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Alan Morrison

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2019
Messages
3,062
Location
N Ireland
Welcome to this forum Brian.
Make good use of the library here, ask plenty of questions, make friends here and enjoy yourself.
Beware the bottomless pit!
Alan
 

George883

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Messages
276
Location
Peoria, Arizona
Welcome to the site Brian. Watch a lot of YouTube videos, try to join a local woodturning club and of course practice, practice and more practice. This from a fellow newbie.
 

thomgarner

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2019
Messages
136
Location
Boerne, TX
Welcome to the forum from South Texas ...
Advise from one newbie to another ... read the forums and ask questions. There is also a lot of YouTube videos on the subject, but be careful there is a lot of bad practices shown on some of the videos. My first recommendation is to see if there is a Rockler or Woodcraft store near you and see if there is any classes you might like to take. One of the first things is to choose what type of turning tool to use. High Speed Steel (HSS) or Carbide ... I use both but for roughing I use Carbide ... Also start out with a one piece pen kit. They are easy to turn and assemble ... Good luck in you new found hobby ...
 

mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
12,720
Location
Medina, Ohio
Welcome to IAP Brian. Tips?. Yea, bury your wallet and credit cards in the sand and forget them! 🤭

OK, so the Library is an awesome resource for the last 4,795 folks that mentioned "Newby" in their into. Many categories, and lots of tips from beginner to advanced. Then also are the individual forums, each is excellent for more specific topics.

To be more specific:

Have an attitude to accept screw-ups.
Practice as much as you can.
Refine your tool skills
Refine your preferred finishes.
Save most of your initial pens (they will not be as good as you will think in 6 months).
Read, ask questions, post pictures and welcome feedback.

Have FUN!
 

magpens

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
15,913
Location
Canada
Hi Brian !! . Welcome to IAP !!

Tips for newbie penturners -
1) Go to ExoticBlanks.com
2) Buy a couple (or more) of the 30 Caliber Bolt Action chrome pen kits - these are the easiest for beginners - give super results - one pce barrel like Tom said
3) Buy a few of their (cheaper) wood pen blanks - go for Olivewood or Desert Ironwood if they have any - lovely woods for penturning - no plastics yet
4) Check out their video tutorial section - Excellent starting place

And ..... ask lots of questions here !!
 
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