First, a quick thank you.. Over the past few months, I've asked some questions on this board and the tips that I've received here really helped me a ton. I had zero woodworking knowledge when I started turning pens back in August yet I was able to meet my goal of completing 6 pens to give as Christmas presents this year. There's room for improvement but I'm proud of the ones that I'm giving as gifts. Thank you again!
About that room for improvement.. I need some recommendations on a couple of things:
1. a better chuck for my lathe (for holding the pen blanks while I drill the hole). I know these get pretty expensive but I think I realize the benefits now when it comes to chuck quality.
2. A quality barrel trimmer set. The adjustable hexnut thing is stripped in the one I have. Also, the 7mm guide bit would yank out the brass tube in my slimline pens, even after applying some lubricant. Maybe I'm doing something wrong but I suspect the cheap barrel trimmer kit is at least part of the problem. **Or if you recommend using a sander to square the blanks, what kind of squaring jig are you using? I tried to do this by hand after the barrel trimmer/slimline issues but wasn't able to do this very well.
3. Please recommend some pen kits that you guys have had success with. I've done slimline, cigar and American standard.
Thanks and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all!
About that room for improvement.. I need some recommendations on a couple of things:
1. a better chuck for my lathe (for holding the pen blanks while I drill the hole). I know these get pretty expensive but I think I realize the benefits now when it comes to chuck quality.
2. A quality barrel trimmer set. The adjustable hexnut thing is stripped in the one I have. Also, the 7mm guide bit would yank out the brass tube in my slimline pens, even after applying some lubricant. Maybe I'm doing something wrong but I suspect the cheap barrel trimmer kit is at least part of the problem. **Or if you recommend using a sander to square the blanks, what kind of squaring jig are you using? I tried to do this by hand after the barrel trimmer/slimline issues but wasn't able to do this very well.
3. Please recommend some pen kits that you guys have had success with. I've done slimline, cigar and American standard.
Thanks and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all!
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