Thinking about learning to turn

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R

RPLewis

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Jan 2, 2011
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I am thinking about learning to turn pens and came across this forum. WOW... is there a lot of info here! I have always worked with wood.. building custom cabinets, furniture, etc. Have done a little turning if needed in something I was buiding, but never a pen.
I have been looking at the so many pen kits that it's hard to decide which one I want to start with..LOL. But, there is a question that I have that I seem not to find an answer to. I am looking to find a pen kit that is a rollerball pen with the click action. I can find it in a regular ball point pen but not rollerball. Does anyone have any info concerning this.

Thanks for any help... Randy
 
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Mark

Mark

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Hi Randy, Welcome to the IAP. A click Roller Ball. I've not seen one as of yet. I'm guessing mostly due to the fact that the RB is a capped pen. That being said, I surely haven't seen everything... Maybe someone will be along shortly and know of a click RB.

Enjoy the site..
 
hewunch

hewunch

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Randy, I think about the closest you are going to get is a Gel Refill or a Private reserve refill for the pens that use a Parker style refill. And welcome to the party!
 
glycerine

glycerine

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Don't think about it, just do it!! I think most rollerballs will dry out, so they are mostly capped pens, but if you make a ballpoint, use a gel refill or a Schmidt EasyFlow, they both write similar to a rollerball...
 
R

RPLewis

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Wilmington, NC
Thanks everyone for the replies and welcomes. I knew if I joined this site and asked questions I would get the info needed. It IS the gel point that I wanted instead of the rollerball. Thanks for getting me straightened out on this one. I have been using the old cheap trow aways for years and want to make a few click pens that will use the gel refills. Sierra pen sounds like what I need.

Thanks,

Randy
 
IPD_Mrs

IPD_Mrs

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Nice to have you aboard!! You have just joined the addiction that will take you a lifetime to overcome (and you won't care!) Have fun and ask questions - like you noted above, you'll get lots of help from the friendly folks here at IAP. Also, enjoy the library as there is a great deal of useful information cataloged and ready for review.
 
R

RPLewis

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Jan 2, 2011
Messages
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Location
Wilmington, NC
Just ordered my kits and stuff. Hope I got what I need. If not... I'll be asking you guys where I went wrong... LOL. Not really sure what type of finish I need to do, but I guess I will find out next week. I've read about the CA finish and the buffing too. If you guys have any ideas, please don't hesitate to tell me. Also, I have read about sanding up to 600 grit and 12000 MM. It's all confusing to me at this point...LOL. Send me any ideas you may have! I just want to make some pens for me and my friends that don't fall apart 3 months after I give them to them...LOL.

Thanks for all of your welcomes and info.

Randy
 
markgum

markgum

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Apr 8, 2008
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Keenesburg, CO
HI Randy;
welcome to the fun. The best thing is did when I started was to hook up with a turning group and watch and learn. Where you located at? (sorry if I missed that) Several IAP Chapters meet frequently and always fun and good info available at these.
 
ctubbs

ctubbs

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Sep 12, 2010
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Murray, Kentucky
Randy, welcome to the IAP from the lake country of West Kentucky. Grab some scrap wood and make some shavings. When you learn all the bad habits that I have, then you can find out the right way. Join right in. You have made a great decision to hit here and ask question.
Charles
 
LeeR

LeeR

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Nov 13, 2010
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Fort Collins, Colorado
Randy,
I've been a woodworker for 40+ years, but just bought a lathe in October. Started turning pens in November, and did 15 for Christmas, and up to 20 so far. Lots of great info here. I also highly recommending buying some books, and check out "how-to" videos on the Internet. I've been watching videos on wine stopper turning on YouTube and have learned some really great techniques. I can relate to your question on rollerball pens, I tend not to like to have to pull of a pen's cap. I bought some Parker-style pen kits and replaced the standard ink refills with gel refills and am very pleased with them. There are lots of pen kits using the Parker style refill. I like the Sierras, especially the Elegant Beauty versions, although more for their looks than their feel. I personally like the feel of the Cigar-type pens the best. I just made a WoodCraft Retro, and it has a top-twist cap to advance or retract the refill, also a Parker-type pen. Lots of interesting designs are available. You will become addicted for sure!
 
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