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LeeH

Member
Joined
May 17, 2011
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1
Location
Wingate, NC
I'm new to this group having decided to finally try my hand at pens since I've enjoyed lathe work for a long time. [A friend is going to teach me pen turning and I'm helping him with bowls and other larger projects.] In getting ready to get the materials and tools I need, I recall reading somewhere on some turning or pen blog, that some kits and tools are proprietary and not universally inter-changeable. I'm not sure which source was mentioned specifically, but I remember one pen turner saying that some tools [bits specifically, maybe mills too] and some pen kits or materials didn't fit with others, as they had discovered the hard way. Specifically a 7mm bit from one source really wasn't 7mm, off just a little, and the holes they bored didn't accommodate pen parts from other than that supplier. Is this a common problem? How do you know in advance this might happen? What sources do any of you recommend as reliable, economical, and interchangeable with other tools and supplies? Thanks in advance for help and suggestions.
 
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Well first off welcome to the madness from BC Canada. Don't think I have had any problems like you are talking about. I do most of my buying of tools (for pen stuff) and pen kits on here, and everyone that I have had dealings with are great people. The only problem I have have is that stupid boarder and customs, as I live in Canada.

Lin.
 
Welcome to the forum from another NC turner.

I haven't been turning pens long, but haven't encountered the issues you mentioned. I've ordered from about 4-5 different vendors with no issue with 7mm. I could see this possibly being an issue with the larger pens or specific designs allocated from a single vendor.
 
Welcome from Connecticut.

As far as tools go, there are a lot of vendors here on the IAP that offer top-notch kits, blanks, tools and the like. Their prices are great, sometimes super great:biggrin:, and the customer service from fellow members is unbelievably fantastic.

You will find that most of the big online retailers that are "recommended" by users on this site are good as well. CSUSA, PSI, and others have good stuff and good customer service.



First, I would advise going to the library and doing a little reading. That will give you a jump start on pen kits, suppliers, and techniques. It is a great resource.

Second, I would do just what you are doing: asking questions. Just be prepared for varied answers.

Third: Get a couple of calipers (see attached pic.) They don't have to be expensive. I got mine at Harbor Freight on sale for like 4.99. Use it faithfully while turning: measure the blank, measure the kit.

Again, welcome!!!
 

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Welcome Lee!

To answer your question, get yourself a set of calipers and measure EVERYTHING. That's the best way to avoid any problems.
 
+1 on calipers, though to be honest - you probably don't have to worry about it when just starting out. Get some kits and tools, make some pens, get hooked, then refine the heck out of your techniques and tools.

Welcome to the IAP!
 
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