greetings from Calgary

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Rusty skew

Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2012
Messages
2
Location
Calgary, Alberta Canada
hi everyone,

I just found this site and have enjoyed looking at all the beautiful pictures of your pens.

I started this hobby a few months ago and have made around 30 pens. While my pens are looking better, I still have a ton to learn. I have only made European and Sierra twist pens and I am excited to try other pen kits.

I have just ordered the pen size Easy wood turning tool which should be here in a week or so..... Any feedback?.... I hear it is a great tool, especially for beginners.

I tried making a tru-stone pen last weekend with disastrous results. I made it for a Sierra pen and the blank was so thin it just cracked in about 4 places. is there a better pen kit that works better with tru-stone? I am sure my beginner turning skill had something to do with it, but maybe there is a pen kit that is leaves a wider blank when finished, especially at the ends.

I look forward to learning from all of you and posting my pictures of my pens

cheers.....
 
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You have been turning just a few months and you're trying tru-stone? Nothing like diving right into the deep end is there. Tru-stone is a difficult materiel to turn and it is hard on tools you will sharpen every pass or two. Carbide tools will make it easier. The blank may have cracked because of heat.
Welcome to the vortex, don't be afraid to ask questions and love to see pictures of your work.
 
Welcome Jim, from far west Kentucky, to the addiction, sometimes referred to as the vortex. Be sure to give the library a good bit of time. The link is at the top of the page. You will find an article called Library Index. This covers tutorials on about anything pen making you can think of. You will also notice that there are articles listed by year. Much good info there as well. When these fail to answer your questions, by all means post it here. I have never seen one go unanswered very long. You might also want to give this thread a good look. It has some very good info for the beginning pen turner; http://content.penturners.org/library/general_reference/Getting_started_in_pen_turning.pdf. Grab some wood, make some shavings and have fun all the while being safe.

Charles
 
Welcom from Michigan. I've been doing pens for several years and just started turning Tru-stone. I love the results but it can be tough. Like Displaced Canadian said, it generates heat. I almost lost a blank just drilling it. But I've found (so far) that sanding the turned blank is the opposite. If you're not careful you can oversand past the bushing. Good luck & happy turning!
 
Welcome, Jim.

There are kits that leave more material on the tube than the Sierra (Sierra Vista, for example), but the thickness of the material was probably not the (main) culprit in this case. Since TruStone can dull your tools quickly, is it possible you were applying too much pressure?

-Barry
 
Welcome Jim! Using Tru-stone so soon shows ambition. Actually Tru-stone is the name given to imitation stone made by RT Research in Tempe, AZ. They have what they term "pliable" made for pen turning which is probably what you used. When using this material cut it down to size on the band saw. Use the proper size drill bit and drill slowly pulling the bit out every half inch or so to clear dust and allow the material to cool. Heat build up can result in hairline fractures which can cause blow outs when turning. Remove the corners on the band saw or disc sander before mounting on the lathe. This will put less stress on the piece as yu turn. Sharpen the tools BEFORE you start turning and perhaps about half way through or near the end of turning. Use a light touch to avoid pressure. Start sanding with a higher grit than normal as darker colors show scratches quite well. It will take extra effort but the result will be rewarding.
Gene
 
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