Shopsmith Forums

Can a Mark V turn something as small as a Pen Blank?
Please advise.
Thanks in advance, as always!

Yes they can. I have turned pens on my 10ER and lots of other members have turned pens on their Mark Vs.

All of these were turned on a MkV. Bill V and my son Pete

I'm sure the OPs next question is how? With stock equipment, or do you need a pen mandrel, any specific equipment like a morse taper mandrel saver and where to get this stuff?

I know Penn State sells some of this stuff, but I'm curious about other experience too as I would like to start turning some pens. Does Shopsmith sell pen turning equipment?

Shopsmith used to sell a pen mandrel that was held in the drill chuck, but that seems to be discontinued. Penn State sells one that has a 5/8" mount for Shopsmith. Shopsmith still sells a set of pen turning chisels made from high speed steel.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKM-CL.html

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... oolset.htm

Mike

wa2crk wrote:All of these were turned on a MkV.

Pens by Pete and Dad.jpg

Bill V and my son Pete

Absolutely gorgeous!

And how about, the best kit or better kits... are there good and bad kits?

See, I want to be able to offer several things, for when I go to the flea market to sell my wares and pens will be part of this puzzle that I am trying to build!

Excellent question, letterk!

I find that Penn State industries has very good kits. Woodcraft has good kits also. I have bought kits from Berea Hardwoods as well.
All have good quality products.
I like the Designer pen kits from PSI and the Euro Pen design from Woodcraft. They are almost duplicates of each other and they are very easy to build.
Bill V

PS. I have the PSI pen mandrel with the adaptor and I like it but I am not thrilled with the mandrel saver. Just remember when tightening the pen blank when not using the mandrel saver be careful not to over tighten the mandrel against the tailstock.
Over tightening will cause the mandrel to bend and result in a pen that will be more oval than round. It may be necessary to put a small drop of blue Loctite on the shaft where it screws into the body of the adaptor to prevent it from unthreading itself.
Bill

I turn a lot of pens from PSI. Also like Woodturningz for kits and blanks. Woodturningz also ship fast--you have the items in 3 days. Contrary to the general notion, although slim-line pens are inexpensive and deemed to be a good "first pen", I spend more time assembling those than most other pens. Getting the twist mechanism just right is a "sneak up on to it" operation. Go to far and it is difficult to remedy. Also turning 4 ends to match up to the bushings so there is a smooth transition between blank and pen tip, end cap and center band makes for some skill building.

My favorite pen is the Bolt Action click pen. Guys really like it with a wood blank. Just plain fun to have in your hand. Also like the Vertex. Both are single tube and easy to turn. The gals seem to like the Princess pens with an acrylic blank.

The Shopsmith basic lathe tool set is adequate for most everything. Occasionally fine the skew a little to "heavy duty" and use one that is smaller for the finer cuts. I use the PSI mandrel for the Shopsmith. Great fun and close to instant satisfaction. Beware of the addiction factor.

Regards,
Dwight

All excellent posts, I am so glad I asked this question!!!