If it's just for pens, then the Axminster mini lathe takes some beating, but I would suggest you opt for the variable speed. Only issues I have had with this lathe is the build quality, ok but not brilliant. Jet, better build quality if you decide it's necessary. Record 305 good lathe, ax 1416 is the lathe I use to turn pens and other stuff in the workshop, the avwsl at shows.
One to avoid is the Clarke range of low quality scrap. The build quality is that achieved from a dismally low standard which they consistently fail to achieve.
