Has anyone used the Sorby spiral tool? Is it any good for pens? How about the mini spiral tool? Which would be better for pens? Thank you for your guidance.
I have a mini spiral, though I haven't tried it on a pen blank yet. I have observed for small items you need close grained wood to help minimize the tearouts in the spiraling.
I have used the regular sized tool for "fun" pens I give away when I go into a class and teach/show how a lathe is used and talk about wood. These are the bic pens that can be made for nothing. Pretty good results with the spiraling tool, best on maple.