Pen Press

[wolf creek knives]

I'm in the market for a new pen press and I'm looking for some presses other turners might use. Mine is old and worn out and giving me a lot of trouble. So, if you have a favorite press that you really like I'd like to know about it. Thanks in advance for any ideas and help.

 

[GFHWoodWerks]

You could turn your lathe into a press, a drill press can work or of you have one, an arbor press is a possibility. Hope these options help you on your journey.

 

[Kenny Durrant]

This is the one I use. A bit pricey but I like the ability to disassemble pens. As far as just pressing the pens together it's just as good as any others I've tried. I used to disassemble pens with a punch and a hammer. The problem with that is I messed up more of the plastic threads in rollerball caps than I saved. The smooth even pressure really helped with that. I haven't lost a threaded insert since using it. I'm pretty particular about lining up the patterns on the cap and pen body so I've disassembled more than I care to admit. It also came with a rubber tube so it doesn't mar the blank.

 

[jttheclockman]

You could turn your lathe into a press, a drill press can work or of you have one, an arbor press is a possibility. Hope these options help you on your journey.

Not a fan of a lathe as a pen press. If you have to then make sure you are pressing on centers. There are examples of home made presses in library. Others use clamps. But a dedicated pen press is designed for the pressure needed

 

[Penchant 4]

This is the one I use. A bit pricey but I like the ability to disassemble pens. As far as just pressing the pens together it's just as good as any others I've tried. I used to disassemble pens with a punch and a hammer. The problem with that is I messed up more of the plastic threads in rollerball caps than I saved. The smooth even pressure really helped with that. I haven't lost a threaded insert since using it. I'm pretty particular about lining up the patterns on the cap and pen body so I've disassembled more than I care to admit. It also came with a rubber tube so it doesn't mar the blank.

A refinement of the one shown in your post. Yours is the same that I have used for a few years. However, were I to do it again, this is the one! Simpler to use, particularly is the changeover from assembly to disassembly and back again.

 

[randyrls]

I don't like single task tools. I press pens together either with my workbench vise and oak jaw covers, OR press blocks that fit on the lathe (for use when I am away from home).

 

[sorcerertd]

I use the same one as @Kenny Durrant. It's easy and efficient. That Beaufort press looks really nice, too.

 

[RichAldrich]

Agree with John on not using the lathe. Too easy to be off just a hair and split the blank.

 

[Woodchipper]

Agree with John on not using the lathe. Too easy to be off just a hair and split the blank.

Definitely. I cracked two blanks with a pen press by putting waaay too much moxie on the blank.
I started with the press parts for the lathe but found it too cumbersome. Actually, I got the pen press for free but I did send the person a check to cover S&H and time.

 

[KMCloonan]

I use the same one as @Kenny Durrant. It's easy and efficient. That Beaufort press looks really nice, too.

I use the same Beaufort press, only it's labeled as Axminster. It was pricey, but it works very well.

 

[GFHWoodWerks]

Not a fan of a lathe as a pen press. If you have to then make sure you are pressing on centers. There are examples of home made presses in library. Others use clamps. But a dedicated pen press is designed for the pressure needed

I mentioned to the OP because they were seeking alternatives.

workbench vise and oak jaw covers

This is another great option that I forgot to add to my list.

 

[ebrown7780]

Here is the one I have used for years. I also have the one others have mentioned that disassembles pens but I like this one better. Amazon has it.

 

[carlmorrell]

I pressed together probably a thousand pens with a 4" bench vise. Then I bought the nice one from Penn State. Regretted not buying it sooner. I have also been able to dis-assemble several pens with it.

 

[Darios]

Another vote for the PSI assembly/disassembly press with some hdpe collars. When I get around to getting a thicker bit of hdpe I plan on putting a sleeve on the aluminum side of the press instead of trying to juggle that flat piece on the end there. (another brilliant idea stolen from here)

 

[wouldentu2?]

I have used a squeeze clamp for many years, just happened to have it and never saw a need to buy a press.

 

[Hippie3180]

I have the PSI press, it's like new, I'll sell it to you if you're interested, it's sitting in a drawer. I only do fountains now.

 

[wolf creek knives]

I have the PSI press, it's like new, I'll sell it to you if you're interested, it's sitting in a drawer. I only do fountains now.

Thanks for the offer, I appreciate it. I haven't decided what press I want. Might take me some time to figure it all out.

 

[Sylvanite]

I use a 1 ton arbor press from Harbor Freight.

 

[Todd in PA]

I use the psi between centers pen press. Looks like it might currently be out of stock. I also have the PSI pen press…Never really liked it.

 

[PreacherJon]

I've been using this home built one since the mid 2000s. Has worked great for me. Matthew Services in the name on the plans. If you need, I can send you or anyone a .doc file of it.

 

[bugradx2]

I have the Milescraft press, it's worked well for me

 

[jttheclockman]

I have the Milescraft press, it's worked well for me

I just bought one of those this past week from Amazon because of free shipping. I always liked that design after watching Chad from Turners use them and the ease of adjust lengths. It is super well built and has some weight to it. The drawer under it is actually a great idea. A better mousetrap as they say. I have an older PSI that I have used for years and still works but is slipping more these days. All the talk about pen presses just push me over the edge. These days it does not take much. Just some late night no sleep shopping.

 

[jrista]

View attachment 378719
A refinement of the one shown in your post. Yours is the same that I have used for a few years. However, were I to do it again, this is the one! Simpler to use, particularly is the changeover from assembly to disassembly and back again.

I have the PSI one. I can already see the improvements in this one that would probably solve all my complaints with the PSI. starting with the darned double-wingnut locking nuts for the clamp in the middle!! Hateful design! This single-knob approach is so much better, and it looks like it has a locking lever to hold it in place underneath as well.