I’ve mastered the simple straight line pens. Now I’m working on the European style pen. Must say I’m disappointed in my attempts. Part of my issue is I’m quiet sure I need to get better lighting and probably stronger glasses. Seems I have some trouble seeing the details. Of course, I can feel the tubes with my fingers – and I’ve come close – but when I take the pens off the lathe I end up with some divit or high spot. Lots of practice ahead of me. But I am enjoying the process. I did manage to get two that were perfectly smooth and felt like glass. They just did not match the hardware as well as they should have.
I’m going to knock out some key chains for the church services auction this year. Still plan on doing a cutting board as well.
Signed up for a bowl turning class in April. I’m excited about that.
As for the issue I had with my tail stock not seating down tight. The suggestion to check sides and contact with the stock was right on. There was a couple of small burrs on the side that I filed down. Seems to work well now. Thanks for all the help.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
7 comments so far
scopemonkey
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129 posts in 1057 days
posted 271 days ago
Pen turning is addicting and a lot of fun. I’m no pro, but I have learned a few things from the school of trial and error. Practice using a skew chisel for your final cuts for smooth results and less sanding. I also have gotten away from using the bushings as a guide to final size. While they are supposed to match the pen’s hardware, I find it more accurate to use calipers. I use my digital caliper to measure the pen parts (nib, center rings, etc) and then turn to a reasonably close measurement and then sand to the final size. I usually get within a couple of thousandths and a nice transition from wood to pen part. What finish are you using? I have to say, now that I have gone to a CA glue finish for my pens, I rarely use friction polish any more.
-- GSY from N. Idaho
Sawdust2
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1183 posts in 981 days
posted 271 days ago
CA and BLO make a GREAT finish.
I also like the finish from Craft Supplies.
Lee
-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.
Betsy
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2386 posts in 789 days
posted 271 days ago
Thanks guys.
I’ve never heard of CA glue finish or CA and BLO as a finish. I’m assuming you mix the two. But how much, etc.? Sounds interesting.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
mot
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4901 posts in 930 days
posted 271 days ago
Also, with the bushing thing…often sanding and use of your gouges/skew will make the bushing smaller. You can reek havoc on the bushing with just one or two pens.
-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)
scopemonkey
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129 posts in 1057 days
posted 271 days ago
Check this video out on CA/BLO finish. Practice on some scrap. I usually apply a coat of BLO, then use medium viscosity CA in multiple coats, sanding out any ripples in between coats. I then use micro mesh to 12000 and finish off with a coat of Renaissance wax and a buffing wheel. Google “CA glue finish” or go here for more info.
-- GSY from N. Idaho
scopemonkey
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129 posts in 1057 days
posted 271 days ago
Oops…I meant to reference this video but the other one is interesting on the use of CA glue as well.
-- GSY from N. Idaho
Betsy
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2386 posts in 789 days
posted 270 days ago
Thanks guys. I’ll check out those sites.
Tom – is there a way to keep from killing the bushings – or is it just practice, practice, practice?
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.