help

Howdy! So I turned an epoxy blank from PSI that was pre-drilled and had a brass tube installed. However, the bushings did not fit nicely inside like normal. It seemed the brass tube was too small. I insured the sizes were all correct, they were, and decided to use the lathe to crank the...

I'll preface this by saying I have no knowledge of penturning. Neither do I know if I'm in the right place – but you seem a competent bunch, so I’m hoping you’ll help me out! I was gifted a handmade mechanical pencil that I have unfortunately now dropped, breaking the inside mechanism (premade...

I'm having an issue!!! I took some blanks and wanted to see how different they each looked, having a painted tube in different colors. I painted one half in white and one half in black. I painted both the tubes and the hole drilled through the blank, as I was told the glue will show if you only...

I've been having problems turning very hard acrylic blanks. They kept exploding. Finally got a negative rake carbide cutter. I've been able to turn them down, but the last two have ended up cracked right at the bushing. I know I didn't tighten down the 2nd one too hard because because I...

Good day, all, Some time ago, I picked up a pretty nice-looking FP kit (Prokraft's Byron Premium, claimed to be 24 Ct gold plated) and it's been working wonders for me (was used to cheap all-steel nibs), but a short while ago, I noticed that there were pretty noticeable scratches developing on...

Hi, I am new to pen turning and want to buy my first lathe. I am looking at an Excelsior mini. It only comes as the machine. What other parts do I need ie chuck, tailstock, mandrel etc. Also where is the best place to buy? Finally what size tool rest works best, 4” or 6”? Thanks so much for...