First three pens (New to turning)

[Sgreen]

Here are my first three pens in order of production. I still have a lot to learn but so far I am happy with the results. Please, if you would be so kind, leave me some feedback good or bad it all helps. First one is acrylic 2nd is yew. Both of these have been modified slimline. They are for my wife who wanted a thick pen because she has arthritis.
The 3rd is a streamline made from Olive. (Big thank you to the generosity of the forum members for sending me the blanks and the kits) Not sure if I should name them or not.

 

[Silverback]

For your first go's you must be pleased


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chas_41_uk]

For your first attempt pretty good

 

[Jim]

To say these are your first pens they aren't to bad .. If you stick with making pens you will see the change of style as you progress Simon ..

 

[Penpal]

Beaut pens Simon wonderful way to help your wife mate.

Peter.

 

[edlea]

Good first effort which should encourage you to go on to greater things.

 

[bassethound]

Those pens are great for your first ones mate..

 

[Phil Dart]

Great looking first attempt Simon. Welcome to the rabbit hole. There are no forum rules preventing you from naming your donors if you want them to have the recognition of your gratitude.

 

[Scots Bill]

Well Simon, I have only made twenty four pens, slimline but made a bit beefier, so like you pretty new to penturning. You will get loads of generous advice from the members of this forum. Well done keep at it!

 

[wm460]

Well done Simon.

 

[angelo49]

Very nice for your first pens Simon
Keep 'em coming.

 

[woodhacker]

nice pens m8 keep at it you'll get the BUG like the rest of us asylum fodder

 

[Les ELm]

Nicely done for your first go at it.

Les

 

[silver]

Excellent first attempt Simon, if they are greatly received then you have mastered one of the arts of pen making.

As I am sure you would want some contructive pointers too, only much opinion.

The shape is all down to taste and I never comment on that as it is what makes your turning unique to you.

The finish, as in Polish and fit is the only points I will say may be improved. There are some radial lines running around the pens and can be seen easily.

The first acrylic pen seems to have some very fine scratches and not much of a shine, what I would eprecomend is to sand with a wet and dry up to a 600 grade (or higher if you can buy it from your local car suppliers.) with the lathe off and working along the blank

Then with a t-cut type cutting compound while the lathe is running and with it off running along the blank. Then a final polish with a cheap I car polish.

You will see the difference that makes.

As for the wooden ones I would do something similar but not the t-cut compound only using the fine papers and then friction polish in the finish.

The fit on the first acrylic, the top cap may need pushing in further as there looks like a small gap between the cap and the barrel.

It's only my opinion, there are a very good first effort, wished mine looked like that in the first place.

A little more effort and time on the finish will make them top notch pens.

 

[Bill Mooney]

A good start Simon.

 

[pittswood]

For your first attempt at pen making, well done. Every one has to learn.
Kelvin