Which Pen Kit

[buckethat]

I am pretty new at the pen turning and i was wonder where everyone else gets there kits and what kind they recommend i recently bought 50 apprentice slimlines for 1.50 each and was curious if i can some other types cheap.
Thanks
Sam

 

[maxwell_smart007]

woodnwhimsies or woodturningz have good deals

 

[wudnhed]

My next pen kit was a Streamline when I first started. I liked it because it was a bit bigger that the Slimline, more wood to show. They come in a round top or flat top you can purchase at Arizona Silhouette and Bear Tooth Woods. I think you can get the flat top at other retailers too. They're not too expensive.

 

[jcollazo]

The lowest price shouldn't be used as the only criteria for a pen kit. The inexpensive 14kt gold plating will wear off much faster than a chrome, titanium or platinum/rhodium plating. Starting off with the Apprentice series is not a bad way to start. Just be aware of the trade-off between price and quality.

That being said, here are some links to a few of the vendors many of us use. You might want to try the Comforts, Cigars, and Euro/Designers on your way up to the high end kits. Then there's the different woods and alternative materials. Hope you have a good paying job and something part-time on the weekends. You can do just fine with only 4 hours of sleep each night.

http://www.woodnwhimsies.com/Pen_Kits.htm
http://woodturningz.com/SlimlinePenKits.aspx
http://www.arizonasilhouette.com
http://www.beartoothwoods.com/catalog

 

[buckethat]

Thanks for the insights
Sam