Carbon

[glenpen]

I had some Glow in the Dark pen blanks given as a gift. I have not had any success turning them blunting 2 Gauges and after 1/2 hr there is not much turning showing, so I gave up. I have contacted the supplier in America and they tell me that the blanks are so hard CARBON should be used. They have not told me Carbon what?????? Can any one enlighten me, has any one had experience turning this type of blank

Glen

 

[Woody]

The only thing I can think of is carbon steel tools but that is softer than HSS steel so will blunt quicker you could try carbide tips they are far harder than HSS

 

[Walter]

I suspect they mean carbide as in carbide tipped turning tools such as the Sorby Turnmaster and Easy Wood tools.

You can make your own (or ask Woody nicely).

 

[Buckeye]

I had some Glow in the Dark pen blanks given as a gift. I have not had any success turning them blunting 2 Gauges and after 1/2 hr there is not much turning showing, so I gave up. I have contacted the supplier in America and they tell me that the blanks are so hard CARBON should be used. They have not told me Carbon what?????? Can any one enlighten me, has any one had experience turning this type of blank

Glen

I have a feeling they mean carbide not carbon.

Peter

 

[glenpen]

Thanks for this information. I have just re read the email I received and it is CARBIDE they have recommended.
Glen

The only thing I can think of is carbon steel tools but that is softer than HSS steel so will blunt quicker you could try carbide tips they are far harder than HSS

 

[Bill Mooney]

Buy your carbide tips on eBay & make your own tools, well worth it.

 

[Penpal]

Glen I understand the desire to turn everything known once you embark on this endevour problems do arise in this case one recommendation is to use carbide referring to small squares of carbide steel either square in shape around 15mm square that have four sharpened cutting surfaces this necessitates a tool being fashioned that will provide a tapped centre countersunk allen screw to hold the cutter in position. Such tools are available but relatively easy to make. As a starter if you go to the library on this forum there may be instructions on how to do this or as suggested check in with Woody who has solved this problem of making.

Have success Peter.

 

[brody2123]

Totally agree with Bill. Make your own tool. Have fun and save a packet into the bargain

 

[penfold1]

I bought mine from here...Only £25 delivered next day...saves faffing around making your own bar/handle and ordering tip's..Nothing wrong with making your own but i like the easy way

Square Carbide Chisel

 

[wm460]

I tride to get square S/Steel bar in Alice not available.

 

[Penpal]

I tride to get square S/Steel bar in Alice not available.

You could use old large screwdriver, small pinch bars, metal rod from photocopiers Mark make friends with the mining company metal workers.

Peter.

 

[Buckeye]

I tride to get square S/Steel bar in Alice not available.

I am not surprised, if I was Alice I too would have been unavailable:nonono:

Peter

 

[glenpen]

Sent you a pm
Glen

 

[Nige52]

I'm considering buying his set of three pen turning chisels for £60...I know I have a set of Robert Sorby alloy handled chisels being wrapped up for Christmas by my other half......are these worth buying or shall I wait for the Sorby set?......Decisions decisions....I'm most tempted as I love tools and gadgets.....

 

[Walter]

Personally I am not keen on small pen turning tools, I do almost everything with a 3/4" roughing gouge.

On the other hand you can never have too many turning tools.

I can definitely say that you don't need them but if you like collecting tools and want them and can afford it then why not.

 

[Nige52]

It was because on an earlier post, it was said that carbide tipped chisels were needed to cut carbon.......and as I have a few bits of carbon and other assorted bits hanging around........if you get my drift

 

[paulm]

I have a set of RS pen turning chisels and since opening them they have gathered dust. Foolishly because I can't resist tools, I purchased the long handle for them earlier this year. It doesn't have quite as much dust on it at the moment but its catching up. I only ever use a roughing gouge and 3/4" skew for my pens.

 

[Woody]

Carbide tip tools are good on most materials I was making then for about £10 a chisel and it only takes about an hour max to make one the only tools you need are a hacksaw , file and a tap all the materials you can get on ebay tips, screws, mild steel, copper pipe and wood it is very satisfying making your own tools and you can make them the size you want even short for pen turning long for other turnings so for your £60 you could make 6 tools see a few of the tools I have made

 

[Nige52]

Those are beautiful Woody......
But being an impatient old git, I've gone and ordered the set.....when I get more knowledge and hopefully, ability...I'll have a go at making some tools

 

[glenpen]

Lovely set of tools, it's a pity you don't sell them for us who don't have your ability.
Glen

Carbide tip tools are good on most materials I was making then for about £10 a chisel and it only takes about an hour max to make one the only tools you need are a hacksaw , file and a tap all the materials you can get on ebay tips, screws, mild steel, copper pipe and wood it is very satisfying making your own tools and you can make them the size you want even short for pen turning long for other turnings so for your £60 you could make 6 tools see a few of the tools I have made
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