Pressing a pen on the lathe

[mmayo]

I owned a pen press. I was not smart enough to just use the lathe from the beginning. I will never go back to a pen press now that I know how to do it on the lathe.

 

[Woodchipper]

I did buy a plastic set to press pens on the lathe. I scored a free pen press but did send the person a check to cover shipping.

 

[walshjp17]

Agree with Mark. Using the lathe as a pen press is so much more useful than having to find out where you last used the pen press amid all the clutter of a messy shop. I use two plastic/HDPE MT inserts to press parts together when I make kit pens.

 

[Mortalis]

I just use my drill press with a self turned hardwood pusher in the jacobs chuck and a piece of waste wood on the platen.

 

[Woodchipper]

I keep the pen press on a shelf between tubs of woods. Same place for years.

 

[Bob Roehrig]

Agree with Mark. Using the lathe as a pen press is so much more useful than having to find out where you last used the pen press amid all the clutter of a messy shop. I use two plastic/HDPE MT inserts to press parts together when I make kit pens.

After 20 years of making pens, I've ditched all my pen presses and use a Jorgenson wood clamp. Smooth action clamping and power to spare. Works everytime and I'm in complete control.

 

[Woodchipper]

Hmm. In the beginning, I bought the pieces for the lathe. Can't remember if I still have them.