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lshafer

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2026
Messages
2
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Hi everyone. I just started turning pens about a month ago. Took a class at Rockler, decided I really liked it, found a guy on Facebook selling a Jet 1221 in almost new shape with some nice accoutrements including Easy Wood tools, Nova chuck, and various other things at a fantastic price. Made the purchase, bought some supplies, and I've honestly been making a pen or two every day since. Love it! It's just relaxing. I look forward to getting done with real work and stepping out to the garage and deciding what to try next.

Here are a few of my creations. All of these have a CA finish. I have a number of others where I've used Mylands, which I also like because it leave you with a more natural feel. One is angle cut zebra wood. One is just something I put together using scrap pieces from other pens I'd made. The blue one is a blank my wife picked and wanted me to try. She likes blue and I think it turned out pretty good. I'd rather real wood though. The last is desert ironwood.

Anyway, I'm sure glad I found this hobby. I look forward to making more pens and learning from this community. I'm not sure I'll ever get too into acrylics because I really like working with wood and seeing the grain come alive.

Let me know what you experienced folks think of these. I value honest feedback.

Have a great day!!
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Greetings from Nebraska and welcome to the IAP. Nice collection of pens! The JET 1221 is a great lathe! Your fit and finish look great! Since you are in Arizona I highly recommend seeking out some Sonoran desert ironwood pen blanks. I used to have an outstanding supplier, Bill DeJarnette, aka Ironwood Bill from Rio Rico but I (and others on IAP) lost contact in 2024. His last activity on IAP was in September 2023 where he was talking about posting some nice grainy wood and that his website was undergoing some transitions. I'm sure glad I stocked up when I had the opportunity! Once again, Welcome to the IAP! - Dave
 
Thanks for the compliments guys. It's a shot in the arm hearing that experienced pen turners like ones I posted. Tells me I'm on the right track. I'm making pens pretty much every day at this point. I really look forward to it. Before long I'll have more than I know what to do with. I'll have to start handing them out on the street!!
 
Make sure to check out Turner's Warehouse in Mesa. Great selection and great people.
The Arizona Woodturners Association is a great group to join too.
 
lshafer said:
Hi everyone. I just started turning pens about a month ago. Took a class at Rockler, decided I really liked it, found a guy on Facebook selling a Jet 1221 in almost new shape with some nice accoutrements including Easy Wood tools, Nova chuck, and various other things at a fantastic price. Made the purchase, bought some supplies, and I've honestly been making a pen or two every day since. Love it! It's just relaxing. I look forward to getting done with real work and stepping out to the garage and deciding what to try next.

Here are a few of my creations. All of these have a CA finish. I have a number of others where I've used Mylands, which I also like because it leave you with a more natural feel. One is angle cut zebra wood. One is just something I put together using scrap pieces from other pens I'd made. The blue one is a blank my wife picked and wanted me to try. She likes blue and I think it turned out pretty good. I'd rather real wood though. The last is desert ironwood.

Anyway, I'm sure glad I found this hobby. I look forward to making more pens and learning from this community. I'm not sure I'll ever get too into acrylics because I really like working with wood and seeing the grain come alive.

Let me know what you experienced folks think of these. I value honest feedback.

Have a great day!!
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Awesome job on the CA finish ! Especially as a new pen turner. I prefer lacquer on wood as it gives good protection and retains the feel of wood. CA on the other hand is the most durable.
 
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