Hey Woody,
Acrylic is actually really easy to turn when you get the hang of it, as others have said it's dependant largely on how sharp your tools are. The other most important thing with it is taking very light, gentle shavings at a time, and be patient. Goes for all turning really, while you're building experience, you'll find it easiest to get good results by taking it slowly and gently. I keep really bad health, and also care for a poorly wife, so despite having been at it for a couple of years, I'm still a rookie, but being slow and patient, nobody can tell from the finished product. :wink:
As for learning turning, there's an excellent book that you can pick up pretty cheap, and is generally thought of as the woodturner's bible, it's "Woodturning, A foundation Course" by Keith Rowley. Between that and YouTube (especially the 200+ videos by Cap'n Eddie Castelin https://www.youtube.com/user/capneddie/videos ) and what's to be found here and at the UKworkshop forum, is where I've learned pretty much everything I know about turning, and my head knowledge is far in advance of my experience for it! :)
I hope you get what you want from the pens, and go on to enjoy the hobby as much as I do, if not more.
Nic.
