Long way to go, but HUGE progress for me...

[Flintski22]

I've been continuing to delve more and more into the world of pen turning. Recently I took a leap and bought my very own midi lathe, so now I can turn from home and not just at school. I got everything I need to pen turn completely from home.

I also started selling custom pen designs as a way to help offset the cost of my midi lathe, and I'm having some small but growing success with that. I've loved getting to make pens for neighbors, friends, and family.

I've made 11 pens total now and I feel like I'm learning more and more with each pen as well as getting more efficient at making them. I'm also way more comfortable messing with a little bit of blank segmenting, which has given me some pretty sick pens. I know that 11 is a tiny number compared to how many pens most of you have made, but I'm proud of it because I've come so far from where I started. I still have such a long ways to go, but I'm happy cuz I'm making big progress.

I've been getting all my pen kits from crooked mill woodworking because they sell good kits at really affordable prices, but I'm looking for other places to buy pens from. Today I've been browsing penn state industries and exotic blanks, but other than that where would you guys suggest getting kits from?

Also, does anyone have any cool but simple segmenting designs? If so please share cuz I'm looking for more ways to make cool shapes with segmenting. I can only do fairly simple designs though because I do all my sawing with a small handheld japanese pull saw.

Anyways, here are a couple pics of some pens I've made recently!

 

[NJturner]

Welcome to the hobby! Nice work getting going on pen making. As for different pens, I might suggest Bullseye Turning Supply, owned by Kate Harrow, a member here, as well as McKenzie Penworks, owned by Tim McKenzie, also a member here. These are more pricey and upscale pens than a lot of the others you will find in the market, but are good for special gifts. https://www.mckenziepenworks.com, https://bullseyeturningsupply.com/

 

[dschem]

Turners Warehouse is great too. https://www.turnerswarehouse.com/

 

[Alan Morrison]

Here's a link to 9 pages of segmented pens ( if you havent come across it before ) that should give you plenty of ideas when you start getting into the segmenting.

No Comments Just post new segmented pens and Likes

Please post only your segmented pens in here and don't comment on anyones work just Like it then we can keep a record of works. Hope you all like the idea. Purple Heart and Black Ash Burl on a Jr. Gent 2 Fountain in Gold

www.penturners.org

 

[JohnU]

Nice looking pens! You should be proud. On the front page of this site is a link titled.. "Where do you purchase Kits? (Poll)" circled in red. There is a complete list of sites with how many of us use them. I personally like Exotic blanks because they offer a price discount on All sets purchased and not just individual groups. Plus they are very quick to arrive. When you look for sites, don't just look at the price. They aren't all the same in quality, and you might just get what you paid…cheap.
Welcome to the site. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

 

[Flintski22]

Here's a link to 9 pages of segmented pens ( if you havent come across it before ) that should give you plenty of ideas when you start getting into the segmenting.

No Comments Just post new segmented pens and Likes

Please post only your segmented pens in here and don't comment on anyones work just Like it then we can keep a record of works. Hope you all like the idea. Purple Heart and Black Ash Burl on a Jr. Gent 2 Fountain in Gold

www.penturners.org

oh awesome thank you!

 

[Flintski22]

Nice looking pens! You should be proud. On the front page of this site is a link titled.. "Where do you purchase Kits? (Poll)" circled in red. There is a complete list of sites with how many of us use them. I personally like Exotic blanks because they offer a price discount on All sets purchased and not just individual groups. Plus they are very quick to arrive. When you look for sites, don't just look at the price. They aren't all the same in quality, and you might just get what you paid…cheap.
Welcome to the site. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Thank you! and okay, I'll make sure to pay attention to quality as well as price, to make sure I'm getting the best bang for my buck.

 

[Smokey S]

Primarily Exotic Blanks for me, although I do drift to others occasionally. Always great service, delivery and respond to messages very promptly! Oh, always M&Ms I am told, the box is always opened and M&Ms are missing. I am very sure whom the culprit is, just my wife and myself here, HA!………Smokey

 

[Flintski22]

Primarily Exotic Blanks for me, although I do drift to others occasionally. Always great service, delivery and respond to messages very promptly! Oh, always M&Ms I am told, the box is always opened and M&Ms are missing. I am very sure whom the culprit is, just my wife and myself here, HA!………Smokey

Good to hear they have good service as I'm looking to start ordering from them! Have you by chance ordered any burl or spalted pen blanks from them? I'm looking to but I'm wondering if they are good quality.

 

[Twist&Click]

Good to hear they have good service as I'm looking to start ordering from them! Have you by chance ordered any burl or spalted pen blanks from them? I'm looking to but I'm wondering if they are good quality.

Everything that Ed and Dawn sell are top quality. Have no concerns at all when you order anything from them.

 

[bugradx2]

Good to hear they have good service as I'm looking to start ordering from them! Have you by chance ordered any burl or spalted pen blanks from them? I'm looking to but I'm wondering if they are good quality.

Another vote for Ed & Dawn at Exotic Blanks. I've ordered a ton of burl & a little spalted material from them and have always been happy with what I've received. They have a great selection of stabilized "everything" in addition to blanks that aren't stabilized.

 

[Flintski22]

Oh okay! Thanks for the answers @Twist&Click and @bugradx2! Good to hear I can count on good quality especially on burl and spalted stuff.

 

[Smokey S]

Yes, I have ordered numerous stabilized burl blanks from them. All I can say is that they all have been 100% quality!
Check them out and give them a tes drive and enjoy……..Smokey

 

[Flintski22]

Yes, I have ordered numerous stabilized burl blanks from them. All I can say is that they all have been 100% quality!
Check them out and give them a tes drive and enjoy……..Smokey

Okay bet!

 

[MikeinOH]

I'm still new to the hobby and this forum. Once I start a post, my brain goes into overdrive resulting in a complete download. So here goes. Some things I have quickly learned…

Check out Ocooch Hardwoods in Wisconsin for a wide selection of reasonably priced wood blanks. They sell in lots of 4 and 20, and shipping charges are reasonable and based upon weight. Very friendly company.

I started out buying my lathe, supplies, and pen kits from Penn State Industries (PSI). I bought their 8" Turncrafter lathe which is the best price I could find on a mini lathe with variable speed and digital readout. I am very happy with the lathe, but I had a couple minor issues. I was able to call and quickly talk to the engineer responsible for the design. He was able to diagnose the problems and had me quickly back up and running. Good company.

As a novice, I have messed up some blanks during end-squaring and turning. The ability to purchase spare tubes is important to me. I learned that many of the kits PSI sells do not have cut-to-length spare tubes available for purchase. That means if I sacrifice a blank on the altar of inexperience, I either scrap the pen kit or invest in tube cutting equipment. Neither is cost effective.

I am quickly gravitating toward Craft Supplies USA (woodturnerscatalog.com) in Utah. They sell cut-to-length spare tubes for ALL their pen kits. Their prices are competitive, and they have a good online catalog with downloadable links to instructions for each of their kits. The instructions are easy to understand and contain dimensions for their bushings which makes it easy to figure out how to properly arrange the bushings. They resell some PSI kits, and they have two brands of their own: Artisan and Apprentice. I have bought both brands and have no complaints. From what I can surmise, the Apprentice kits come from mainland China, and the Artisan kits are produced in Taiwan. Artisan is their premium brand and apparently has better plating. There is a lot of similarity in the kits, and when ordering spare tubes and bushings you need to include the brand name in the search bar to make sure you are getting the correct ones.

Craft Supplies regularly offers sales and special reduced shipping promotions. They ship very quickly, and if you call the sales dept they are very friendly and helpful.

Two things I bought elsewhere was my Milescraft pen press from Amazon and the Doctor's Pens Plus Finish from Woodcraft. I really like the pen press. The Pens Plus is a good finish, non-toxic, and easy to apply. My current finishing technique is to go through the progression of 150, 240, 320, 400, and 600 grit emery followed by a quick finish with 1500 grit paper (had it in my shop). I then wipe the blanks using acetone on a small piece of blue shop towel until all sanding dust is removed. The acetone wipe has made a noticeable improvement in the gloss of the Pens Plus finish.

I started drilling my blanks on my drill press using a pen vice, but the ability to consistently drill a centered hole quickly deteriorated. I now drill all my blanks on the lathe and square the blanks on the drill press.

 

[Flintski22]

I'm still new to the hobby and this forum. Once I start a post, my brain goes into overdrive resulting in a complete download. So here goes. Some things I have quickly learned…

Check out Ocooch Hardwoods in Wisconsin for a wide selection of reasonably priced wood blanks. They sell in lots of 4 and 20, and shipping charges are reasonable and based upon weight. Very friendly company.

I started out buying my lathe, supplies, and pen kits from Penn State Industries (PSI). I bought their 8" Turncrafter lathe which is the best price I could find on a mini lathe with variable speed and digital readout. I am very happy with the lathe, but I had a couple minor issues. I was able to call and quickly talk to the engineer responsible for the design. He was able to diagnose the problems and had me quickly back up and running. Good company.

As a novice, I have messed up some blanks during end-squaring and turning. The ability to purchase spare tubes is important to me. I learned that many of the kits PSI sells do not have cut-to-length spare tubes available for purchase. That means if I sacrifice a blank on the altar of inexperience, I either scrap the pen kit or invest in tube cutting equipment. Neither is cost effective.

I am quickly gravitating toward Craft Supplies USA (woodturnerscatalog.com) in Utah. They sell cut-to-length spare tubes for ALL their pen kits. Their prices are competitive, and they have a good online catalog with downloadable links to instructions for each of their kits. The instructions are easy to understand and contain dimensions for their bushings which makes it easy to figure out how to properly arrange the bushings. They resell some PSI kits, and they have two brands of their own: Artisan and Apprentice. I have bought both brands and have no complaints. From what I can surmise, the Apprentice kits come from mainland China, and the Artisan kits are produced in Taiwan. Artisan is their premium brand and apparently has better plating. There is a lot of similarity in the kits, and when ordering spare tubes and bushings you need to include the brand name in the search bar to make sure you are getting the correct ones.

Craft Supplies regularly offers sales and special reduced shipping promotions. They ship very quickly, and if you call the sales dept they are very friendly and helpful.

Two things I bought elsewhere was my Milescraft pen press from Amazon and the Doctor's Pens Plus Finish from Woodcraft. I really like the pen press. The Pens Plus is a good finish, non-toxic, and easy to apply. My current finishing technique is to go through the progression of 150, 240, 320, 400, and 600 grit emery followed by a quick finish with 1500 grit paper (had it in my shop). I then wipe the blanks using acetone on a small piece of blue shop towel until all sanding dust is removed. The acetone wipe has made a noticeable improvement in the gloss of the Pens Plus finish.

I started drilling my blanks on my drill press using a pen vice, but the ability to consistently drill a centered hole quickly deteriorated. I now drill all my blanks on the lathe and square the blanks on the drill press.

Solid Advice. I'll be checking out both those companies.

I'm the same way with spare tubes. That's why I like crooked mill so much. They sell each set of replacement tubes for below a dollar, already cut to size. It's so helpful.

Pens Plus. I'll be looking into that. Also good to know that the Acetone wipe is making improvements, I'm definitely writing that in my notes of things to try.

I'm drilling and squaring on my lathe using a center chuck and a barrel trimmer that I mount in my drill chuck on the tailstock.

 

[MikeinOH]

Solid Advice. I'll be checking out both those companies.

I'm the same way with spare tubes. That's why I like crooked mill so much. They sell each set of replacement tubes for below a dollar, already cut to size. It's so helpful.

Pens Plus. I'll be looking into that. Also good to know that the Acetone wipe is making improvements, I'm definitely writing that in my notes of things to try.

I'm drilling and squaring on my lathe using a center chuck and a barrel trimmer that I mount in my drill chuck on the tailstock.

Thanks for the compliment. Squaring on the lathe is certainly an option. I found that squaring in the vice on my drill press is fast, and it allows me to precisely locate and align the end of the barrel trimmer into the glued tube prior to turning on the drill press. Since inadvertently trimming the brass tube is a no-no, using the drill press allows me to take shallow cuts and "sneak-up" on the brass without cutting into it.

Regarding the Pens Plus, it gives a a nice, but not overly glossy finish. I like it because my focus is on wood blanks, and it highlights the grain.

 

[bugradx2]

I'm going to chime in again, I've purchased things from PSI, Craft Supplies and Exotic Blanks along with a couple other more random spots. I vastly prefer Exotic Blanks for anything they have in stock vs the other locations. It helps they buy across nearly all the major manufacturers and retailers. If a tube is available for purchase for a pen they'll typically have it. I really like the time savings involved with their Sierra tubes that arrive at my house already black or white. I have a blank sitting on my desk as I write this that wandered up here out of the shop that has the inside painted but even with the paint I have trouble not seeing the brass tube. Having the tube already black saves me time for painting the brass and helps disguise things.

The ability to take advantage of the discounting at Exotic Blanks is really nice too, their Mix & Match discount is wonderful because I don't typically buy lots of a particular pen but I do buy a variety.

I'm not an expert, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night, but I will say that a couple of the comments earlier in this thread about the cost of the components being directly related to the quality of the components is 100% accurate. You're going to the effort to make these pens to give to friends/family and possibly sell them. Use nice components. I'm not saying you have to spend $50 on components for a single pen but if you see cigar components for $5 and similar looking components for $9, spend the extra 4 bucks. It's worth it. Especially if you're trying to sell. No reason to sell your work for cheap or compete with someone on price. That's just a race to the bottom. Tell people about the quality components you're using and have them use and write with a pen, especially the Schmidt refill.

Lastly and perhaps most important. (sarcasm?) Each order from Exotic Blanks arrives at my house with M&M's. I'm overdue to place an order because our stash above the fridge (out of sight, out of kids minds) is running low. I may have to go examine the trash can in my wife's office. If you have a peanut allergy in the house you can request the chocolate version and they'll send you those instead.

 

[NJturner]

Just a few comments on top of the great ones above. I find drilling on the lathe to be much better than on a drill press, but I do it in steps - a center drill first, then a smaller drill mounted in a good Jacob's chuck on the tailstock - say 6mm bit or so, then one or two larger bits until I hit the needed diameter. To prevent blowouts, I cut the blank long, drill, then cut close to length. I don't get wandering, centers well, and little to no blowouts.

Trimming -- I made a sanding disk using a faceplate and a 3/4 masonite disk cut in an 8" circle screwed to the faceplate with 220 grit sandpaper stuck to it. Mounted this to the headstock. I bought Rick Herrel's offset jig for sanding and a set of punches from Harbor Freight. If I have a lot of blank, I trim to 1/8 or so on the bandsaw, then sand down on the lathe with the disk mounted paper and the blank held squarely in the jig on the correct size punch. Check Frequently to prevent oversanding!

Kevin

 

[Flintski22]

Thanks for the compliment. Squaring on the lathe is certainly an option. I found that squaring in the vice on my drill press is fast, and it allows me to precisely locate and align the end of the barrel trimmer into the glued tube prior to turning on the drill press. Since inadvertently trimming the brass tube is a no-no, using the drill press allows me to take shallow cuts and "sneak-up" on the brass without cutting into it.

Regarding the Pens Plus, it gives a a nice, but not overly glossy finish. I like it because my focus is on wood blanks, and it highlights the grain.

The main reason I square on the lathe and not a drill press is because I don't have a drill press
I only have my lathe and that's all for me. I know people with bandsaws tho, so I go to them when I need to cut a bunch of my lumber into blanks.
I focus mostly on wooden pens as well, so the fact that pens plus is good for the grain makes me even more interested.

 

[Flintski22]

I'm going to chime in again, I've purchased things from PSI, Craft Supplies and Exotic Blanks along with a couple other more random spots. I vastly prefer Exotic Blanks for anything they have in stock vs the other locations. It helps they buy across nearly all the major manufacturers and retailers. If a tube is available for purchase for a pen they'll typically have it. I really like the time savings involved with their Sierra tubes that arrive at my house already black or white. I have a blank sitting on my desk as I write this that wandered up here out of the shop that has the inside painted but even with the paint I have trouble not seeing the brass tube. Having the tube already black saves me time for painting the brass and helps disguise things.

The ability to take advantage of the discounting at Exotic Blanks is really nice too, their Mix & Match discount is wonderful because I don't typically buy lots of a particular pen but I do buy a variety.

I'm not an expert, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night, but I will say that a couple of the comments earlier in this thread about the cost of the components being directly related to the quality of the components is 100% accurate. You're going to the effort to make these pens to give to friends/family and possibly sell them. Use nice components. I'm not saying you have to spend $50 on components for a single pen but if you see cigar components for $5 and similar looking components for $9, spend the extra 4 bucks. It's worth it. Especially if you're trying to sell. No reason to sell your work for cheap or compete with someone on price. That's just a race to the bottom. Tell people about the quality components you're using and have them use and write with a pen, especially the Schmidt refill.

Lastly and perhaps most important. (sarcasm?) Each order from Exotic Blanks arrives at my house with M&M's. I'm overdue to place an order because our stash above the fridge (out of sight, out of kids minds) is running low. I may have to go examine the trash can in my wife's office. If you have a peanut allergy in the house you can request the chocolate version and they'll send you those instead.

Well said. The mix and match discount is definitely clutch.

Cost to result definitely makes sense. I've actually started ordering a lot of new stuff through Penn State and Exotic Blanks. I've found that the two often sell the same kits, but with certain kits on sale at different times which presents some nice opportunities to grab good deals.

I didn't know you could request the M&M's peanut free. I used to have a deadly peanut allergy but I did some treatment where I ate little bits of peanuts up until I could eat as much as I want. Still hate everything peanut butter though, the smell makes me really anxious from all the years I was allergic.

 

[Flintski22]

Just a few comments on top of the great ones above. I find drilling on the lathe to be much better than on a drill press, but I do it in steps - a center drill first, then a smaller drill mounted in a good Jacob's chuck on the tailstock - say 6mm bit or so, then one or two larger bits until I hit the needed diameter. To prevent blowouts, I cut the blank long, drill, then cut close to length. I don't get wandering, centers well, and little to no blowouts.

Trimming -- I made a sanding disk using a faceplate and a 3/4 masonite disk cut in an 8" circle screwed to the faceplate with 220 grit sandpaper stuck to it. Mounted this to the headstock. I bought Rick Herrel's offset jig for sanding and a set of punches from Harbor Freight. If I have a lot of blank, I trim to 1/8 or so on the bandsaw, then sand down on the lathe with the disk mounted paper and the blank held squarely in the jig on the correct size punch. Check Frequently to prevent oversanding!

Kevin

I've never tried drilling in those steps before. I'll have to try that.

Super smart way to Trim blanks. Does the sandpaper get worn out often?

 

[bugradx2]

Well said. The mix and match discount is definitely clutch.

Cost to result definitely makes sense. I've actually started ordering a lot of new stuff through Penn State and Exotic Blanks. I've found that the two often sell the same kits, but with certain kits on sale at different times which presents some nice opportunities to grab good deals.

I didn't know you could request the M&M's peanut free. I used to have a deadly peanut allergy but I did some treatment where I ate little bits of peanuts up until I could eat as much as I want. Still hate everything peanut butter though, the smell makes me really anxious from all the years I was allergic.

If you have the opportunity, start watching the monthly Exotic Blanks youtube live session. Always extremely interesting. The upcoming session is next Thursday.

When you are completing your order you have a free field to add comments to the order, put the request in there.

Yes, Exotic Blanks and PSI will sell the same kits. PSI is a manufacturer and retailer that only sells their own items (mostly). Exotic Blanks is a manufacturer (most notably all the diamond knurl) and retailer that purchases across the various pen making manufacturers (PSI included) to give their customers a very wide selection.

 

[NJturner]

I've never tried drilling in those steps before. I'll have to try that.

Super smart way to Trim blanks. Does the sandpaper get worn out often?

The paper does wear out after a while, but it takes some time, as you are sanding in different places on the disk as you go. I use a spray contact glue on the masonite or adhesive sanding disks, so the paper is easily changed.

Kevin

 

[Woodchipper]

"Use sandpaper as if someone else is buying it." Don't skimp on sandpaper. Probably one of the cheapest aspects of pen turning.
I square the ends with the drill press and the Woodside pen mill set which is on clearance with only four pilot shafts. Mine has eight. Machinist's vise holds the blank.