Pen No 5 the learning curve continues.

[alpha1]

I spent the day turning pen No 5. A Sciroco I used a hardwood blank. I will try and post a pic later. I am using a metal lathe for my pen turning because I already had the lathe before I discovered pen kits. I am building up a system for turning pens on my lathe. First thing I do when obtaining a new blank is turn it round between centres on the lathe. I now have a stock of round blanks I turn them to the same diameter so they will fit in a collet chuck. I choose my kit then cut the blank to size. I fit the blank in the collet chuck and drill it on the lathe. I glue the tube in place and when it's set I pop the blank back in the collet and trim it to size using a carbide cutter set up on my tool post I reverse the blank and trim the other end. I then mount the blank on a mandrel and turn it to size using a carbide cutter set up on my tool post. If the blank is tapered I use a gouge with a modified tool holder that acts as a tool rest. The system is quick and easy (for Me) to use. The gouge is proving to be a bit of a learning curve. I'm having fun with my new hobby. The challenging bit up to now is the finish of the blank. This applying CA and stuff is proving to be a learning curve.

 

[Morse]

Hi Dave.
Re finishing. I’ve not used CA to finish, there are many that do.
As with anything, there is more than one way to finish.
On wood I use sand sealer, 600 grade, then micro crystalline wax x2.
If you go to tutorials, finishing, that may give you an alternative to CA.
On acyliic I use 600 wet then use the wet pads to 12000, polish with A car polish,
Then two coats of microcrystalline wax.
Until someone shows me anything better, (please tell me) that’s what I do.
There are many different ideas on finishing you will have to work out the best for you.

Dave

 

[alpha1]

I have found that brasso works quite well on acyrilics to finnish it off then I apply a shelac.

 

[Penpal]

Temporary finishes are great but will not stand up to everyday useage on a pen, once you realize that the search continues for a more lasting finish. I read a lot of rubbish about CA when these days odourless CA is available and preferable,otherwise efficient venting is important. In the past on this forum Ed Street has gone into detail explaining his methods of finishing that are unquestionably superior.

To me finish is like what you wear or choose,which vehicle you choose. Entirely up to you,your needs,call it personal if you wish. The secret of finishing is best served straight from the horses mouth at wood clubs and exhibitions ,given freely in detail enabling every one to make up their own mind.

Peter.

 

[silver]

[MENTION=1847]alpha1[/MENTION]

Nothing wrong with the way you make them on the lathe, it's your way and provided you are happy with it then stick with it..

As for finsish. Check out the tutorials section, there is one from Phil that uses melamine. Good option and preferred by many.

 

[wm460]

Some finishing tutorials here.

http://www.penturners.co.uk/misc/tutorials.php#tabs-5

 

[porker356]

I concur with all thats been said, Finish is a matter of choice. However, if you want a quality, fairly easy to apply finish look no further than Phil's excellent tutorial on melamine finish. I have adopted this technique instead of CA and it is now my preferred way to finish pens.

 

[alpha1]

Thanks for all the replies and the link.