so I just wanted to hear some concise opinions. I'm not lazy or I wouldn't even care about making a good product =) Thank you for pointing me to Russ's site, it was very helpful.

 

[wdcav1952]

Joel,

The advice Jim gave you was very good indeed. Those who have come before you with respect to penturning have learned and shared a great deal. I do not think anyone considers you to be lazy, rather it seems to me that you are looking for shortcuts to the knowledge you desire. The articles in the library here are a rich source of knowledge. There are similar articles at the Yahoo Penturners site. A college student rarely scores high if all he studies is the Clift's Notes version of his text. To a small extent, the same applies here. Three years ago, I was chastised by one of the best (no names) to look for answers before asking questions. Although I was a bit miffed at the response, it turned out (pun intended) to be some of the best advice I ever received.

 

[Tuba707]

Point taken, William. Thanks.