Hello from Atlanta

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jlmoon

Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2021
Messages
7
Location
Atlanta
Just saying hello, and thanks for adding me. Just giving turning pens a try.

I made one from leftover cherry today and see where some improvements can be made...
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mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
12,720
Location
Medina, Ohio
Welcome form Ohio. A bit of tweaking, but that is a lot of the enjoyment.
IMO: Use calipers vs bushings for end measurements. ;)
 

jlmoon

Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2021
Messages
7
Location
Atlanta
Not sure how, but the pen tip is perfect on one side, but the wood is proud on the other. Also uneven fit at the back half against the center ring. I think maybe the blank wasnt square?

At any rate, harder than it looks on YouTube!
 

mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
12,720
Location
Medina, Ohio
Not sure how, but the pen tip is perfect on one side, but the wood is proud on the other. Also uneven fit at the back half against the center ring. I think maybe the blank wasnt square?

At any rate, harder than it looks on YouTube!
A very common problem, many possible issues. May be due to the mandrel, bushings, several others. (But practice with each - simply turning practice blanks with bushings; blanks with glued in tubes/no bushings; and with TBC; and checking with calipers will help. Also insure your mandrel rods are plumb).

ME... I turn on an adjustable 'straight' madrel'. I stop 2-3x per blank and loosen the tailstock, bushing, and rotate it 1/3/way, re-tighten all. My thought is that this will diminish (I never say never) the 'out-of-round' issues.
 

jlmoon

Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2021
Messages
7
Location
Atlanta
The lathe is in a maker space and it's my first time using it. I noticed that when I adjusted in the tail it was just slightly off and didn't meet the mandrel without a little finesse. Not sure whether that's an issue or if so, why.
 

SouthpawJ

Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2021
Messages
8
Location
Georgia
Welcome from Gwinnett Co. I visited a maker space several years ago, but unfortunately haven't joined yet due to time constraints. They look like a lot of fun.
 

Gary Beasley

Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2009
Messages
1,326
Location
Marietta, Ga. USA
Welcome from another Marietta turner. Next time try a Comfort twist to get a thicker centerband to match up with your design or try out drilling your own centerbands from scrap contrasting materials for the fun of it. I like the profile you gave it, just needs a bigger bands to finish it off.
 

howsitwork

Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2016
Messages
2,299
Location
Thirsk
welcome to the play pen from the UK contingent

lots of fun to be had and lessons to inspire on here
 

Wayne

IAP Library Manager
Staff member
Joined
Dec 14, 2006
Messages
851
Location
East Troy, Wisconsin, USA.
Welcome to our home. We have many ideas and tutorials for your review.

Take a look at our Library of Tutorials listed on the Home Page under "General Announcements".


Here is a direct link to the Library of Tutorials Menu.


Here's a list of world wide Pen Suppliers.


Let me know if you find any others.

Have Fun!
 
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