Shopsmith Forums

How is the quality of the pen components sold by penn state etc?

I'm going purely off what I can make out from the photos online and could be mistaken, but it looks to me like the pen components sold by Penn state and the others (which seem to be the same parts) are rather cheaply made. They don't cost a whole lot so that makes sense, but if this is right, where do you get really nice components if you want to make a really special gift pen?


Edit: it's the clips that most look just OK, made from stamped metal. I'm extrapolating from there for the most part.

I have a wedding present to make, a traditional lap desk, and would love to them a pen to match (after turning a bunch of practice junk) if I can find nice hardware. I have a year to do this so I have time to practice.

I've always been very happy with Penn State. To me they seemed better than the store-brand Rockler and Woodcraft kits. I'd like to hear others here chime in, too.

Yeah, that's good to hear. I've never seen any in person.

Craft Supplies USA is another good source.

Mike

For what it's worth, if it says "Funline", take a pass. Those are ok for raffles and giveaways, but the "transmission" wears quickly. Slimline pens seem better. The more expensive kits so far have been fine.

Now, if you know of a mechanical pencil kit that works well, please let me know...

Try Berea Hardwoods
http://www.bereahardwoods.com/
Good kits and fair prices.
Bill V

I've bought from WoodTurningz, a small supplier, a few times. I was very pleased with the prices and customer service. At the time I purchased, besides what they sold directly, they could get Penn State items at a bit of a discount. They have a bunch of types of blanks that you will have a hard time finding elsewhere as I believe they manufacturer a bunch of their blanks in house.

http://www.woodturningz.com/

They have a $5 off $50+ orders this weekend with code HAPPY4TH; expires at midnight Sunday night. They also run bi-weekly sales throughout the year.

Roy

OK, now I'm seeing more along the lines of what I expected. Perhaps I'd only seen closeups and details for the entry level pens. Knowing there are readily available high quality parts - which I figured had to be the case somewhere - means I will take this on as part of the gift. The couple is in recovery so I can't make the cool wine and note box moggymatt posted, too bad! maybe I can just give them the box and keep the wine?

I'm making them something surprisingly similar in a way. They told me about what they call 'God boxes', where you write down your prayers or intentions and stick them through a slot in an otherwise sealed box. I figured it would be nicer to make it like an antique lap desk, always loved the one my mom has always had - stunningly beautiful, thick burl, brass corners, lock, tacks, etc.
Instead of just a lap desk I'll make the top portion that usually has little storage areas into a set of three god boxes, one for each and one for the two of them. It will stretch my abilities but not such that I can't do it.
Of course, I won't have anything to show for a few months since other stuff has to come first. A set of pens would be a perfect fit.

I've also got a unimat sl, will have to see if that is better for pen turning. Seems so odd to turn a tiny pen on a large lathe.

Thanks again for all the links. I'll have all sorts of questions when the time comes.

I have used Penn State for the vast majority of my pen turning. I have not had many problems with their kits and if you do they correct the problem with no hassles. Here are a few more suppliers I have come across but I have no experience with any of them:

http://www.beartoothwoods.com/catalog/

http://thegoldennib.com/

http://www.penblanks.ca/home.php

Good luck with your sedding gift.

Regards,
Dwight

Actually, most of the pen kits from Woodturnigz are Penn State kits. I use them a lot. I'm am part of the Freedom Pen Project at Redstone Arsenal, we do pens for units downrange and Warrior Transition units as a way to support the troops. We have made literally thousands of pens for this and use the 7mm Slimline kits. I have made a bunch of other pens, mostly from Pen State and Craft Supply. Had good luck with most, but I do not recommend the 8mm click pens as the mechanisms have failed on several of those.