pen making

[mattkemp]

Pen making is something that I am interested in taking up but I am after a bit of advice for pen kits which to steer clear off, I understand you get what you pay for. What inserts do you use and guts are of good quality as I have seen a lot of people selling kits. I am going to Newark tool show and looking to pick a kit up but just wondered if anybody can help with this.

matt

 

[Buckeye]

Pen making is something that I am interested in taking up but I am after a bit of advice for pen kits which to steer clear off, I understand you get what you pay for. What inserts do you use and guts are of good quality as I have seen a lot of people selling kits. I am going to Newark tool show and looking to pick a kit up but just wondered if anybody can help with this.

matt

Matt, to be honest you can research and ask questions, read everything you can about this kit and the other, but while you are doing all this you could have bought some cheap kits or expensive kits and had a go at turning them. Both daveygee and Dan, who are member here, sell kits, Dan usually has a 10% discount code for forum members.

The kits to steer clear of are so cheap that they are not worth steering clear of, just get some, turn them and you have gained some real experience for a very low outlay.

Peter

 

[mattkemp]

oh right ok, I am after a pen mandrel as I don't have anything yet are the mandrels a much of a muchness.

 

[rayf6604]

I agree, I started with a few slimlines and then moved on to sierras and whatever took my fancy until I decided to do fairs then I deliberately got a selection of styles to offer choice for my customers. So far I've only really found one crap kit and that's the early jnr gents. So have a go at what takes your fancy and go from there.

Sent from my SGP321 using Tapatalk

 

[Buckeye]

oh right ok, I am after a pen mandrel as I don't have anything yet are the mandrels a much of a muchness.

I have 3 mandrels, one from timberbits, one from Axminster and the other I haven't got a clue where from, The one I use mostly is the Axminster Deluxe Mandrel and I know some people say it is no good, the same for other mandrels some like them some don't. I have not had any problem with the Axminster one and the added bonus is that it is also a collet chuck, it takes ER20 collets so could be helpful later on if you want to do different things.

Which ever mandrel you get, you would be better served to get a mandrel saver also, as it will be easier on your mandrel.

Peter

 

[mattkemp]

ok thanks will have a look into them thanks for all the advice

matt

 

[21William]

I bought this one, seems pretty good for the money.

http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/SCT-Pen-Centre.html

And one of these as I already had some collets.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301728498683?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

All you need then is some silver steel and some bushes.

 

[Bill Mooney]

I have the Axminster deluxe mandrel like Peter & have no problems with it & use it all the time.

 

[Bammer]

I have a couple of mandrels, but with the variences of the bushes inrelation to the mandrel bar, I'm turning between centres more often than not now.

I like this one http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-evolution-series-compression-pen-mandrel-ax942635

 

[Buckeye]

I have a couple of mandrels, but with the variences of the bushes inrelation to the mandrel bar, I'm turning between centres more often than not now.

I like this one http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-evolution-series-compression-pen-mandrel-ax942635

I am sure I have asked this before, but can't remember the answer if I have, is the mandrel rod replaceable?

Peter

 

[Woody]

Hi Matt I have a record and the axminster mandrels and to be honest there isnt much difference between them except the M/T as for kits most people advise start of with the slimline because they are as cheap as chips the sierra type kits in my opinion are the easiest pens to make as they only have one tube but you will also need bushes for that kit hope to see you at the Newark show you will recognise me by my leather flat cap happy turning

 

[Bammer]

I am sure I have asked this before, but can't remember the answer if I have, is the mandrel rod replaceable?

Peter

Probably are, but the bushes from various suppliers do not seem to be consistant, I still use mine, but am finding more and more that I don't.

Hi Matt I have a record and the axminster mandrels and to be honest there isnt much difference between them except the M/T as for kits most people advise start of with the slimline because they are as cheap as chips the sierra type kits in my opinion are the easiest pens to make as they only have one tube but you will also need bushes for that kit hope to see you at the Newark show you will recognise me by my leather flat cap happy turning

Ok, everyone who goes to the show wear a leather flat cap, that will really confuse Matt ...

 

[Buckeye]

Probably are, but the bushes from various suppliers do not seem to be consistant, I still use mine, but am finding more and more that I don't.




Ok, everyone who goes to the show wear a leather flat cap, that will really confuse Matt ...

So that's 1 leather hat, who will be wearing the cops outfit, the indian headdress, the hard hat, cowboy outfit and sailors outfit

Peter

 

[Scots Bill]

I have seen the rods for sale separately somewhere Peter, so you can get them for sure.

 

[Penpal]

Match it with your mandrel saver horrible when they dont fit properly.

Peter

 

[wm460]

This is my favourite pen mandrel made by a sheepshagger machinist.

 

[AllenN]

Hi Matt. One thing that I found is that one of my mandrels has a grub screw holding the rod (TR I think). That makes me really nervous so I never use it. I much prefer the type with the collet (Planet Rotur or Axminster) it just feels safer. I second the mandrel saver, it works really well. You will find variations in the diameter of the rods and the bushes so you may need to do a bit of fettling. I certainly find the use of the mandrel very convenient as a relative newcomer myself, but turning between centres works just as well especially if you are more used to it anyway.

 

[mattkemp]

Hi Matt I have a record and the axminster mandrels and to be honest there isnt much difference between them except the M/T as for kits most people advise start of with the slimline because they are as cheap as chips the sierra type kits in my opinion are the easiest pens to make as they only have one tube but you will also need bushes for that kit hope to see you at the Newark show you will recognise me by my leather flat cap happy turning

Keep an eye out for me then mate I will be wearing a fleece jacket with a pair of jeans lol

Matt

 

[Buckeye]

I have seen the rods for sale separately somewhere Peter, so you can get them for sure.

I know mandrel shafts are available, some mandrels don't have a removable shaft and I was wondering if the mandrel Bammer linked to was capable of the shaft being changed.

Peter

 

[Bammer]

I know mandrel shafts are available, some mandrels don't have a removable shaft and I was wondering if the mandrel Bammer linked to was capable of the shaft being changed.

Peter

There is a grub screw, tried to take the mandrel out once, but it was seized on so didn't bother to get it off. I can't remember why I tried but it wasn't that important. I had had it for a few months by then. The mandrel saver is excellent.