DRugerH
Member
Good afternoon. I joined this forum on recommendation from another turner from another turning forum. So, I thought I'd join and introduce myself.
I am Dan from SE Wisconsin. I have been turning for around 10-years, or so. I started with turning spindles on an early 90's Craftsman 12" lathe, and then got into turning pens. It took a few pens before I got into it and figured out my groove. After the Craftsman gave up the ghost, I purchased a Harbor Freight 12" x 33" lathe. That wasn't a great lathe for pen turning, so I went and purchased the Harbor Freight 10" X 18" for $1.78 (It was on sale, I had a 30% coupon, and I was given a gift card, so that was my out-of-pocket). That was the perfect lathe for pen turning. I have since upgraded my larger of the two lathes to the Grizzly G0766, but kept the small Harbor Freight lathe as it works perfectly. I've even turned small bowls and stuff on it, and it holds its own just fine, so no reason to get rid of it. I have since added a smaller, vintage Tomlee drill press (restored and painted to match the lathe, I know, I'm a dork) with a self-centering vise (Stripped and also painted to match) for pen blanks, and have it parked next to the small lathe. Next to that is the pen press. So, I essentially have my pen making station.
Anyhow, it's good to meet you all, and I hope to offer up some advice and gain some knowledge.
Dan
I am Dan from SE Wisconsin. I have been turning for around 10-years, or so. I started with turning spindles on an early 90's Craftsman 12" lathe, and then got into turning pens. It took a few pens before I got into it and figured out my groove. After the Craftsman gave up the ghost, I purchased a Harbor Freight 12" x 33" lathe. That wasn't a great lathe for pen turning, so I went and purchased the Harbor Freight 10" X 18" for $1.78 (It was on sale, I had a 30% coupon, and I was given a gift card, so that was my out-of-pocket). That was the perfect lathe for pen turning. I have since upgraded my larger of the two lathes to the Grizzly G0766, but kept the small Harbor Freight lathe as it works perfectly. I've even turned small bowls and stuff on it, and it holds its own just fine, so no reason to get rid of it. I have since added a smaller, vintage Tomlee drill press (restored and painted to match the lathe, I know, I'm a dork) with a self-centering vise (Stripped and also painted to match) for pen blanks, and have it parked next to the small lathe. Next to that is the pen press. So, I essentially have my pen making station.
Anyhow, it's good to meet you all, and I hope to offer up some advice and gain some knowledge.
Dan
