1st pens in decent hardwoods

[TonyMilner]

As I said in my first post to introduce myself the blanks supplied with the'Cool Tool' mandrill kit were a bit naff. So I ordered some assorted hardwood blanks and 7mm kits. Here are the results so far.
All 7mm (I think it's the largest I can do on my lathe) Elm, Walnut, Zebrano, Cherry & Tulipwood (with a bit of Beech on the end 'cos it was the first one and I turned down to the brass rod!)



I'm sure that 7mm is the largest as it's the biggest collet I can get on the lathe - below - tiny I know - but it works

 

[stevenw1963]

Nice pens Tony.

 

[bluntchisel]

Well done, Tony, with your first pens. Now there a germ in your head that is asking, "Now where can I buy a larger lathe?" Am I right, matey? LOL!

Bob.

 

[Les ELm]

Well done.
Can you not turn larger pens by TBC?

Les

 

[TonyMilner]

Well done.
Can you not turn larger pens by TBC?

Les

TBC? what's that

Also I've been looking at thr Clarke mini lathe, it will have to be small & quiet - I live in a 2nd floor flat! - my workshop (where my model boats are made) is my ex-darkroom (spare bedroom)
I'll give it serious thought after Christmas.

 

[bassethound]

Looks to me like you could do larger pens on there with the right bushes...

 

[Grump]

All the kits firt on a 7mm mandrel with the right bushes, you are not limited by that.
TBC = Turning Between Centers.
You need the therapy that can only be given here.
Some of the guys can give exact dimensions if you only ask init?
Not me cos I don't got a clue what I am doing.

 

[TonyMilner]

Ahh...now thanks for all the info.
I've ordered and recieved some more 7mm kits from Taylors Mirfield (good service there! thanks a lot) and there is more hardwood (not hatwood! sheesh!) on the way.
So I'll stick to them for the next few pens - sorts out all the Xmas prezzies anyhow! and it will be good practice.
But after then I'll get the bits for larger stuff.

 

[Woody]

Well done Tony and a good save mate keep em coming

 

[Bill Mooney]

A good start Tony, keep on turning.

 

[stiofanpadraigcrafts]

great start tony looking good

 

[Jim]

All well turned Tony, i am sure we will be seeing larger pens from you in the very near future ..

 

[stiofanpadraigcrafts]

im using a small proxxon db250 as im new to this as well. Hopefully upgrade soon. as said before the bushings make the difference

 

[Vic Perrin]

Nice job Tony a great first effort

 

[Penpal]

Care an caution beats every problem you have been busy and careful nice pens mate.

Peter.

 

[AllenN]

A nice start there. I am sure you will find the kits from Dan really spur you on to good things.Try some of his bigger kits they should be fine as others have said

 

[chas_41_uk]

Some nice pens Tony

 

[Bob Ellis]

Well done, Tony. I like the way you corrected your mistake on the first pen.

Your Unimat should not prove much of restriction. The Sherline lathe I use is of a similar size and I make all kinds of pens on it. As others have said, you just need the right bushes for the pen you are making.

 

[Doug]

Some interesting shapes & very nice pens Anthony

 

[wm460]

Great selection of pens Tony.