The Fountain Pen Network > An Absolute Newbie

Shiny Pink Pens

Apr 11 2008, 08:24 PM

Okay, here goes. I am an Absolute Newbie when it comes to pen turning. In fact, I have never turned a pen as yet. I received the lathe via FedEx the other day and am wondering what else I actually need (besides the blanks, the kits, and safety goggles)?? I know I need an MT2 Drill Chuck, but what is the part that actually holds the blank?? And what is the part that insures that the hole is square to the blank?? And what about a good set of tools?? After one has actually trimmed the material from the pen, what is the next step?? I need instructions, where can I find them?? I am mainly interested in turning acrylic blanks, which are on their way. How do I finish them?? Gosh, I need help. Thanks So Much for all of your help, Michele

BigShed

Apr 11 2008, 11:51 PM

QUOTE(Shiny Pink Pens @ Apr 11 2008, 08:24 PM) [snapback]574741[/snapback]

Okay, here goes. I am an Absolute Newbie when it comes to pen turning. In fact, I have never turned a pen as yet. I received the lathe via FedEx the other day and am wondering what else I actually need (besides the blanks, the kits, and safety goggles)?? I know I need an MT2 Drill Chuck, but what is the part that actually holds the blank?? And what is the part that insures that the hole is square to the blank?? And what about a good set of tools?? After one has actually trimmed the material from the pen, what is the next step?? I need instructions, where can I find them?? I am mainly interested in turning acrylic blanks, which are on their way. How do I finish them?? Gosh, I need help. Thanks So Much for all of your help, Michele

Michele, perhaps you should visit the IAP site

http://www.penturners.org/forum/default.asp

Go to Features -> Library and you will find lots of articles and videos on how to turn a pen and what you will need. You've already got the most important part, the lathe so you are more than half way there. Have fun.

Shiny Pink Pens

Apr 12 2008, 12:25 AM

Thanks very much.

aurrida

Apr 12 2008, 07:57 AM

as an additition to IAP`s extensive resources, get yourself a copy of Turning Pens and Pencils by Kip Christensen and Rex Burningham. its pretty much the standard beginners book.

IAP address http://www.penturners.org/forum/portal.asp

gwilki

Apr 12 2008, 01:59 PM

Just to add to what the others have said, you may want to find a seminar to attend. I don't know where you live, but in Canada, Lee Valley Tools offers 4 hours seminars on pen turning, and you come out the door with a completed pen. I believe that I've seen that Woodcraft in the US does the same thing. You can also check local turning clubs for similar opportunities.

Shiny Pink Pens

Apr 12 2008, 04:14 PM

QUOTE(gwilki @ Apr 12 2008, 09:59 AM) [snapback]575364[/snapback]

Just to add to what the others have said, you may want to find a seminar to attend. I don't know where you live, but in Canada, Lee Valley Tools offers 4 hours seminars on pen turning, and you come out the door with a completed pen. I believe that I've seen that Woodcraft in the US does the same thing. You can also check local turning clubs for similar opportunities.

Great Idea....I am going to check into that. Thanks.

Ruaidhri

Apr 13 2008, 02:53 PM

PM sent

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

Buzz

Apr 14 2008, 09:48 AM

Been lurking here for a while and learning plenty.

A good starting point for you is to visit Russ Fairfield's pages, which I would recommend to any beginner. All the information you need to get going is contained here.

http://www.woodturner-russ.com/Pen10.html

Welcome to pen turning!

Chris