A question for you pen turners

bffulgham · Post by **bffulgham** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:44 pm

Dr. Mrs. Fulgham, the lovely wife, gave me a starter setup from Penn State last year for my birthday. So, I started dusting off my lathe skills that haven't been used in 30 years or so, set up the 510 in lathe mode (had not set it up in that mode before)..... I've completed a slimline pen and pencil set in the last couple of days. Worked out pretty well for a new-to-me project.

I proudly showed the set to the spouse, and she showed great admiration (she likes me, you see). I suggested that we give the kids, in-laws, out-laws, and co-workers pens for Christmas. She said, "Yes, I think that would be a good way to handle the gift-thing. But, can you etch or carve the recepient's name in the pen? Otherwise, it's just a pen".

Immediately, I thought "Epilog" but even I choke on the $s for that option...ain't gonna bring that "Honey, can I buy....." question up.

Now to the question(s):

Have any of you taken a turned wood pen to one of the engraving places and had them use the laser to "personalize" the pen?

If so, how did it work out?

Pre-finish application, or post?

I'm using the Shellawax liquid friction finish.....(another new-to-me concept....friction finishing....pretty cool).

Thanks in advance, folks!

Bud

PS. Some of you have made comments about pen turning being habit forming.....I can see that. It's really nice to be able to do a project start to finish in an afternoon.

THOMRIDER · Post by **THOMRIDER** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:53 pm

I took mine to Woodcraft and they engraved it after I completed the pen
I just put a first name on it but it turned out very well.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 11:53 pm

There are several local places that will put names on pens for a small change. Google Local for engraving or trophy shop.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 1:26 pm

The engraving can be done either pre-finish or post finish. I have seen pens done where the engraving is done pre-finish, and then filled with a contrasting material. (Turquoise chips) and then finished over the top.

Dealer's choice really. Experiment and be creative. That is what makes them custom pens.

If you have not gone to this site try http://www.penturners.org/ Lots of great ideas and advice there.

Terry

bffulgham · Post by **bffulgham** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 3:47 pm

Thanks to all. I found a couple of places in Amarillo that say they can laser etch/engrave pens. I'll stop in and talk to them the next time I'm in the city.

Appreciate the info.
Bud

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:00 pm

Bfulgham
Try Kallenshanwoods.com for engraving. They have engraved pen boxes also.
Bill V

athomas01 · Post by **athomas01** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 1:23 am

Wait a sec... you guys are really making pens on your shopsmiths? Where can I see examples?... or how to's? Great gift idea!

wurlitzerwilly · Post by **wurlitzerwilly** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:13 am

athomas01 wrote:Wait a sec... you guys are really making pens on your shopsmiths? Where can I see examples?... or how to's? Great gift idea!

You can buy a pen making mandrel from Penn State:
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKM-CL.html

There are others out there that may be better.

tom_k/mo · Post by **tom_k/mo** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:12 am

The Penn State mandrel has served me well.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:35 am

For tutorials, etc., there is a Yahoo penmaking group -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/penturners/

or go to the International Association of PenTurners Organization that was mentioned earlier in this thread -- http://www.penturners.org/

You'll find tons of information at these two sites. In addition, there are books and videos available on penmaking.