I have been turning pens for about 3 years and still learned from your vedio. I wish I had this when I started turning. Aways eioy your videos. I am sure this will be of great help to someone just starting.
For those of you new to pen turning, Bob has made an excellent video here on what's needed to start off on tools/supplies and where to end up as well as alternatives. As with Bob I started with tools from Harbor Freight and upgrade as funds allow. Just as he states in the end, there are other methods which you may have experience with that work easier you you and your budget. I have learned much from watching his videos, and he is clear, concise and produces excellent videos. Thank you Bob for sharing your experience and techniques with us!
Bob, Another quality and informative video. I am using a mini lathe. It has done everything I have asked of it.I have turned bowls, goblets and even candlestick holders on it. I have pen jaws and do my blank drilling on my lathe.You are right each individual needs to find what they are happy and safe using for themselves. Thanks once again .
Another great video, Bob. I have hit my one year mark in turning pens and you have been my main go to for information. Thank you for all your help!!! ~Scott
Thank You for making this video. I’m buying my first lathe later this week and other than the cutters had no clue what else I might need. Sounds like we are in the same neck of the woods so maybe I’ll see you at one of the turning shows.
Thank you Todd, I hope to see you at a show. The last one of the year is in September in Parkersburg, WV. The Mid-Ohio Valley Pen Turners Gathering or MOVPTG for short. It will be a blast of a show. 😃 Regards, Bob
Good vid! You hit all the major points. I started out with the smaller HF lathe and, after one year, my family bought me the next size up HF lathe with variable speed pulleys. That was a big improvement for little money. I love being able to grab the handle and speed things up for polishing. I did not get the pen vise for the drill press. At first I used a mechanic's vise but getting the blanks perfectly perpendicular to the bed was hit or miss. I now have the pin jaws for my chuck and they are working very nicely with an opposing Jacobs chuck. After building the Shaunessey pen press and breaking it twice I built a screw drive press for assembly using a large threaded rod and I have much more control than pressing on a lever. Finishing is right on, I'm using the Stick-Fast CA and the PlastX polish. Working on a buffing setup using big buffing pads that chucks into my lathe. I put together a disassembly set using HF punch pins and the PSI locking pliers. Wishing you a better lathe soon. Keep turning bro.
Thanks for the informative videos. My son bought me the same lathe for Father's Day, I've only turned six pens so far, but I've really enjoyed it. Melted some HDPE last night, turned some bushings, going to try CA finish later. Thanks for sharing and your inspiration.
A tip for the Jorgensen clamps, I glued a small strip of wood, maybe 3/8 " wide, on the inside of the jaw, perpendicular to the face. This helps to keep the blank at 90 degrees, no guess work.
Everybody has an opinion. Yep! That is the big thing. Like you said, learn from others then find what works for you. And don't be close minded to anything because your techniques will continually evolve as you learn and gain experience and what you thought was a dumb idea yesterday might be just the thing tomorrow.
Great pen overview... You have been a great impression to me since I started turning early last year. I assisted my next door neighbor in making his 1st pen earlier this year. I directed him to your channel for additional info. He has since purchased his own lathe (the model like yours). "Make a man a pen and he will use it for a lifetime... Teach a man to turn a pen and he go broke buying a lathe, turning tools, sandpaper, CA glue, pen kits & etc......" I'm sure Dewayne will be watching this one also, right Dewayne?
+Bob Stembridge LOL. That is so true about turning pens. Doesn't it feen great to teach someone to turn? That's my favorite part of turning. Regards, Bob
bob well done plenty of good info for the new starter for sanding my pen blanks iv move right away from sandpaper and now only use abernat pads then micro mesh to wet sand the finish (i always use a ca finish) cheers Tony
Thank you for making this video. It's filed with awesome information. I have a lot of the tools you have but I'm still setting up my shop. I plan on doing some turning this summer and doing some work on my shop so I can work in the winter too. Thanks Bob.
Great video and very useful information. I've learned a lot from you the past couple months. I only wish I had seen a video like this before I started. Thanks for sharing
I have the exact same lathe as you do. There for a time I was having the same problem with it wobbling out the end of my blanks. What I did was, tighten the nut under the tail stock to take out some of the wiggle. Then when I drill my blanks I center the drill bit with the lathe off. Then I put my hand on the chuck and turn on the lathe, then start turning the tail stock handle. I've had perfect results ever since. Just thought I'd let you know what I did to fix what sounds like the same problem you were having.
Great video Bob, I know I haven't been commenting lately on your videos but I have watched every one you post. As for this one anyone should be able to get a good result if they take on board what you have said. 10 out of 10 for content. All the best Tony
One more thing. A local jeweler called me and asked me to bring in some pens to put in his store. I now have eight pens on display there and a new pricing structure. Feeling good!
they stoped offering the varible mini at the HF stores. they had them on close out. I picked up one for 85.00 and one display unit for 45.00. you have to check around at different stores to see if they have any left. I picked them up to have detecated lathes just for pens and small turnings.
I have learned a lot from watching your channel one video at a time. This video would have been nice as I got started making pens. Keep up the great work you do.
Wow I'm late but still a quality video I have the same lathe I just got into pen turning and I was wondering if you have had problems with getting the headstock out, with the included knockout tool sorry if my ''terms'' aren't right i just started
I have, it has a little nub on it that gets stuck in the implement I’m trying to remove. I ground mine off and now it works much better. Before grinding I tested with an oak dowel and a rubber mallet to make sure that was the issue. Regards, Bob
Thank you so much for replying i will try that hopefully it works cross your fingers You inspire me so much i love your videos and i always hit the like button
I have about the same lathe, mine is an Excelsior (Rockler) but I imagine it is the same Chinese made lathe. Here is how I drill: Chuck the blank square and mark center. Advance the tailstock up to the end of the blank and lock it down. Spin up the lathe and advance the tailstock screw slowly until 1/4-1/2 extended then STOP THE LATHE! With the lathe off pull the bit out and blow everything clean. Then carefully advance the tailstock until the retracted bit bottoms out in the hole. Lock it down! Then turn on the lathe and continue with the next pass 1/4-1/2 extension. As you reach the end of the blank be even more careful to retract and blow everything clean. I do that last 1/4 inch very slowly. Yes, this takes much more time than the drill press but I always get perfectly centered holes with no wallowing and no blow out. Someday I will get a nice lathe too and the old trusty Excelsior will be moved to just finishing duty.
Thanks for a great video. Some brilliant tips which I'll take on board as I'm just starting to turn pens. In fact I have the lathe set up for pens atm, I'm also doing a video of my feeble efforts which should be up soon.
RJBWoodTurner part 1 of the video is up now. Please visit my channel Miss Tee's Woodturning to view it. I've included you in a list of people who have inspired me. I've not yet worked out how to do link to my channel. 🙁
Bob, Was wondering if you're still happy with your Rockler Dust Right Lathe Dust Collection system? I've been thinking about picking it up. Love the videos!
This question is about turning pens. I am going to be buying a mini wood lathe hopefully tonight I just wanna make sure I know what I’m doing first, but I am not trying to turn just regular pens. I want to make Diamond Painting pens. Do you know anything about that what I need the same Size mandrel and what size should I use and are there any other tools that I will need for the lathe ?
Wonderfully helpful video Bob. Thanks. I have one question: Why do you have the fuse/breaker box wide open? I can only believe you have no visitors (in person) to your shop at this time. I will say also I got back to turning as a result of your videos. I have the same lathe and I just had to replace the belt and the capacitor. The new capacitor was bigger than the older one so I just tie wrapped it to the motor. ( I should have checked the size before ordering!) Karl
+Karl Becker Thank you Karl, The breaker box was open because I was installing a 220 volt 15 amp breaker for my dust collector. I removed the cover to discover I had the wrong style breaker. I shot this video then ran to Menards for the correct one. I buttoned it up lather that evening. Regards, Bob
Hi Bob, thanks for your videos they are very informative. I've been binge watching yours and others and took a class locally. Now I'm trying to get set up. But as you mentioned in this one money is tight. I purchased the HF lathe a couple nights ago but haven't opened it yet (still arranging the garage) but then I saw a video this weekend where you did a bottle opener on a new Turncrafter Commander. My question then is the HF able to do small things like the bottle stoppers and small jewelry boxes or should I try to invest more in something like the Turncrafter? Thanks for all your information.
When making your own pen press, what is the minimum "throw" distance needed for all the pen styles? I've seen as little as 5/8" not sure if that's long enough.
That’s an almost impossible question to answer. I would say the ones you’re most comfortable using. I have expensive tools that stink and cheap tools that I like. Regards, Bob
This is a great video overview. I currently use Pens Plus finish on my pens. It's a wax,oil and shellac finish. Is shellac something that will wear off over time? I've experimented with a few coats of Pens Plus then a few coats of shellac. Then back to the Pen Plus for a few more coats. I'm going to try and get into a ca finish. I found a 1/2" round block of uhmw from Amazon. Is that going to be big enough to make bushings for applying ca finish? Should I go with 3/4" or even 1" diameter uhmw?
+Joshua Luther 3/4" would be the smallest I would buy. By the time you true it up it will be about 1/2". Shellac holds up pretty well. It will eventually wear off with handling. Lots of oils in the hands plus hand Sanitizer and hand lotions are hard on a finish. Regards, Bob
Hi Bob a very good information. Lots to think about I've been turning now for about a year only pens have you any ideas on what pen kits I can turn other than 7mm slimline.
+Nigel France Nigel, I'm not sure what companies are available in your area but if you want to see a bunch of different pens look at www.pennstateind.com. You can turn anything they sell, all you need is the bushings which will fit your mandrel. Regards, Bob
Here's another one! The drill bits used for the tubes are not standard sizes. For example, you can't just go to Home Depot/Lowe's/etc. and expect to pick up a 7mm drill bit. I bet I'm not the only one who just assumed you can just go to any hardware store and pick up the appropriate drill bit for your pen kit. Additionally, there are many sizes of drill bits required depending on the pen kit that you have.
If you’re going to buy a respirator make sure it has a P3 filter. This will catch any particle, even asbestos or (ultra) finedust. They will saturate quicker as a P2 though. Just do your lungs a favour and check what P number the filter has.
Btw i think you’re videos might just have given me a new hobby. I’m seriously starting to consider picking up a lathe... I’m am curious about one thing tho; in one of you’re replies on viewer questions you mentioned not having been in your shop since February ‘17. All is well I hope? Regards, Wout
Feliz año con buena salud amor y prosperidad- Feliz ano com boa saúde amor e prosperidade 健康な愛と繁栄のある幸せな年 Kenkōna ai to han'ei no aru shiawasena toshi- Bonne année avec amour de la santé et prospérité -Buon anno con buona salute, amore e prosperità
I have been turning pens for about 3 years and still learned from your vedio. I wish I had this when I started turning. Aways eioy your videos. I am sure this will be of great help to someone just starting.
+denis daurer Thank you Dennis.
Regards,
Bob
For those of you new to pen turning, Bob has made an excellent video here on what's needed to start off on tools/supplies and where to end up as well as alternatives. As with Bob I started with tools from Harbor Freight and upgrade as funds allow. Just as he states in the end, there are other methods which you may have experience with that work easier you you and your budget. I have learned much from watching his videos, and he is clear, concise and produces excellent videos.
Thank you Bob for sharing your experience and techniques with us!
+Barb Mulle Thank you Barb,
I really appreciate your comments and your sharing of my video.
Regards,
Bob
Bob,
Another quality and informative video. I am using a mini lathe. It has done everything I have asked of it.I have turned bowls, goblets and even candlestick holders on it. I have pen jaws and do my blank drilling on my lathe.You are right each individual needs to find what they are happy and safe using for themselves.
Thanks once again .
+Nigel Morrow Thank you Nigel,
I appreciate your comment.
Regards,
Bob
Another great video, Bob. I have hit my one year mark in turning pens and you have been my main go to for information. Thank you for all your help!!!
~Scott
+Hoosierchef70 Thank you Scott.
I appreciate that. And, congratulations!!!
Regards,
Bob
Thank You for making this video. I’m buying my first lathe later this week and other than the cutters had no clue what else I might need. Sounds like we are in the same neck of the woods so maybe I’ll see you at one of the turning shows.
Thank you Todd,
I hope to see you at a show. The last one of the year is in September in Parkersburg, WV.
The Mid-Ohio Valley Pen Turners Gathering or MOVPTG for short.
It will be a blast of a show. 😃
Regards,
Bob
Good vid! You hit all the major points. I started out with the smaller HF lathe and, after one year, my family bought me the next size up HF lathe with variable speed pulleys. That was a big improvement for little money. I love being able to grab the handle and speed things up for polishing. I did not get the pen vise for the drill press. At first I used a mechanic's vise but getting the blanks perfectly perpendicular to the bed was hit or miss. I now have the pin jaws for my chuck and they are working very nicely with an opposing Jacobs chuck. After building the Shaunessey pen press and breaking it twice I built a screw drive press for assembly using a large threaded rod and I have much more control than pressing on a lever. Finishing is right on, I'm using the Stick-Fast CA and the PlastX polish. Working on a buffing setup using big buffing pads that chucks into my lathe. I put together a disassembly set using HF punch pins and the PSI locking pliers. Wishing you a better lathe soon. Keep turning bro.
+Redthumb45 Thank you very much.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for the informative videos. My son bought me the same lathe for Father's Day, I've only turned six pens so far, but I've really enjoyed it. Melted some HDPE last night, turned some bushings, going to try CA finish later. Thanks for sharing and your inspiration.
+Lawrence Lunsford Thank you Lawrence
Regards,
Bob
Thanks Bob for what you do 😌😌
Thank you Lawrence.
A tip for the Jorgensen clamps, I glued a small strip of wood, maybe 3/8 " wide, on the inside of the jaw, perpendicular to the face. This helps to keep the blank at 90 degrees, no guess work.
+Darrell Medley That is an awesome idea! Thank you for passing it along.
Regards,
Bob
I am a year into pen turning and I have watched your videos extensively.
+Darrell Medley Thank you Darrell,
If I can ever answer a question for you, my email is in the comments of every video.
Regards,
Bob
Another very informative video. Great for those who are thinking of buying equipment to start making pens.
+BlueBoy9055 Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Everybody has an opinion. Yep! That is the big thing. Like you said, learn from others then find what works for you. And don't be close minded to anything because your techniques will continually evolve as you learn and gain experience and what you thought was a dumb idea yesterday might be just the thing tomorrow.
+Tenspeed TheBikeHanger That's the philosophy I live by and love to share.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for sharing your experiences Bob. JimE
+blackemmons Thank you Jim.
Regards,
Bob
Great pen overview... You have been a great impression to me since I started turning early last year. I assisted my next door neighbor in making his 1st pen earlier this year. I directed him to your channel for additional info. He has since purchased his own lathe (the model like yours).
"Make a man a pen and he will use it for a lifetime...
Teach a man to turn a pen and he go broke buying a lathe, turning tools, sandpaper, CA glue, pen kits & etc......"
I'm sure Dewayne will be watching this one also, right Dewayne?
+Bob Stembridge LOL. That is so true about turning pens.
Doesn't it feen great to teach someone to turn? That's my favorite part of turning.
Regards,
Bob
bob
well done plenty of good info for the new starter
for sanding my pen blanks iv move right away from sandpaper and now only use abernat pads then micro mesh to wet sand the finish (i always use a ca finish)
cheers Tony
+tony marron Thank you Tony.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you for making this video. It's filed with awesome information. I have a lot of the tools you have but I'm still setting up my shop. I plan on doing some turning this summer and doing some work on my shop so I can work in the winter too. Thanks Bob.
Thank you Joel,
Have fun putting your shop together, you’ll love working in there.
Regards,
Bob
Great video. Thank you for showing
Thank you Peter.
Regards,
Bob
Great video and very useful information. I've learned a lot from you the past couple months. I only wish I had seen a video like this before I started. Thanks for sharing
+Ron Parrott Thank you Ron.
Regards,
Bob
Nice video Bob, as soon as it cool down here in Arizona i will be using you tips until i get the hang of it, thanks
+DesertBum WoodWork'n Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Excellent presentation, Bob! I hope others are encouraged to jump in and give this a try.
Happy 4th!
- Bill
+Bill Kibby Thank you Bill,
Happy 4th to you.
Regards,
Bob
I have the exact same lathe as you do. There for a time I was having the same problem with it wobbling out the end of my blanks. What I did was, tighten the nut under the tail stock to take out some of the wiggle. Then when I drill my blanks I center the drill bit with the lathe off. Then I put my hand on the chuck and turn on the lathe, then start turning the tail stock handle. I've had perfect results ever since. Just thought I'd let you know what I did to fix what sounds like the same problem you were having.
+Gary Binder Thank you Gary,
This is great information.
Regards,
Bob
Great video Bob, I know I haven't been commenting lately on your videos but I have watched every one you post. As for this one anyone should be able to get a good result if they take on board what you have said. 10 out of 10 for content.
All the best
Tony
+oaksho Thank you Tony,
It's really great to hear from you.
Regards,
Bob
One more thing. A local jeweler called me and asked me to bring in some pens to put in his store. I now have eight pens on display there and a new pricing structure. Feeling good!
+Redthumb45 That's great news, I hope it leads to many sales and some good commissions.
Regards,
Bob
they stoped offering the varible mini at the HF stores. they had them on close out. I picked up one for 85.00 and one display unit for 45.00. you have to check around at different stores to see if they have any left. I picked them up to have detecated lathes just for pens and small turnings.
+BEE HAPPY Wood Working and honeybees That was a great price, you got a real deal.
Regards,
Bob
very nice video and advice as usual, thanks for the tips on finish's
+Tom Gossett Thank you Tom.
Regards,
Bob
Hey Bob, great information. Learn on the slimline pen kits, there inexpensive.
+Denny Skerb Thank you Denny.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you much I thought that was the case, waiting for my goodies from Penstate to arrive
Keep up the vids I have lot,s to learn
Cheers
Roger
+Roger Fortier Thank you Roger.
Regards,
Bob
I have learned a lot from watching your channel one video at a time. This video would have been nice as I got started making pens. Keep up the great work you do.
+Saw Dust Maker Thank you,
I wasn't sure about it when I started recording but I think it really came together.
Regards,
Bob
Wow I'm late but still a quality video I have the same lathe I just got into pen turning and I was wondering if you have had problems with getting the headstock out, with the included knockout tool sorry if my ''terms'' aren't right i just started
I have, it has a little nub on it that gets stuck in the implement I’m trying to remove. I ground mine off and now it works much better. Before grinding I tested with an oak dowel and a rubber mallet to make sure that was the issue.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you so much for replying i will try that hopefully it works cross your fingers
You inspire me so much i love your videos and i always hit the like button
Thank you Bret,
I appreciate that.
Regard,
Bob
I have about the same lathe, mine is an Excelsior (Rockler) but I imagine it is the same Chinese made lathe. Here is how I drill: Chuck the blank square and mark center. Advance the tailstock up to the end of the blank and lock it down. Spin up the lathe and advance the tailstock screw slowly until 1/4-1/2 extended then STOP THE LATHE! With the lathe off pull the bit out and blow everything clean. Then carefully advance the tailstock until the retracted bit bottoms out in the hole. Lock it down! Then turn on the lathe and continue with the next pass 1/4-1/2 extension. As you reach the end of the blank be even more careful to retract and blow everything clean. I do that last 1/4 inch very slowly. Yes, this takes much more time than the drill press but I always get perfectly centered holes with no wallowing and no blow out. Someday I will get a nice lathe too and the old trusty Excelsior will be moved to just finishing duty.
+Tenspeed TheBikeHanger Great information, I'll give that a try. Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Bob great video, appreciate the insight, great advice.
+David Shelton Thank you David.
Regards,
Bob
Rikon 4 piece carbide turning tools are the best to start turning with
Thank you CH.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for the info
+Mike Turner Thank you Mike.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for a great video. Some brilliant tips which I'll take on board as I'm just starting to turn pens. In fact I have the lathe set up for pens atm, I'm also doing a video of my feeble efforts which should be up soon.
That’s awesome, welcome to pen turning, you’re going to love it. Please send me a link to your video when you post it.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner part 1 of the video is up now. Please visit my channel Miss Tee's Woodturning to view it. I've included you in a list of people who have inspired me.
I've not yet worked out how to do link to my channel. 🙁
Informative video bud, appreciate you sharing with the community.
+WigWagWorkshop Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks Bob very helpful!
+Bryn Phipps Thank you Bryn.
Regards,
Bob
A very informative video Bob, new turners will find it extremely useful. ✌️👌😳😳
+Eric Milligan Thank you Eric,
Pleas share it if you run into any newbies.
Regards,
Bob
Hey Bob. Try the Novus plastic polish. Great stuff.
+Steve Muise Thanks for the tip Steve.
Regards,
Bob
Due to this super vid you got yourself another enthousiastic subscriber!
Thank you and welcome.
Regards,
Bob
Bob, Was wondering if you're still happy with your Rockler Dust Right Lathe Dust Collection system? I've been thinking about picking it up. Love the videos!
I really like it for sanding as I can get it in close and it pulls a ton of dust away from my turning.
Regards,
Bob
This question is about turning pens. I am going to be buying a mini wood lathe hopefully tonight I just wanna make sure I know what I’m doing first, but I am not trying to turn just regular pens. I want to make Diamond Painting pens. Do you know anything about that what I need the same Size mandrel and what size should I use and are there any other tools that I will need for the lathe ?
Hello Jaime,
I am not sure what Diamond Paint pens are. Can you share some more info?
Regards,
Bob
Hi Bob Is there a reason why you do not use Thick CA glue, only thin and medium?
Thick would work fine, to save money I use medium for finishing and for gluing tubes.
Regards,
Bob
Great info Bob . Have you ever tried home made O B shine juice . Thanks Bob .
+Glen mckelvey I haven't, I got the recipe from Captn' Eddie, I just never made it.
Regards,
Bob
What grit of sandpaper do you use on your belt & disc sander for trying up the ends of the blanks?
+Gerard Webster It just says medium grit on the package but I can tell you it's really wore down. I'd recommend a finer grit.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner Thanks
Wonderfully helpful video Bob. Thanks.
I have one question: Why do you have the fuse/breaker box wide open? I can only believe you have no visitors (in person) to your shop at this time.
I will say also I got back to turning as a result of your videos. I have the same lathe and I just had to replace the belt and the capacitor. The new capacitor was bigger than the older one so I just tie wrapped it to the motor. ( I should have checked the size before ordering!)
Karl
+Karl Becker Thank you Karl,
The breaker box was open because I was installing a 220 volt 15 amp breaker for my dust collector. I removed the cover to discover I had the wrong style breaker. I shot this video then ran to Menards for the correct one. I buttoned it up lather that evening.
Regards,
Bob
Hi Bob, thanks for your videos they are very informative. I've been binge watching yours and others and took a class locally. Now I'm trying to get set up. But as you mentioned in this one money is tight. I purchased the HF lathe a couple nights ago but haven't opened it yet (still arranging the garage) but then I saw a video this weekend where you did a bottle opener on a new Turncrafter Commander. My question then is the HF able to do small things like the bottle stoppers and small jewelry boxes or should I try to invest more in something like the Turncrafter? Thanks for all your information.
The HF lathe will work great for those items. I used mine for years and it wore out.
Regards,
Bob
Good stuff Bob!
+TheAndylepper Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
When making your own pen press, what is the minimum "throw" distance needed for all the pen styles? I've seen as little as 5/8" not sure if that's long enough.
+Cliff Brown Hello Cliff,
Sorry for the delay in responding, I was traveling. I measured the throw on my press and it's 1 1/4".
Regards,
Bob
Thank you
You are welcome.
Regards,
Bob
Love this video helped me out so much! Have that same lathe :)
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Good job, RJB
+Lynn Lacey Thank you Lynn.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks for the vids
I have one question, do I need to have many sizes of mandrels for each size brass tube
Or is that where the bushings come in??
+Roger Fortier Hello Roger,
You only need one mandrel. Each pen uses bushings that slide onto the mandrel.
What brand of lathe tools would you say are the best?
That’s an almost impossible question to answer.
I would say the ones you’re most comfortable using.
I have expensive tools that stink and cheap tools that I like.
Regards,
Bob
Fair enough. Thanks.
This is a great video overview. I currently use Pens Plus finish on my pens. It's a wax,oil and shellac finish. Is shellac something that will wear off over time? I've experimented with a few coats of Pens Plus then a few coats of shellac. Then back to the Pen Plus for a few more coats. I'm going to try and get into a ca finish. I found a 1/2" round block of uhmw from Amazon. Is that going to be big enough to make bushings for applying ca finish? Should I go with 3/4" or even 1" diameter uhmw?
+Joshua Luther 3/4" would be the smallest I would buy. By the time you true it up it will be about 1/2".
Shellac holds up pretty well. It will eventually wear off with handling. Lots of oils in the hands plus hand Sanitizer and hand lotions are hard on a finish.
Regards,
Bob
+Joshua Luther P.S., tomorrow's video is me remaking my non-stick bushings. :^)
Regard,
Bob
Hi Bob a very good
information. Lots to think about I've been turning now for about a year only pens have you any ideas on what pen kits I can turn other than 7mm slimline.
+Nigel France Nigel,
I'm not sure what companies are available in your area but if you want to see a bunch of different pens look at www.pennstateind.com. You can turn anything they sell, all you need is the bushings which will fit your mandrel.
Regards,
Bob
RJBWoodTurner thank you Bob
Do you ever use carbide scrapers?
+jason P Hello Jason,
I've never tried a carbide scraper. I'm not opposed to using them, I just don't own one.
Regards
Bob
I love mine
+jason P I'll have to see if any if the guys in the club have one that I can borrow and try out.
Bob
This is what I use Carbide Mini Turning Tool 3-Piece Set www.amazon.com/dp/B00CSTRFRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QYKwzbC2Z1JEW
+jason P Thank you for the info and the link.
Do you need a sharpener for hobby turning?
Not if you use carbide.
Regards,
Bob
I have to watch this again to see if i missed any info. And your arrows are on there way.
+Robert Evans Thank you Robert.
Regards,
Bob
Answeree some of my question, thanks.
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Here's another one! The drill bits used for the tubes are not standard sizes. For example, you can't just go to Home Depot/Lowe's/etc. and expect to pick up a 7mm drill bit. I bet I'm not the only one who just assumed you can just go to any hardware store and pick up the appropriate drill bit for your pen kit. Additionally, there are many sizes of drill bits required depending on the pen kit that you have.
+Janet Brien Thank you Janet. I wasn't aware of that.
Regards,
Bob
You need to setup an amazon store so folks can buy the stuff you suggest. Then you would receive a little money.
+mgreene939 I never thought about that. Thank you for the idea.
Regards,
Bob
If you’re going to buy a respirator make sure it has a P3 filter. This will catch any particle, even asbestos or (ultra) finedust. They will saturate quicker as a P2 though. Just do your lungs a favour and check what P number the filter has.
Thank you for the information.
Regards,
Bob
Btw i think you’re videos might just have given me a new hobby. I’m seriously starting to consider picking up a lathe... I’m am curious about one thing tho; in one of you’re replies on viewer questions you mentioned not having been in your shop since February ‘17. All is well I hope?
Regards,
Wout
Work has kept me very busy. I’m just now starting to get some shop time.
Regards,
Bob
That drill sounded worn out
It’s an oldie but a goodie.
Feliz año con buena salud amor y prosperidad-
Feliz ano com boa saúde amor e prosperidade
健康な愛と繁栄のある幸せな年
Kenkōna ai to han'ei no aru shiawasena toshi-
Bonne année avec amour de la santé et prospérité
-Buon anno con buona salute, amore e prosperità
😃
You will never make a good pen with a hand drill.
It may not be good but you can make one and that will get you on your way till you can drill on the lathe.