Budget Kit

[Bigbud]

So I have sorted my new Lathe and I really want to try some pens but I really cant afford a huge out lay atm as I'm not even sure I'm going to do that many yet ! If I get into it I'll most likely pass it on to a friend and buy a better set.

Was thinking of picking up a MT1 mandrel, a barrel cutter and some slimline pens ?? This one Woodworking Pen Kit M1 Mandrel | eBay

Any advice :)

 

[Penpal]

Worked for me first up best dressed.

Peter.

 

[Bigblackdog]

you could turn between centres, and save on the mandrel.

 

[silver]

As per Mark says. You can turn between centres but all depends on if you want to go with a mandrel.

But stick to slimline kits. Look around and you will get some cheap kits to start with. Buy bulk and then the price comes down.

But TBH buy a pack of 5 to start with and see how you go, if you get three good ones out of that then you are doing well.

Next 5 you should get 5 out of 5.

Good luck, if you need any help there are a few on here that always will help.:wink:

 

[wm460]

James just check that your lathe is MT 1 before you buy a mandrel.

 

[Bigbud]

Its a record SC4, manual says MT1 :)

 

[TaylorsMirfield.co.uk]

Another option would be to buy a few kits and a number of spare 7mm tubes from Phil. http://www.beaufortink.co.uk/pentubes.html this way you can choose your pen bits before assembly and will save you the cost of wasted kits

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Vic Perrin]

That's exactly the mandrel that I brought a good few years ago when I started making pens. It is still as serviceable now as it was when I brought it and I have used it hundreds of times. I have progressed to mandrel savers and the like over the years but the basic mandrel that you are thinking of buying will still do the job. As suggested turning between centres is an option, it is a little more difficult than using a mandrel but after time and plenty of practice it becomes easier.

With regard to kits I am more than willing to give you a few Slimline kits to have a go at to see if you want to take to the pen turning route.

If you PM me your address I will post a few to you

 

[Penpal]

Great offer James of the Slimlines from Vic.

Peter.

 

[Bigbud]

That's exactly the mandrel that I brought a good few years ago when I started making pens. It is still as serviceable now as it was when I brought it and I have used it hundreds of times. I have progressed to mandrel savers and the like over the years but the basic mandrel that you are thinking of buying will still do the job. As suggested turning between centres is an option, it is a little more difficult than using a mandrel but after time and plenty of practice it becomes easier.

With regard to kits I am more than willing to give you a few Slimline kits to have a go at to see if you want to take to the pen turning route.

If you PM me your address I will post a few to you

Lovely offer thank you but I definitely want to make a few and some key rings as well so I've got to buy some :)

Couple more questions then if I can:
If I go with that mandrel any ideas for a barrel trimmer ? are there different sizes ?
And where's the best place to buy the kits ?
Is there a pencil kit that takes the thin 0.5mm leads ? I use these at work so would love to make one :)

Thanks for you help guys :D

 

[Vic Perrin]

You can get barrel trimmers that come with assorted diam shafts for different kits

I would contact Dan at Taylor Mirfield for pen kits

I am sure that you can get 5mm lead kits

Another decent supplier is Pen Kits UK

 

[bassethound]

Good advice given by all the above mate, and that Mandrel will do fine, hope to see some pen pics from you soon...

 

[Penpal]

Dan and Phil the tandem twosome as on this page sage advice with product satisfaction and fast services.

Peter.

 

[qquake2k]

I have what looks like the same adjustable mandrel, but with a Morse taper 2. I love it. I used to use a collet chuck, but this is much easier to use.

 

[Winemaker]

You must get Walter halls book Pen&Pencil Projects, its brilliant for new and old pen turners.

 

[ni9eofse7en]

Good advice from Tom. I would check out library services for Walters and other Woodturning research resources.

 

[Penpal]

I have what looks like the same adjustable mandrel, but with a Morse taper 2. I love it. I used to use a collet chuck, but this is much easier to use.

This is a collet chuck and a very handy one at that.

Peter.