Getting Started Supplies

[Darryl Hall]

I would like suggestions for everything I'll need to get started on basic turning projects. I am thinking that slim line pens would be a good starter?
I am going to order a grinder from Woodcraft and would like to it get all in the same order.

What I have:
Lathe is ordered
Cheap Delta 10" band saw
Cheap table top drill press
Used set of turning tools-Delta 46-625
Will have the slow speed grinder.

What else will I need to make the pens from start to finish, keeping in mind that I am completely new at this and there will be screw ups.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[n7bsn]

A face shield for you. Trust me, don't skip this

Going to do bowls and vessels? Then you need things like a face-plate (I like Don Pencil Aluminum ones) or a four-jaw chuck. Plus a bowl gouge

Trust me, the cost of my first lathe was about 1/3 of what I needed to get really going

 

[Mark Warden]

Hi Daryll here is what I have to make pens.
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2003759/2325/2-MT-Mandrel.aspx you need the proper MT for your lathe and bushings for your pen kit the slimlines use http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2001609/1173/PenPencil-Bushings-Slim-Style.aspx and drill bit http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020575/24296/WoodRiver-Pen-Makers-Bit-7mm.aspx
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/20....aspx?ss=63414b6e-a8a7-4cb5-8ae8-8581fec8a0a3 for holding blanks to drill center hole.

You need a way to press the pens together I use a bench vise if you don't have one you will need something like this. http://www.woodcraft.com/catalog/productpage2.aspx?prodid=9497

http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2005386/Complete-Pen-Mill-Set.aspx I have this but find it is easier to use the disk sander.

Some sort of super glue to glue the brass in I use the thick and don't forget to scratch the brass up with sand paper so the glue has something to adhere to.
That and a good assortment of sand paper and you'll be making penns.
If you find you enjoy doing pens you can look into something like these http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2003974/9193/3-Piece-Pen-Turning-Set.aspx I have the sorby 3 piece pen set and love it.

P.S. And as always make sure your tools are sharp you don't have alot of wood to play with the sharper the better.

 

[Joe Greiner]

+1 for sandpaper. Lots of sandpaper. Buy it in bulk, and use it as if someone else paid for it.

 

[John Torchick]

I'm surprised that everyone left off an important part of getting started in woodturning. A credit card with a high limit is most helpful!

 

[Dale Jablonski]

Dust mask is an absolute necessity! As is a good shop vac if you don't already have one. Take care of your lungs!

 

[Jason Silva]

I would start by skipping the "cheap" tools...you will end up buying better ones shortly. I have replaced almost every tool i own because the first ones were cheap.

Second...join a club and make some friends. Mentors are worth their weight in gold when it comes to gaining experience quickly.

Third...enjoy the addiction!

 

[Brian Libby]

I agree about cheap tools. Buy as high a quality tool as you can afford!

 

[Darryl Hall]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I'm surprised that everyone left off an important part of getting started in woodturning. A credit card with a high limit is most helpful!

But dose your wife know?

 

[John Torchick]

She knows! We've been married over 38 years and the only time I bought anything without her knowledge was a fishing reel for $25. Still have the reel and the wife. The reel has been retired. She has asked me many times when I'm going to get a cheap hobby.

 

[Darryl Hall]

It appears I'm gonna need some kind of sharpening jig. I don't have the bucks for the name brand, but I have seen some home made jobs on Youtube. Will that suffice for sharpening tools needed for pen turning? Am I right to think pens are a good place to start?

 

[Dean Center]

A sharpening jig is not absolutely necessary. Good instruction, patience, practice and thinking of your first set of lathe tools as 'sacrificial' will work.

 

[DOCworks]

Begining in pens

Couple more things that I use..A small skew, I use the one from Crown Tools the most and I have a flat grind on it. I use either a diamond hone and or a leather strap to keep it sharp. And a small bowl gouge. Thats it as far as tools go. Finishing there must be a ton. But CA with a little practice is very durable and you have to have it anyway. I use the foam sheet packing material to apply, you can usually score some from work or friends...I have to throw the stuff away I've got to many people "helping". Sand paper. I use the micro paper at woodcraft comes in a pack and I get the 6" discs and cut them in quarters. They last a long time. Use a light touch above 3000 as you will heat up the paper and leave marks. Get a cheap caliper this is a better way to get great fitting pens than using the guides. Measure the pen parts and then bring your wood down to that measurement. MTCW.
Bill