Pen Jaws

[Davew]

Hi
First of all I would like to thank everyone for their advice with regard to choosing a saw for my workshop.
After looking and reading some reviews I have ordered the Record 250 10 inch band saw. I think this will serve my purpose
Being a complete beginner the next thing is, I would like some advice, is It worth purchasing a set of pen jaws for my record power 305 lathe.
I am considering how much more accurate it would be centring the hole in the block and also in facing the ends off. I do have a bench drill and a home made jig.
Your comments would be most welcome

 

[Phil Dart]

You will find devotees of both methods David. If ultra accuracy is required the starting point though is perfectly squared and faced blanks, which ever route you go down. I have pen jaws, but most of my output doesn't require accuracy of drilling to that degree, so I tend to use a self centering vice on a pillar drill, just because it's quicker. All other things being taken care of though, and assuming your lathe runs true, there are less variables on a lathe and I think it's fair to say it is a more accurate method than a pillar drill.

 

[Lons]

My personal preference David is to drill on the lathe despite having a good quality Meddings pillar drill as I find it very quick and easy, I have the jaws permanently set up on my little lathe which helps though so different if you have to set up specially unless you drill in batches.

I think the jaws were around £30 but there are some easy to make pen jaw instructions on the internet using aluminium angle if you want to have a go without spending money.

 

[Dalboy]

I personally use the pillar drill and make sure that the blank is set correctly for the bit to travel through at the required angle in the case of pen blanks straight through does not take long from one blank to the next.

If you feel the need to drill on the lathe THESE jaws or similar would be better as they can be used for a lot more things. I know they cast a bit more but I find they have so many uses where the dedicated pen blank jaws are a little more restrictive

 

[Bucks]

When I was was drilling Pens in bulk (a dozen or two at a time which is bulk for me lol) I used the drill press & that worked perfectly fine. But nowadays I’m only making the odd pen here & there so use the pen jaws on the lathe which I find a lot easier & more accurate (I’m lucky & have two lathes, so most of the time leave the pen jaws on one of them, so it’s always set up ready)

 

[Bucks]

Welcome to the forum by the way David :wink:

 

[ravinsixties]

Hi David and all members. My first post! I started off by buying a pen blank vice an drill press but was not very good at using, probably cos I'm useless lol! Bought ANOTHER Pen Blank Vice , but then decided to try using the Lathe method! Much Better an Accurate. Now I have another item gathering dust in my shed lol! I had a bad habit of buying new gadgets which usually end up somewhere in my shed with cobwebs all over them. Mebbe one day I'll get round to sorting them an sell on ebay or wherever I have two lathes, main one is Record CL4 which I love, an the other is a smaller Record lathe on bench which I use just for drilling blanks. Definitely the Best way for accurate holes. I'm Not a good turner by a million miles, despite a few years" playing" at turning, but Love trying!!!

 

[21William]

You don’t need Pen jaws. Carefully mark both ends of the blank and turn it between centres. Once it’s round mount it in the standard jaws for drilling.

 

[Lons]

I seriously doubt the word "need" is often important in turning pens William, most "needs" can easily be justified at the time by blurring the definition between need and want.

 

[Dalboy]

I seriously doubt the word "need" is often important in turning pens William, most "needs" can easily be justified at the time by blurring the definition between need and want.

I don't need a bigger shed I want a bigger shed

 

[Bill Mooney]

I do as Phil does. Pillar drill & self centring vice. Works for me.

 

[Bigblackdog]

the advantage of pen jaws over pin jaws is that pen jaws will hold a rectangular blank more easily. I drill on the lathe, using pin jaws. I have just treated myself to some pen jaws but not yet fitted them. too cold to turn at the moment.

 

[Lons]

I don't need a bigger shed I want a bigger shed

Quite right Derek, go get one.

 

[Penpal]

I have a dedicated chuck with integral pen jaws for smaller than pens turning. I use a large drill press and independant X and Y adjustment and especially with home cut blanks always line up the blank using a small square. Rapid and accurate ,I like the feel you get from hand control with the self return of the drill press. It is fast and efficient. For dead ,critical accuracy I use my metal lathe. My prismatic jaws on the drill press allow full movement and grasp in any direction.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

I don't need a bigger shed I want a bigger shed

Me too, in thirteen days there will a another lathe coming home.

 

[McKenzie Penworks]

I have a drill press and had used it for years when making my pens. Needed some ideas for Christmas a while back for my family and I put the pen jaws on the list as something that might be nice to have. Turns out, I'm very glad I got them. One thing that is problematic when using only a drill press is drilling round stock. Having the jaws allows me to get perfectly centered holes every time with very minimal fuss. It may take a few seconds longer than putting something in the drill press but I think it ends up being mostly the same because I'm not fretting about getting the stock perfectly straight in my vice on the drill press.

Now... I'm going to be a little biased here but... I happen to know there's a big box of blanks headed over in that direction and they are all round stock. So... if you have any interest in turning blanks like the ones pictured here as well as things like ebonite, it might make sense to go ahead and get the jaws.

 

[Pastor of Muppets]

I have a drill press and had used it for years when making my pens. Needed some ideas for Christmas a while back for my family and I put the pen jaws on the list as something that might be nice to have. Turns out, I'm very glad I got them. One thing that is problematic when using only a drill press is drilling round stock. Having the jaws allows me to get perfectly centered holes every time with very minimal fuss. It may take a few seconds longer than putting something in the drill press but I think it ends up being mostly the same because I'm not fretting about getting the stock perfectly straight in my vice on the drill press.

Now... I'm going to be a little biased here but... I happen to know there's a big box of blanks headed over in that direction and they are all round stock. So... if you have any interest in turning blanks like the ones pictured here as well as things like ebonite, it might make sense to go ahead and get the jaws.

oooh that pictures really shows off the sparkles!