Pen turning instructors

[scotian12]

I am a pen turning instructor at Lee Valley here in Canada. In my classes I have had students complete the slimline, sierra, cigar, American Classic, and Baron. While I will continue with the basic kits for introductory turners I am looking to find something more for the advanced turner. I would be interested in what other instructors are doing in their classes. Thanks Darrell Eisner

 

[renowb]

Maybe do some segmenting?

 

[ed4copies]

Expand your MATERIALS. Once you have the concept of turning between bushings you can turn any kit.

However, being able to turn wood does NOT make you able to turn PR, celluloids, inlace, etc. Each of these requires much finer tool control than a simple wood pen, even if it is a burl.

Then you could embark on making laminations with metals and turning them.. Again, a different skill set and the importance of CA impregnation throughout the turning process.

When you finish all that, perhaps your students could make ORIGINAL designs or incorporate ORIGINAL materials (if they have not SEEN IAP, pinecones in resin would be NEW to them, and a thrill to turn)

 

[scotian12]

Thanks Ed and Bill for your input. I will try some of these suggestions. I'm also considering a rifle cartridge kit with a camo top in resin. Darrell Eisner

 

[ldb2000]

Also consider modifying some kit pens like slimlines or cigars .

 

[TerryBlanchard]

I teach at woodcraft from time to time and they really liked the class where we did closed end pens. All students were amazed that could be done

 

[devowoodworking]

Thanks Ed and Bill for your input. I will try some of these suggestions. I'm also considering a rifle cartridge kit with a camo top in resin. Darrell Eisner

I may have to sign up for one of your seminars, Darrell! :biggrin:

 

[Bellsy]

Darrell.......Kits are kits (basically speaking), but I think the level of difficulty could be more aimed towards some segmented work. Lots of thinking and planning are required long before you start drilling and gluing the tubes into the blanks in my opinion.

Dave

 

[RussFairfield]

Take a look at the pen articles on my website and others. Mine is listed below. There are a lot of things they can do with a simple Slim-Line kit to make a bigger pen, a long pen, their own center bands, an enclosed pen, and others without spending a lot of money on a more expensive kit and tools.