DFR
Member
While looking for a hobby to pass the winter, I thought why not turn some pens? I can tell you now that after two weeks, I am going to need an intervention. I'm addicted. Gonna need a part time job to support my addiction.
Think I made a mistake
- Thread starter DFR
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SteveJ
Member
Just think of how much you will save on Christmas gifts (as long as you don't count ALL the costs of equipment etc). It is really only the first pen that is outrageously expensive, attribute the cost of getting set up and properly equipped to that first pen and you are good to go, then the rest are just the cost on the kit and blank...
Cwalker935
Member
You want get any help here, we are just a bunch of fellow addicts and enablers.
WriteON
Member
Tap tap tap.... a seriously big mistake. Glad you're hooked....misery loves company. Group hug is in order. BUT you do not realize how deep you are in. Starts with pens, pen holders...moves onto stoppers, rings, canes, walking sticks. ADVANCED pen making. I'll speak for myself... I should have stayed in school.
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mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
You sound like a nice guy Dan. My condolences... It's typically terminal.
Woodchipper
Member
There is no therapy.
MRDucks2
Member
Don't let them fool you. I haven't turned a pen in months...
I have learned to make blanks in dozens of styles out of various resins, have 1 and 5 gallon pressure pots, 3 quart and 3 gallon vacuum chambers, learned to stabilize and stabilize with color about anything and recently acquire a system to laser engrave up to 1000mm x 1000mm (maybe a little overkill there). Oh, and I also have a few extra wood pen blanks laying around.
I have learned to make blanks in dozens of styles out of various resins, have 1 and 5 gallon pressure pots, 3 quart and 3 gallon vacuum chambers, learned to stabilize and stabilize with color about anything and recently acquire a system to laser engrave up to 1000mm x 1000mm (maybe a little overkill there). Oh, and I also have a few extra wood pen blanks laying around.
turncrazy43
Member
I figure my first pen cost me about $3,000. But each one after that the unit costs has dropped a good bit. The addiction is somewhat expensive and there is no cure, but think of the fun and satisfaction you have had. Its a great hobby and therapy.
WriteON
Member
If you think you're out the door at $3000 forgetaboutit. As for the fun return.... best ever. Does not get old. One thing I still do not understand after 5 years of turning.... when someone asks if I have a pen..... and I don't.
GraiDawg
Member
what's with that? I NEVER have a pen.
Jsavage4
Member
Writeon hit the nail on the head. Sure hope your wife is with you a 100%.
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WriteON
Member
Careful what you ask for. I asked mine for support and got it ok
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pshrynk
Member
Generally we don't consider it a true addiction until you get your third lathe.
Of course that's along the same lines as "You are only an alcoholic if you drink more than your doctor..."
Of course that's along the same lines as "You are only an alcoholic if you drink more than your doctor..."
TellicoTurning
Member
I guess I'm truly addicted then... I'm on my third lathe and it's about worn out... have to change the bearings and spindle shaft as soon as the shaft arrives.... hopefully tomorrow... I have a dozen pepper mills sitting drilled and prepped for turning that I need for the coming Holiday Market.
BTW, I often tell people that this addition is the most fun you can have with all your clothes on.
pshrynk
Member
Well, but is it three at once? Gotta have some standards, here... 
howsitwork
Member
Ah well just think of the heartache you have saved your family !!! All those "essential items" they can buy you for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries etc . Suddenly you have solved their problems with one, simple hobby ....
I found leaving starred items in the Axminster catalogue ( you guys have Veritas , Craft supplies and Penn state to choose from ) with a page marker worked fairly well for the first few years. After that it's easier to buy it, present it to the " luck giver" saving them to hassle and charge them what you paid for it . I see over there the retailers have twigged to this idea already ,
I found leaving starred items in the Axminster catalogue ( you guys have Veritas , Craft supplies and Penn state to choose from ) with a page marker worked fairly well for the first few years. After that it's easier to buy it, present it to the " luck giver" saving them to hassle and charge them what you paid for it . I see over there the retailers have twigged to this idea already ,
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howsitwork
Member
So if you buy a metalwork lathe that doesn't really count does it as it COULD be used for a different hobbyWell, but is it three at once? Gotta have some standards, here...
pshrynk
Member
Absolutely! Just as my three different calipers are used for different things. I make ship models, as well, so...So if you buy a metalwork lathe that doesn't really count does it as it COULD be used for a different hobby
howsitwork
Member
Ah but the calipers could have different scales and be of different sizes so that doesn't count !
I currently have 4 digital calipers sets 150mm size ( 6" to you ) and a number ( forget how many ) of the manual ones. plus 4 ( best guesstimate) of the 300mm sizein digital and manual . Yet the most loved and used ones are the dial vernier calipers with the slightly broken action in 6" I bought 10 years ago . I bought a 12" dial vernier to replace them but still use the 6" , which is slightly crazy I admit.
Dont get me started on micrometers , or precision G clamps as my good colleague and eccentric watch making friend calls them. I just found a few I didn't remember buying in a spare tool cabinet . He has probably upwards of 50 pairs of varying sizes in his , at last count 12 tool makers cabinets. So actually our collections are quite tame
howsitwork
Member
you are of course a worn to secrecy on this as a fellow enthusiast!!!
WriteON
Member
Brothers oath. Just so everyone should know.... I got a very good lathe for my wife. Best trade I ever made.
howsitwork
Member
Not sure on that score, does it come with a coffee and cake making attachments?
Then again most supermarkets deliver locally.
It'll probably run quieter for sure
Then again most supermarkets deliver locally.
It'll probably run quieter for sure