Pen Kit sourcing from China

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wood-of-1kind

wood-of-1kind

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As promised from earlier postings, I'd like to report to IAP members that I've received pen kit samples from China. Originally requested Executive & Cigar kits with titanium plating. Instead I've received some slimlines and a couple of keychain kits mostly in chrome and gold plating. Communications and negotiations with Asian suppliers is not that simple but overall I'm satisfied with the slow progress being made.

My first impressions are that these are basically PSI like kits in similar packaged polybags. As "low" end kits they are valued priced. Very much doubt that the more advanced IAP turner/seller will be attracted to these kits. I could do a group buy but the shipping(Canada Post) rates to the USA would nullify any potential savings. Perhaps the higher end kits would make better economic sense.
My Asian associate plans to tour the facility in China within the next two months and emphasize that I do wish to persue a business relationship and import some of the "pricier" kits and better plating requirements so as to not to disappoint the more discriminating pen turner. Hope to report some more news down the road. One thing that I've learned during my 30+ years of purchasing experience is that some deals should not be rushed into. Patience is the key here.

Since I promised to give out samples to willing IAP tester, I will select two(2) members that would be interested in trying out these slimline kits. Five assorted samples per requestor. I ask for no funds in return and I will pay for shipping anywhere in the USA. The two participants can provide independent feedback to the IAP if they choose.

Post here if you wish to be selected. To make it fair, I'll place your name in a cup and have my daughter randomly select two(2) names. Will post the winners by May 6. Good luck to all.

-Peter-
 
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Peter,time is one thing I have so I to will be watching,and yes higher end and better plating seems to be the only way to go..
 
I also agree that the lower end products are already being offered at "realistic" prices. Pursuing the upper-end and your own designs (maybe not as Asian) seems likely to be more successful and still allow for a profit.
 
I'd be pleased to be the 'tester' of pens that have been made with these kits. As you know, I'm a psychotherapist which means I sit and listen and write all day. And I fidget. Since it's rude to jiggle your leg while someone's sharing with you, I play with my pens. I've found that the finish has rubbed plumb off some of the pens I've made with bargain-basement-priced kits.

Anybody want to send me a pen for testing, the address is
5606 Cloverland Dr.
Brentwood, TN 37027


Julia
 
I too think it's great that you are doing this. Even though I'm a total noob (I've turned 2 pens), I am addicted for life. Please add my name to the cup :) Thanks!!
 
Peter

I have also been pursuing a Chinese distributor for pen kits, and for acrylic blanks. I have a shipment that will be coming over in the near future, and look forward to going through the same process of examining the quality of the kits. I will come back to this thread later when my shipment arrives, and if the same volunteers would like to judge the quality of the kits, I would be glad to do the same program as you have volunteered here to provide!

Thanks

Robert
 
Here are the two(2) randomly selected winners/testers:

exoticwo (Albert Kiebert)
jtate (Julia Tate)

Would appreciate if the winners could contact me through IAP e-mail and advise of a forwarding address. Thanks to all that participated.

-Peter-[:)]
 
Kits for jtate were mailed out May 7. The remaining five(5) kits for Albert will ship out May 8.

It's been a good business experience with sourcing and negotiating a potential deal with this supplier located in China.

-Peter-[:)]
 
Al (exoticwo) has created some great pens from the samples that he received. Hoping that he'll chime in and share his thoughts to the overall quality of the kits.

-Peter-[:)]
 
Peter,
I have reviewed the pen kits you sent last week. As far as I can tell there is
no problem with the fit on any kits. When compared with my kits from PSI and
Woodturninz I found all pieces to be the same size.
The colors looked good and durable on all pens except the Green Clip. The color
on the cap looked puddled in the center and thin on the edge. Also the clip was
not colored on the inside like all the others.
Overall I was pleased with the kits. I must tell you that separate bags for each
piece always bugs me! even though I know why. The black is the color I liked
best, never used anything other than Gold before this test.[:)]

 
Originally posted by exoticwo
<br />..... The colors looked good and durable on all pens except the Green Clip......
Click to expand...

Just wondering how you can tell about the durability of a color or a plating by "looking" at it?? You need to put these pens in the field and see how they hold up to regular use for a month or three.
 
Randy, My statement about "durability of a color or plating" is based upon 10 years experience in pen turning. My judgement is just that, mine. I believe I am able to look at something that I have become very familiar with, almost intimate, and make sound judgements.
You actually can tell if a coating is of poor quality: the coating is hit and miss, base metal showing, rough spots, runs, splots, Etc...

Of course the proof is in the pudding and the pens
will be road tested.
 
Originally posted by exoticwo
<br />Randy, My statement about "durability of a color or plating" is based upon 10 years experience in pen turning. My judgement is just that, mine. I believe I am able to look at something that I have become very familiar with, almost intimate, and make sound judgements.
<b> You actually can tell if a coating is of poor quality: the coating is hit and miss, base metal showing, rough spots, runs, splots, Etc... </b>

Of course the proof is in the pudding and the pens
will be road tested.
Click to expand...

Albert: I have no doubt that you are very capable of identifying poor plating jobs and with your experience you are probably able to see details that might escape a newer pencrafter. If my comments suggested otherwise, I beg to offer my apologies.

That being said, I would still maintain that the durability of a plating cannot be estimated by eye where the plating job is well done....ie, none of the defects mentioned above. You could have a good plating job and only have a thickness of 7 or 8 microns or you could have a good plating job and have a plating thickness of 25 microns. That is a difference of less than one thousandth of an inch and a difference that I believe would be undetectable to the human eye; but would make a significant difference in durability.

Your first post mentioned nothing about field testing the platings and I thank you for the subsequent clarification. There is no doubt but that actual usage is the final determinant of plating durability.
 
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