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H

H2O

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Dec 24, 2014
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I'm Dan from MI.
My wife took me along to some of the craft fairs this year and I noticed several booths that had pens. So, out of curiosity, I stopped to look at some of them. I was surprised to find out that the gentleman actually made the pens he had on display. I found that very interesting and spent some time talking with him. He explained the different options and the process of making the different pens. Being a little skeptical, I started researching what he had explained to me and to my amazement, there are many places that sell the supplies to make pens of various designs. During my research, I found this forum and have read some interesting information.
I wasn't unable to see much of the work people have done without being a member, so I hope that I now will be able to see what goes into making a pen.

I have a Shopsmith with the lathe, although I have never used it. Well, I found out yesterday that I am now out of a job due to downsizing, so I guess I will have a little time to try out the lathe. It seems that making pens requires quite a bit of equipment and accessories, which I cannot invest in at this time, but I can still try the lathe to get acquainted with it.

I look forward to being part of the community.
 
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Welcome from Texas
Sorry to hear about your job - I hope something new comes along soon. In the meantime, enjoy your shop time.
 
Welcome Dan..... I turned my first pen on my Shopsmith. Mounted the mandrel shaft in the Jacobs Chuck and and bought a live center and pen mill...Minimal expense and then of course the kit and appropriate bit if you don't have that size...For tools I used and still do the ones that came with the Shopsmith...If you end up doing a lot of turning you may want to block up the Shopsmith so it's about elbow height...It can get hard on the back otherwise...
 
Welcome from MN.
You have the biggest cost covered. Now what you need to find is a turning club close to you. There you can find someone that will get you started without the big costs. You might find some used equipment near by or someone that is stepping up and then you could possibly get some good used stuff.
You need very little to start turning. Making the pens might be a little more costly but hang in there. You are starting in the right place. No Place finer then the IAP.
 
Welcome from San Antonio Tx
I too started on the Shopsmith. As mentioned, I put blocks under the legs so I didn't have to lean over so much. Penn State or Craft Supply have a mandrel made for Shopsmith with the arbor attached.
If you don't have chisels, Harbor Freight has some sets that will be good starters. They have three sets and the top set is probably the best.
If you have a Woodcraft or the like, they usually have good classes on pen turning. Otherwise, maybe there is a woodturning nearby that would be more than happy to be of help.
Enjoy!
Gordon
BTW if you need some blanks to practice and make into pens PM me and I'll donate a bunch to get you going.
 
Hello from Monroe Mi. Sorry to hear about the job situation. Keep your head up and maintain a positive attitude, the buzz in my field is that things have started turning around and hopefully many opportunities will present themselves to you. What part of Michigan are you in?
 
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