Looking For A Nice Pen Chest/case In Australia

[Albinoni]

Hello everyone here, I live in Perth, Western Australia and have some very nice pens in my collection, the only problem is they are lying all over the place so its time for me to get a nice Pen Chest or case for them.

 

What I am basically looking for:

 

1. Something not overly too expensive

 

2. Something that will hold 25 pens or more, say up to 30

 

3. Glass top for viewing

 

Any suggestions please

 

 

[ParramattaPaul]

Have you considered making one yourself? A bit of basic woodworking knowledge and a few tool will get you there.

 

Alternately, query your local TAFE to see if there are any apprentice cabinet makers interested in doing one to specification - possibly as a graded project.

[linearM]

Here in the states I found a company which sells pen turning supplies that has a glass topped case with a drawer which holds 24 pens for $50.00 (US). I don't know if you would find a like company in Australia. Recently I purchased a wood machinists tool chest that I find works very well for me. It has 8 drawers (2 large and 6 small) and a lidded top shelf that is just right for holding ink. It doesn't have a glass display top. I purchased slotted pen trays and cut them to size to fit into the drawers. I now have enough space for over 100 pens. Again you might find something like it there in Australia.

 

Here is a post that show a similar chest to the one I have: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/282439-wood-machinists-chest-costco-usa/?hl=%2Bwooden+%2Bmachinists+%2Btool+%2Bchest&do=findComment&comment=3260363. If you don't have that many pens the chest would give you space for pen repair supplies and tools as well.

Edited December 21, 2016 by linearM

[Albinoni]

Have you considered making one yourself? A bit of basic woodworking knowledge and a few tool will get you there.

 

Alternately, query your local TAFE to see if there are any apprentice cabinet makers interested in doing one to specification - possibly as a graded project.

Hi Paul, thanks for your reply here, sorry no as I am hopeless at woodwork and not my thing, I am more into tech stuff and IT stuff.

 

I do have a friend here in Perth who is a very good cabinet maker and is very good at woodwork too, he can build a nice one for me but he said to me the time he gets the parts, the labour cost etc its going to be cheaper for me to buy a new one online.

 

Now this one is overseas, its not from Aust, and its not overly too expensive either, plus holds a decent amount of pens too at a reasonable price as well.

 

http://www.techswiss.com/fountain-pen-display-case-in-burlwood/

[ParramattaPaul]

That should do, no worries.

 

I've knocked together a few things, a coffee table, a book case and a step-stool over the decades, but nothing like a cabinet. I use a leather folder pen case as I really don't have the room in my den for another bit of furniture - too many books.

Edited December 21, 2016 by ParramattaPaul

[ParramattaPaul]

I should add that earlier this week I heard someone say that having a handicraft means spending $40 to make what one could buy for $10.

[bogiesan]

I should add that earlier this week I heard someone say that having a handicraft means spending $40 to make what one could buy for $10.

Almost. If you have SKILLS your project will cost you about 300% more than simply buying it. If you have a HANDICRAFT, it's more like 800% because you build it at least twice before you get it right.

 

but there must be craftspeople in the region who can build a nice custom-made pen box for you. It will not be inexpensive, you must pay something for the skills you do not have yourself and for quality hand work. My skills as a photographer cost my clients plenty.

 

ONe other thing to consider is rummaging through estate sales and thrift stores. Could take a few months but you will eventually find something interesting if not ideal.

[linearM]

I've seen some nice pen chests made from old silverware chests. If you were to get some plastic slotted pen trays to put inside. I've seen some that have a drawer as well as the lift lid on top. I suppose you could nicely cut a hole in the lid and with some narrow picture frame molding have it so you could put in a sheet of glass in the top for display.

[TimPayne]

Try T. Sharpe & Co in Hay Street Market.