pen turning questions

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:29 pm

fjimp wrote:Okay here are the promised pictures. The first shows the top side of the vice mounted on the jig I built for it. I learned the hard way that if the vice isn't totally stable it twists and moves.

The second picture shows how the vice is bolted to the jig. Secondly how even ugly mistakes can be corrected and finally make a useable jig. Finally how four t-nuts properly located with phillips head screws from the top side create a totally stable drilling jig. Once I got the table the way I wanted it I used a marker to show where the jig needs to be located on the table so it is automattically centered every time I use it. Incidentally I also use adjustble legs to keep the front corners of the table steady while in drill press mode and a bottle jack to steady the rear of the table. Yes I am picky I don't enjoy wasting even a single pen blank nor do I like to do anything over. fjimp

Oakay, I have been told that I am blind, but I still do knot see any pictures...Jim???

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:31 pm

Hi;
I just wanted to put my two cents worth in here.
I will direct all to another site http://WWW.SSUG.ORG and look in the gallery for a picture of "Bill Van's pen drilling jig" and look at a jig that I made for a 520fence.
The jig can be modified for a 510 fence or the later model 500 fence with the top slot for the toggle bolts.
There is one problem with this fixture and that is that I can load and drill pen blanks so fast that I often overheat the drill bits that I am using. A small price to pay for some speed.
Bill

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:46 pm

Okay I will try the pictures again. Sorry fjimp

fixit · Post by **fixit** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:01 pm

Hi Bill,

It's always the simplest ideas that are so GREAT! Thanks for sharing this idea. It beats what I've been doing all to h---!!!

I'm off to the shop as soon as I get done here (well, a trip to the pharmacy has to come first - but right after that) to make one for myself. I have several pens to make this week and this will greatly reduce my preparation time.

Thanks.

james.miller · Post by **james.miller** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:21 pm

I think I remember a post for a jig for drilling pen blanks. It was a V-block that was used in the horizontal boring position. If anybody knows where it is please post the link.

cdlowboy · Post by **cdlowboy** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:46 pm

i am a little new to pen making one of the problem i am having is to get the pen blank hole in the center when the hloe is completed. i have tryed some of the jigs out there so far it is not working to well. i have a woodcrafter not to far from me i have seen a new jig they carry called a deluxe vise i am wanting to know if any one has tryed one of the's if so would you send a message back thanks. cd:rolleyes:

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:05 pm

cdlowboy,

Good luck with pen turning. It is a rewarding hobby that allows a great deal of creativity.

I checked the Deluxe Pen Drilling vice you referred to. It comes closer to the real thing than any other I have used except for the vices built by Paul Huffman of Oklahoma City, his is far superior to any other I have tried that really works. If you try this one you found I would make one suggestion. Create a very sold base for it to attach to. If that base is close to the full size of your drill press table and well attached to it you will have better luck than with most other vice arrangements. fjimp

cdlowboy · Post by **cdlowboy** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:18 pm

thanks fjimp
that is good to know where can i look up paul hoffman vises that may help me make my mine up what to get to help drill the blanks thanks
chuck bonner spring kansas

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:29 pm

cdlowboy,

If you review the pictures in post 13 of this threat you will see pictures of the Palu Huffman (That's Huffman not Hoffman) vice and the jig I built for it. Paul at one point in time had a company I believe it was called PH Designs. Rumor has it he is no longer building them. Good luck fjimp

cdlowboy · Post by **cdlowboy** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:54 pm

thanks jim
i looked at the pictures looks like it would work well but sounds like you can not fine one of them to easy i guest i will try the deluxe from woodcarfter i will let you know how it works thanks chuck