I find it quite strange to call it pen making as the work only involve the making of the barrel. The tips and mechanisms are from "pen kits" sold by folks like Penn State Industries, Rockler, Wood Turningz etc. It's more to me like customizing pens using different colors and/or materials with the rest remaining the same.
The kit I bought came with sufficient parts to make 5 "Gatsby Grande" pens.
The kit I bought came with sufficient parts to make 5 "Gatsby Grande" pens.
Together with this, I packed into the packed into the cart a simple pen turning mendral used by most with a drill chuck, some boxes for the pens, plastic finishing pads, and 5 acrylic blanks.
To keep cost low, I left out a few items that were recommended to aid in turning the blanks. I plan to use what I've on hand to keep it within budget. Shipping alone was already 1/3 of the total cost. I wanted, initially, to do away with the mandrel as it is basically a rod measuring 6.22mm in diameter with M6 threads at the end, but for USD12+, I would rather pay for it and get on with the project. Turning such small diameter for length of 8.5" has always gave me problem...
For a start, I'll be doing mainly straight turning or with very gentle taper (using the compound slide) sanded smooth. As of now, I've no idea of what I have in my head is doable. Will take it a step at a time.
In fact, I've start some work preparing the blank. This will be posted in my next installment to keep this post cleaner.
Meanwhile, let me know if you have any tips and tricks on this to help me out here. TIA!
For a start, I'll be doing mainly straight turning or with very gentle taper (using the compound slide) sanded smooth. As of now, I've no idea of what I have in my head is doable. Will take it a step at a time.
In fact, I've start some work preparing the blank. This will be posted in my next installment to keep this post cleaner.
Meanwhile, let me know if you have any tips and tricks on this to help me out here. TIA!
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