What else is required or recommended?

[DaddyG]

My lathe, chuck, pen jaws, Jacobs chuck, mandrel starter set and micro mesh are in to the shop on Tuesday. (but can't collect till Saturday!!!!?)

I already have my carbide tools, medium super glue and activator.

Turners sanding pack and face shield and a few pen blanks ordered.

Will I need any other super glue or will medium be enough.

The only thing am unsure what can I use to polish or is micro mesh on ca finish.

Am also looking for a polish for acrylics and an alternative finish for wood blanks.

Thanks in advance .

 

[21William]

A couple of things spring to mind.

Cellulose sanding sealer is a good base for most woods. Chestnut Cellulose Sanding Sealer - Fillers & Sealers - Abrasives, Cleaners & Finishing | Axminster Tools & Machinery

On the assumption that you’ve already got some drill bits to use in the Jacobs chuck you’ve ordered you could do with a centre drill or two for starting holes accurately. CENTRE DRILLS

A basic face mark when sanding wouldn’t go amiss. Elipse P3 Half Mask Respirator - Yandle & Sons Ltd

 

[Dalboy]

I would go for two part epoxy glue as it is better for glueing in the tubes to the blanks. There is a PDF on how to apply Melamine lacquer instead of using CA as many are now going over to this method in which case sander sealer as already mentioned and melamine lacquer

 

[DaddyG]

Cheers missed of face mask off my list so that's sorted, will look into sanding sealer and what finish could I apply over the sealer preferably an easy one till I get the hang of it all!!!

 

[flexi]

I would go with Gorrilla glue (pu) for tubes and i use a silicone sealant nozzel to hold and poke the tubes in with. I also use Farclea car polish as a final polish ( i stopped using micro mesh ) just remember to remove abraisive dust between grits and sand laterally as well as radially....

 

[DaddyG]

Mark what grade do you use the g 10?

 

[flexi]

I use the G3 course(250) medium (300) and fine (500)

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

As daft as it may seem, I would consider adding a smock or similar garment to your list. Leave the majority of the dust in the workshop and not in your house. From personal experience, your better half might get a little upset if you you don't.

Regards

Craig

 

[Penpal]

Some form of lighting on side of the lathe,this is necessary.

Peter.

 

[Paul hd]

As daft as it may seem, I would consider adding a smock or similar garment to your list. Leave the majority of the dust in the workshop and not in your house. From personal experience, your better half might get a little upset if you you don't.

Regards

Craig

This is a great tip.
I have just got one and it is a fantastic addition. I got mine from the tool post and it is brilliant quality.

 

[Phil Dart]

Not necessarily a suggestion for other equipment you need, but definitely something to help you decide what else you might need, (and particularly if you are new to pen making) - is the book by [MENTION=95]Walter[/MENTION] Hall.

"A Complete Guide to Turning Pens & Pencils"
Taunton Press
ISBN978-1-60085-365-4

He's too modest to mention it himself, but it is one of the leading books on our craft and will help you in all aspects, including the gear you need to acquire in order to get started.

 

[AllenN]

One thing I do not see is any mention of measuring equipment. I would get some calipers because you cannot really just rely on things being the correct size. I second Walter’s book, I found it a great help.

 

[silver]

Another one here for agreeing with Walters book..

A picture says a 1,000 words..

Here is a picture that I know may be of interest for a starter setting out turning.



I always find drill gauges a must, that way you can check and double check what size drill you have against the tube being drilled.

With everything in this pic you should be able to turn pens. (I must label it all up at some point)

The only thing you need to think of from whats in the picture is managing the dust and vapors, but starting out with a decent dust / vapor mask and a hoover in the shed to clean it all up would be good.

Being aware of dust and vapors in the air when you are using the lathe and adhesives, making sure you are aware of what woods can cause you problems. Superglue (CA) is renowned for causing problems.

This pic was one my grandson did for a presentation to his school when he did a talk on pen making so he could talk through the items on there..

 

[Penpal]

Just noticed a super flexible suitable light in Ikea,s latest catalogue for 9.00 dollars our money. Really like Eamonns layout,I do not have Walters book so not in a position to comment.

Peter.

 

[DaddyG]

Thanks everyone, especially silver for that photo I am now going to convert one of my silicon guns into a pen press.

I already have a flexible light and measuring calipers.

 

[21William]

These make quite good task lights for use on the lathe.

JANSJO LED wall/clamp spotlight White - IKEA

They also sell one with a plain base to which you could attach some magnets if you prefer.

 

[21William]

Forgot to mention, some folks are using Melamine lacquer as an alternative to CA with good effect.

 

[silver]

[MENTION=1779]DaddyG[/MENTION]

Skeleton gun... It’s all we have ever used for the last 10 years.

Better than any pen press IMHO.

 

[DaddyG]

Also just checked and that's the book I have ordered thanks Phil. Here tomorrow so can read up before I get set up at the weekend!!!

Am going to leave the melamine finish for a bit as I would need to buy that plus the sealer and thinners!!!

Banks taking a hammering with the lathe and bits n bobs so will hold off on the alternative finishes, practice the ca finish first.

 

[cookie21]

Graham
IMHO forget the CA use Phills advise get some sanding sealer & melamine, been using that method for some years now,but its your choice