Making My Own Pens-What Should I Know?

[FilthyFrank]

Summer is going to start soon, and I'm thinking about ordering my self a mini lathe that functions as other things as well (like $150 or something) to make my own fountain pens. I have some great ideas in terms of different materials to use-materials I haven't seen before in the market. What information in general should I know?

 

I've got some questions as well...

 

1) Where can I buy good quality pen kits?

 

2) Is there a place I can go to just use an actual lathe without buying the entire machine?

[ac12]

PATIENCE.

Trying to cut the material too fast could damage the material, the tool, and/or you.

 

1) Try Penn State Industries for kits. They may also have books and instructions.

 

2) Impossible to answer unless you tell us where YOU are.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi Frank,

 

For a lathe:

 

Try your local community colleges and trade schools; many of them will offer affordable courses in lathe operations... which will not only give you access to a lathe, but it'll also teach you the proper and safe ways to use one.

 

Get in good with the teacher and you can probably get some expanded access to it between classes.

 

ALSO, keep a constant eye on Craig's List, people are always trying to unload specialty items like that due to loss of interest, retirement, downsizing, economic woes, death, going out of business, etc., etc.

 

Rots a ruck.

 

- Anthony

Edited May 22, 2017 by ParkerDuofold

[corgicoupe]

Assuming you are talking about a wood lathe and turning wood, acrylic etc., I suggest going to a local Woodcraft store and get some instruction on one of the lathes they sell. They may have regular classes.

 

I personally like Lazerlinez kits because they are stainless steel, meaning there is no worry about a plated finish, but the design choice is limited.

[rwilsonedn]

As others have said, yes, there are often community colleges or pay-to-rent shops where you can get temporary access to a lathe. But the important thing, if you are not experienced at lathe work, is to get at least some basic training first. There are skills you need to have to avoid ending up with a tool stuck into your hand or splinters in your eye, not to mention ruined stock or expensive damage to someone else's lathe and tools.

My impression is that it only takes a little training to be relatively safe with a wood lathe, but many years of experience to be a master with one. For example, there is one custom pen builder in India who uses a pedal-driven lathe and hand-cuts the threads on his pen barrels, sections, and caps, without a thread-cutting machine. And the threads are perfect. I can't even imagine the practice that has required.

ron

[Runnin_Ute]

I second the training thing. I used one back in the day (early 1970's-junior high school shop class) and wouldn't even think about it without it today.

[corgicoupe]

I'd also warn against buying too much too soon. In my 1st pen turning class the instructor had us use only a roughing gouge. The Mgr of the local Woodcraft store still uses only the roughing gouge.