Anyone in Massachusetts want help me get started?

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fpokatu

Member
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
18
Location
Boston
Hi
I am avid fountain pen user and hobby wood worker who wants to get started making my own pens. I've read a bunch of introductory material but still uncomfortable getting started on my own. I signed for a class at WoodCraft in Woburn but got canceled… I was wondering if there was any one in MA who enjoys mentoring. If so I'd be grateful. Thanks in advance.
 
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You don't need a mentor!!

Just stick around here for all the help and advice you need (and can offer!!)

Hundreds of mentors all in one place all willing to assist.

Mike

ps what does the initial S stand for?
 
Thanks, really stuck just getting started and I don't like to buy same tool twice unless it really makes which has translated to analysis paralysis
 
Consider watching You Tubes for guidance.

These are older, but still valid although there are newer techniques shown on our index page:
Vids 1-8 cover start to finish.

Pen Turning Videos

Pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy ExoticBlanks videos on pen turning! Featuring loads of Tips and tricks that will make your turning more fun and profitable!
www.exoticblanks.com www.exoticblanks.com
 
Spenser,
Welcome to the site. I hope someone takes you up on your offer. Until then watch some of the videos on You Tube. If you run into any problems, don't be afraid to ask on this forum. Lots of accomplished turners willing to help.

Seven
 
qquake said:
First of all, what tools do you have? Lathe? Drill press? Bandsaw? Have you turned anything before?
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I have table saw and a mitre saw and a couple routers but nothing really applicable to make pens. I have not turned before. I have just researched it. I do think I don't want to kit's although I could certainly start that way.
 
qquake said:
How close are you to Cambridge? There's a Rockler there having a couple of Turn a Pen for a Veteran classes tomorrow.

Rockler Cambridge - Woodworking Supply Store Massachusetts

Rockler Cambridge is your one stop shop for quality woodworking tools, finishing supplies, hardware, lumber & more.
www.rockler.com www.rockler.com
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Thanks I am pretty close to Cambridge close enough that I go to rockler from time to time. I didn't realize they had classes though so thanks for the tip. Maybe they will have an intro class soon. I'll check. Thanks again
 
Hi Spencer - I live a little north of you, and have a few suggestions.

1. There's a fountain pen afficionado group called "Boston Pen People", before Covid we'd meet every 2 months or so for an afternoon that might be just talk, or might be a presentation by one of the group (and once was a nib tuning workshop by Richard Binder)

2. Ron Blais usually teaches the pen classes at Woodcraft in Woburn and Rockler in Salem, NH. He's a great guy, and might be willing to give you a one-on-one class if you can't find something at the stores.

3. The local turning club is A.R.T. (Association of Revolutionary Turners). We used to meet at Woodcraft, Woburn, but things got turned upside down by Covid. Several members make pens and might give guidance (as opposed to a formal class). Next meeting is November 18 check it out at www.revolutionary-turners.com

4. The club has some equipment available for loan to members - I don't know what is currently checked out, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

5. I might be able to help you, though I don't make many kit pens these days I do still have some kits on the shelf and remember how to do it. (Or if you'd prefer to learn how to make fountain pens without using kits, I can probably help with that also.)

6. Final word of advice ... if you have any doubts, run now. Once you try it, you will be hooked.
 
fpokatu said:
I do think I don't want to kit's although I could certainly start that way.
Click to expand...

Even if you don't care for kits, they are a good way to start and "find your sea legs" for doing kitless.

If you pick the right kits to learn on, the design concepts can translate to doing kitless . . . and also the turning and drilling techniques do also.
I would not bother with slimlines . . . make a few Sierra single barrel BPs and then some Triton FPs, or similar.
 
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Hi Spencer. I live in the MetroWest area and am a hobbyist. Sudbury, to be exact. I don't do kitless, but I turn pen kits and closed-end pens using kit components. I also do segmenting, stabilizing and now have been getting into casting. I am not much of a fountain pen guy, but I have a good grasp of turning pens and working with different materials.

Reach out, and we can discuss a shop visit sometime if you want to see how I do it and what I use. 99.9% of my knowledge came from these forums, and this site is beneficial to finding the best information to shorten the learning curve. The resource library is fantastic. I am by no means a mentor since I have only been doing this for a couple of years, but I would be happy to show you how I do it.
 
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