Intimidated

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cmccarter

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Joined
Apr 28, 2011
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Location
columbia, sc
I must admit that I have been "lurking" for some time and to say I am intimidated is probably an understatement. I Have been turning pens for a few months and have a fair collection of slimlines, comfort and euro type pens made with both wood and acrylics. I just don't understand how you all can make pens when the nice kits run from 20-60 dollars each. I have a hard time justifying to the wife spending a hundred bucks on kits and blanks with only minimal return. I'd love to make an emperor or even some of the gatsbys or sierras but don't see that happening real soon. I did manage a Nouveau Sceptre kit the other day but at $39 even that was a stretch. I must say I love doing the pens, just wish I could do a few of the higher end ones.


chester
 
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Welcome. No need to be intimidated. Everyone on here is still learning. Some of the members have been at it a long time and are very good and sell those expensive kits for a nice little profit. There are many here that turn slimlines and euros and cigars just as a hobby. Don't get hung up on the expensive kits. It takes as much skill to turn a blank for a slimline as for an emporer.

Just consider this a place to learn and get support. I am pretty new and have found this to be a wonderful place. Every time someone posts a beaurtiful pen on a kit I cannot yet afford it inspires me to press on. One day I will be able to make and sell those kits too.

Enjoy what you can do and don't worry about the high end kits.

Now.....lets see some pictures.....
 
I know what you are talking about!!! I am about to make my first 'nice' pen kit order today and have my reservations about it! I hope to be able to sell some pens to offset the costs. The hard part starting out is you need pens to sell pens and you're not even sure you'll be able to sell them!

AK
 
Hey Chester, welcome to the club, your super-secret password will be mailed shortly:biggrin::biggrin:

No need to be intimidated, we pretty much all started in the same place, turning slims and moving up from there. I have yet to turn some of the kits that cost more than $50, or some of the exotic materials such as lucite, ebonite, or other materials that cost more than $20 a pop. Why, having too much fun and making nice pens with $30 kits and $5 - 10 blanks. Eventually I, just like you will get there, but for now I am just having fun and going for the ride.
 
Welcome Chester! There are plenty of great pens to make that don't cost a fortune. For instance, Europeans are reasonably priced, yet really show off a good piece of wood. The Wall St. 2 Kit from Woodcraft (also sold under other names) in 24K Gold and black acrylic makes a stunning pen, yet the kit is about $7-$8 or so. Plus, you get two pens from one blank, a real plus if you're trying to save money. Also, an outstanding finish is much more important than the amount of hardware on the pen. Practicing your finish and getting better will make your pens look more expensive than they really are. We all understand that $$ is not infinite, yet there are inexpensive ways to still participate in the hobby, while still having lots of fun.
 
Chester,
I felt the same way. I would recommend trying a Tycoon or equivalent as a move up step. I have made pens from the Majestic down to the slim line and gave most of them away. I know that people value their time and have to include it in the price of their pens. I sold the Majestic that I made for 70.00. I figued the kit cost, plus the blank and $10-15 for labor. It wan't fancy but, I got enough to purchase a replacement kit. This is a hobby for me and as soon as I start selling every pen that I make, it will be a business. It will become work and not fun then.
I bought quite a few blanks on ebay for low prices and even kits. There are specials that are offered from IAP members from time to time. Just keep looking and you can keep the costs down.

Take you time and take small steps up in kit prices, sell some to cover your cost. But most of all experiment and Have Fun!
 
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Welcome

Welcome from Sunny St. Cloud, Fla. Home of beautiful Florida wood.
 

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I'v been turning pens for almost 15 years. My issue, in addition to the cost of the higher end kits, is getting use to buying blanks. I worked for a hardwood lumber mill for 12 years and never had to buy any blanks. I didn't get into the exotics or acrylics either since I was selling all my pens through a company store and could only sell pens made of their wood. Now, I'm blown away by all the beautiful woods and resins available and I want them all!!!

FWIW I make a lot of the Sierra style pens with the higher end platings and am very happy with them. (try Smitty's LeRoi) Easy to make (1 tube) and the added benefit someone else mentioned is that you can usually get 2 pens from 1 blank. Makes spending $5 or $10 or more on a real nice blank easier knowing you can make 2 pens from it. I love the 'worthless wood' or mutt blanks and I'm always trying new resins that are out there.

Have a blast -- I don't get rich selling pens but I make enough to have a few extra $$ for tools!!

Jeff in northern Wisconsin
 
To the OP:

I think a lot of us are in the same situation. I know I have spent a lot on kits & blanks with little return. However, I didn't get in to this as a profit center. This is just fun for me, and if I sell a few along the way, then that's gravy. Having said that, I will say that my personal preference doesn't translate to the higher end kits. I don't like a lot of bling, so the higher end kits really don't interest me. a couple of my favorite kits are long clickers from Lau Lau Woods & CSUSA. I think the long click pens are quality click pens that so far, haven't given me a hint of trouble. And my other favorite most cigar kits. Neither of these style kits are cheap, but they are what I consider lower middle range as far as cost. I get most of my cigar kits from Exotic Blanks. And the cigar has a silky smooth transmission that I really like. I don't buy the Ultra cigar kits because to me they are too blingy (is that a word?). I pretty much stay with the hybrid, although I've done some of the standard ones too.

I'd just say, have fun. And you don't have to spend a ton of money. But 1 tip I'll offer, is to get extra tubes for whatever you make.
 
I am new at it also. I have a Majestic and Jr Majestic that I will wait a while to turn(maybe) I like trying new kits and found that I can sell enough to replace what I spend. I am fairly happy being able to do that. I had the same questions you did about them and find some sell them and some just enjoy turning a fine pen.

Enjoy what you can do and dont stress over what you can't

Phil
 
Well here's my little take on it:

I'm beginning to sell the slimlines and euros -- as well as a couple bullet pens here and there. A make a little bit of profit off of it enough to buy more supplies for the orders I've gotten as well as to make some personal experiments. As I get better and better I go looking for the next type of kit and the more expensive pen. Keep pushing yourself! I know I'm excited to attempt the Majestics, Gents, and whatever else come my way!
 
Do it for you.

Hey, I hear you. I rationalized the acquisition of a whole bunch of drills, bushings and various finishes with the intent of finding what I like and what friends like and m-a-y-b-e covering my costs. I established a good 'trade' relationship with some high-end woodworkers I know who are happy to give me a shoe box of shorts in exchange for a pen or two. I once got 150 blanks of figured and exotic wood for the cost of a Baron Fountain pen and a Sierra ballpoint. Still don't know what half of 'em are, mind you.

Like so many, I get a kick out of making them and giving them away for birthdays, Christmas, Anniversaries, etc. However, once people saw the potential, I started doing corporate gifts and custom engraved pens (my wife has a little laser machine which is fun.) In short, start off doing it for you, 'cause you're not going to get rich at it. If you love doing that (and can prove to your bride that you can at least partially offset the costs), you'll have a fun, challenging and close to break-even hobby. May even lower your blood pressure.

One useful tip: Offering to make a pen for your wife to give when she is wrestling with what gift to give someone has never failed me!

And I have to tell you, it is a whole lot less expensive than golf, fishing, or almost any other hobby.
 
cmccarter said:
I have a hard time justifying to the wife spending a hundred bucks on kits and blanks with only minimal return.
Click to expand...

My wife wasn't all that thrilled about the cost in the beginning, either. I gave her a couple of nice pens to use at work, where they would be seen as she filled out patient's forms. It wasn't long before someone asked how they could get a pen like she had, and that led to our first sale. The rest is history. She's one of my best salespeople, and now fully supports what I'm doing. Maybe this could work for you.

Welcome to the fold. May the force of the nib be with you.:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
 
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