Thread: Turning handles leads to turning pens?

I made my first brush about 6 months ago, however I did not turn it. I thoroughly enjoyed making it and would like to try my hand at using a lathe to turn handles. In my quest for a lathe I discovered pen turning. Is there anyone here who turns pens? I am hoping to get a lathe in the near future and plan on trying my hand at pen making.

Any thoughts?

I see you've been hanging out at the golden nib!!

Perhaps if I had a lathe I would try it.

I did make a nice silver tip from their materials. I bought a premade sim ivory handle and the 22mm silvertip knot. It is now my favorite brush!!!

I've been looking at the lathes at harbor freight, perhaps one of the small ones. I really don't have a work space right now, I'm such a pack rat.

Anyone have this? http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-...the-95607.html


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Originally Posted by jeffegg2

I see you've been hanging out at the golden nib!!

Perhaps if I had a lathe I would try it.

I did make a nice silver tip from their materials. I bought a premade sim ivory handle and the 22mm silvertip knot. It is now my favorite brush!!!

I've been looking at the lathes at harbor freight, perhaps one of the small ones. I really don't have a work space right now, I'm such a pack rat.

Anyone have this? 8" x 12" Bench Top Wood Lathe


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I have that lathe from HF. It is my first lathe and I bought it to turn brush handles. It does the trick and is easy to use. I've never used any other lathe, so I can't say how it compares.

I have turned pens, but over little time have found them menial. I prefer to stick to my hollow forms, bowls, and whatever I find fun. The last pen I turned was a dip pen as that is the type of pen I prefer to use.
I would highly recommend staying away from harbor freight lathes. Spend some time on craigslist. Older lathes work well for pen lathes. As for pens or brush handles you don't really need a quick adjustable speed. If you want an instant adjustable speed lathe please avoid the reeves drive ones. I still have one and they require a lot of maintenance. I just sold an old rockwell/delta on craigslist for like $150.
There are quite a few people who turn here on the forum, other than myself I don't know of any professional turners. Any questions you have please feel free to ask. Any tools you need please ask before you buy, I can save you a lot of cash.

-G

i considered purchasing a similar lathe, however I read nothing but poor reviews and they lack the ability to be upgraded. Im looking into getting a Jet. Although im nowhere near an expert on the matter, if it works its works i guess.

Did you have to buy anything to go along with it besides the chizels?

Originally Posted by sharp

I have that lathe from HF. It is my first lathe and I bought it to turn brush handles. It does the trick and is easy to use. I've never used any other lathe, so I can't say how it compares.

Saving money is a good thing. Are there any quality benchtop sized lathes for a good price?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

I have turned pens, but over little time have found them menial. I prefer to stick to my hollow forms, bowls, and whatever I find fun. The last pen I turned was a dip pen as that is the type of pen I prefer to use.
I would highly recommend staying away from harbor freight lathes. Spend some time on craigslist. Older lathes work well for pen lathes. As for pens or brush handles you don't really need a quick adjustable speed. If you want an instant adjustable speed lathe please avoid the reeves drive ones. I still have one and they require a lot of maintenance. I just sold an old rockwell/delta on craigslist for like $150.
There are quite a few people who turn here on the forum, other than myself I don't know of any professional turners. Any questions you have please feel free to ask. Any tools you need please ask before you buy, I can save you a lot of cash.

-G

My first favorite bench top is the jet, second would be the rikon. I have heard that the ones from Penn State Industries are ok, but cannot personally confirm this. If you choose to go this direction I can probably help you save money over PSI directly. As for the Jet I would first look on craigslist then check the local woodcrafts and rocklers for demonstration models. But as I said before I prefer the older freestanding models which allow growth.

-G

Jet Mini Lathe with Indexing Head Model 708375 - Woodcraft.com

Sorry, best I can do from a mobile.

Good little unit, very reliable. I have a friend who is terrible to his tools and he has had one for many years.

As for gouges and chisels just let me know what you want or need I may have spares. If not I have many friends who make turning tools.

-G

You think this thing would even work??

Amazon.com: Grizzly H2669 Hobby Lathe: Home Improvement