New at Pens, need help

[gary7]

I started turning just this year and now would like to do pens, key chains etc. I have been looking at the Professional Pen Turning Mandrel sold by Woodcraft. Are there other items I need like bushings etc to get started with pen and key chain turning? Are the bushings reusable? Do I need different sizes? Any sites or articles I can look at to help me get started with these? As always, Thanks.

 

[Dario]

Try here.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/default.asp

and these http://www.woodturnerruss.com/Pen10.html

You will need the following:
saw
drill press
drill bit (size may vary per kit)
vise to hold the wood while drilling
pen kit
pen end mill
bushings (different per kit)
mandrel (there are 2 sizes A and B)
pen press
glue (CA, Gorilla glue, etc.)
finish (of your choice)

Good luck!

By the way...check the kits from
CSUSA http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/catalog/pen_kits.html
and
Berea's at ArizonaSilhouette http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/catalog/pen_kits.html

 

[Douglas Long]

I've attempted to turn pens on my full size lathe, but found it much better to use my mini lathe. I got mine from Penn State. There are several good companies that have a full range of the items you will need. The list that Dario gives will be very helpful to you. Two of the companies that I've been very satisfied with are, Penn State and Craft Supplies U. S. A. There are naturally others, but these are the ones I use most. I've started using 2 part epoxy more than other glues, but that is just a matter of choice.