Pen press?

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wyone

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Well I received my Rikon low speed grinder and Wolverine jig for Christmas, so I am good for that now. :) :) I also have $100 cash to spend on myself, and thinking of getting a real pen press. I have been using my drill press with marginal success.

I am thinking of the Milescraft pen press, but would love to hear thoughts and get input from any of you who have or use one.

Thanks in advance
 
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You'll likely receive as many opinions on the best way to press pen parts together as you will best ways to CA finish a pen. :smile: There are many here that use the Milescraft and recommend it. Others are fond of a simple quick grip style clamp, or a bar clamp, or a C-clamp, or using the lathe. Some use an arbor press, their bench vise, or the drill press.

I have the Woodriver brand, sold by Woodcraft, on sale right now. I mounted it vertically on the wall. I like that it has a quick release screw so that I can quickly adjust to the length of the components I'm pressing together. Fine-tuning the pressing of transmissions is easy and reliable. There are two things I don't like. One is that the handle attachment is a bit on the flimsy side. The other is that there is a little give in the UHMW cylinder as the parts are pressed together. Overall, though, I don't regret purchasing it.
 
I was looking at the woodriver as my second choice. I like the spring loaded of the Milescraft, and it seems like it would adjust easier. I actually did a search and Home Depot carries it online only for $53 delivered to the store, so I am leaning that way
 
You can also get the Milescraft from Amazon right now for $49 with free shipping & you don't need an Amazon Prime account to get that deal.
 
I have, use and like the PSI press. No experience with the Milescraft. The PSI looks to employ the same mechanical advantage as the Milescraft. When I look over the pics at their web sites, it would seem to me the Milescraft might have some add'l features but the PSI unit is pretty well made and is offered at 25% less than the Milescraft ($10). Your choice
 
I actually have a PSI pen press also. Mine is an earlier version, so it's not quite as nice as the current V4 model, but it works great and I have no complaints about it at all.

Like Ted said, the PSI & Milescraft are very similar and either one will do the job just fine - your choice. The PSI unit is $10 cheaper, but their shipping is $10 so the final price is a wash since you can get free shipping on the Milescraft shipping from Amazon or Home Depot.
 
I have the Milescraft pen press. It is certainly worth the money. I purchased it at Woodcraft. It is very sturdy and the spacer floppy thingies are QUICK to use.
 

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I currently use the Milescraft press. Very sturdy press. Does the job intended for with no complaints.
 
Also have the milescraft

I also use the milescraft. The spacer bushings are quick change for the length. No set screws to wear out or strip. Very sturdy in the build.
 
I turned a couple of pieces of wood with corian on the ends to fit in my lathe and prefer to use that to put my pens together but I did use the Milescraft press one day when I helped out in Craft Supplies pen turning booth at one of the woodshows. After using it if I was going to buy one that is the one I would buy as it worked much better than any press that I have used over the years.
 
Looks like the milescraft is the way to go. I appreciate all the input. I was made aware that The Classic Nib also sells it for $49. I will go that way and give a bit of support to our vendors who do so much for us here. :) :)

Thanks all!
 
I don't have a picture, but tried a couple of the pen presses when I was doing more pens... none worked to my satisfaction...matter of fact, I tried the PSI version and first time I used it, the handle or something collapsed and broke... sent it back....
I bought an arbor press from HF for under $20 and have used it ever since... you do have to be careful as you can crush a pen with it.... DAMHIKT
 
Milescraft...ONLY way to go! Easy to use, sturdy and extremely well made! You'll NEVER have to buy another pen press and WON'T be disappointed!
 
I did place the order for a Milescraft late Friday night from the Classic Nib. I do think giving the business to those who are part of our group is the best way. Plus their price beat everyone else's! Plus I got word today that they shipped it already!

What more could I ask for? :) :)
 
I have the Milescraft pen press and I love it! I wouldn't be with out it. It works great for me. I used to use a bar clamp but it is better to use a pen press. Good luck with yours. Fay
 
I use an arbor press myself. I've been a tool and die maker for 33+ years and I'm just used to it I guess. For me I have the feel for it.
I'm still interested in this thread because at some point I want to get one for when I do shows. At times it could be very handy! The milescraft sounds like a pretty good choice.

I agree 100% with getting it from Roy! That is probably what I would do as well!
 
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