Shopsmith Forums

I just finished turning a lazer cut pen kit from Rockler. Thought I would give it a try as a birthday gift to my attorney granddaughter. Although I like the results I really didn't like the kit. The dark insert appears to be a pulpy fiber material (like an egg carton). I therefore used a multi coat CA finish, but only time will tell how it wears. Somehow I expected a CNC lazer cut pattern to be more precise than it was.
Then again, I guess my real complaint is that as a kit, how much is really my work. Perhaps in the future they will sell seconds...then I could try using a lazer cut barrel and filling it with metal or crushed stone.
Anyway, so much for my review of the Rockler kit.
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I gotta say that you did a awful nice job according to what you had to work with.

WOW that is really a nice looking pen. I am sure she will be proud of it.

Gary,

For doing laser-cut inlays, I would buy direct from the supplier. Not that I have issues with Rockler or Woodcraft or other resellers (I don't think), but I think I prefer buying direct from the small business.

Kallenshaan Woods (who pioneered the laser-cut inlays for pens), or Lazerlinez are good sources.

You're right, though; I think the kit inlays are not as much "my hands and work."

Nice end product, though!

Best,

hdtran

For your information, a pen turning supplier in Missouri has gotten an Epilog laser and is now designing and making their own kits, some of them quite different than I've seen elsewhere. I've dealt with them quite often and they are great to deal with. It wouldn't surprise me that if you wanted a custom design, if there was enough quantity that they'd be willing to work with you and cut them for you. You can check out their offerings here: Wood-n-Whimsies.

Thank you for some very interesting links.