Need pen kit ideas

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:35 am

wholeshoe, yes pennstate has the $30 expanding collet chuck. the video link to woodturner russ even shows it in use. it works by drilling a 1-3/8" shallow hole in the blank and by twisting the chuck it expands in the hole. the watch would be as good a starter project as any. russ fairfield also show different pen turning techniques on his site. the 1-3/8" forstner bit comes with the chuck from pennstate. if you have a harbor freight store near you their $60 turning tool set is as good as any for a beginner. do not buy their cheaper set.

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:51 pm

wholeshoe, after looking a the pennstate site their starter kit would indeed get you up and running. myself i do not like the included stud for the top of the pocket watch. i use a "D" type screw eye as shown in the tutorial/video and save the stud for use in a smaller size pendant watch for the ladies. i wouls call pennstate to order rathar than ordering online to make sure that they send the proper expanding collet chuck to fit the shopsmith.

tango · Post by **tango** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 2:42 pm

[quote="hudsonmiller"]Well, you've discovered Penn State Industries]

Yeah, well looking back on it now it seems like a good idea to have bought some pen kits too; but my one track mind didn't allow me to think that far ahead. One thought at a time it always says.

tango · Post by **tango** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 2:46 pm

hoagie wrote:Tango,

I see you are located in Belgium. Is that the country Belgium. Or is it Belgium in NY, IL, WV, WI or FL?

The reason I ask is where you are may determine the availability of pen kits.
Here in Southern California I am lucky in that there is a Rockler less than 2 miles away and a Woodcraft store only a bit further. I've used kits from both of them. My first pen kits were the 'starter set' from Penn State, which included pre-drilled and cut-to-length blanks, along with the tubes and components. Very easy to put together.

There are some differences in my experience between the pen kits from different manufacturers. I found the slimline pens from Woodcraft to have a different length tube than the ones from Rockler. So it might be wise to stick with one manufacturer to start. You will want to move to kits from different manufacturers as you really get into pen turning.

Belgium... the country. Been here for about 9 months now, haven't found anything nearly as exciting as Rockler or Woodcraft. Well, I should say not as exciting in the world of sawdust therapy; I've been pretty overwhelmed with other things outside that world.

From all the advice I've gotten on this topic thus far I think I'll try the slimline series from Penn State. They sound like a reasonable choice.

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:49 pm

Don't forget to order the free pen turning DVD when you place your order.

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:15 am

Tango

I like the designer pens. They are easier to turn than the slim lines and look and feel good. Buy the Fun line's to practice with as they are not very expensive. I use the titanium kits for gifts.

Good Luck
Mark

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 2:03 pm

mbcabinetmaker wrote:Tango

I like the designer pens. They are easier to turn than the slim lines and look and feel good. Buy the Fun line's to practice with as they are not very expensive. I use the titanium kits for gifts.

Good Luck
Mark

Mark,
I thought the only thing that would make the slim-line pens any easier to turn would be to have someone else turn them for you.

hoagie · Post by **hoagie** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:57 pm

[quote="tango"]Belgium... the country.....I've been pretty overwhelmed with other things outside that world. ]

Yes, and if you enjoy the "brown pops" you are in one of the top beer producing regions in the world. Enjoy.

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Need pen kit ideas

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