First Pen

Be careful young lady. Pens have been known to cause lost hours standing in front of a lathe, or scanning catalogs for new kits, or lusting after exotic blanks. It is a slippery slope.

And, a really cool pen.

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

Beautiful. I have always wanted to try this, I just may take this step myself. These pens always fascinate me.

-- Allison, Northeastern Ca. Remember, Amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic!

this one was stressful!!!! After seeing all the pens posted here at LJ and hearing about how people whip them off by the dozens I really didn’t want to mess this one up.

I didn’t have to throw it out – so that’s a good thing :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Congratulations, Debbie. This pen “turned” out beautifully. I am sure that you daughter will be overjoyed with this pen, not only because it is a gorgeous pen, but also because it is a handcrafted gift of the heart from Mama. My crystal ball says that this one will not be your last. After all I would not want you to run out of things to do.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Wow, great start… do you feel the addiction yet?

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

thanks Scott.

and, Scott.. (hmm you are both ScottB) … no feelings of addiction yet—just relief that it is done lol

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Very nice looking pen. Great job

Beautifully done!

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe

Way to go Debbie – you will be forever hooked, but it’s great fun.

-- Canadian Wood Chuck (Bruce)

Awesome looking pen I hope she appreciates the art of it as well as its beauty.

-- David '65

Beautiful use of figured wood. Now how about more pictures and a nice little box to go with it?

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

Douglas.. Douglas.. Douglas.. .... success is never enough, is it/?? You guys always have to push me to try something new.
I wouldn’t come close to the beautiful pen box you made.

Thanks everyone for the kind words :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

WOW, you did a beautiful job Debbie.

-- Odie, Confucius say, "He who laughs at one's self is BUTT of joke". http://woodstermangotwood.blogspot.com/ (my funny blog)

thanks Odie

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Beautiful pen, especially for a first. If you don’t yet feel the addiction, consider yourself lucky, and get out while you can. I must say that I doubt I’d get nearly as much joy out of pen making, if it wasn’t for the teeth grinding frustration that sometimes comes along with it. Thanks for sharing.

So, when do we see that box? :-)

-- I may not know a lot, but at least I know that I don't know.?.?. I think. http://chathampenworks.com/

don’t hold your breath waiting for the box! lol

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

wow…that is a great pen…very nice…what woods?

-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...

good one ! did you buy a new lathe ? did I miss something ?

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

So, the next one will be made of willow?

Lee

-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.

Super job MsDebbie. Looks fantastic. You did very well for the first time. Let’s see some more very soon.

-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps

A beautiful piece of work for a first time.

It also has a feminine touch to it.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Very beautiful pen. I think one of the prettiest I’ve seen. Great wood!! and design.

-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.

aw thanks everyone :)

the wood is .. hmmm.. tiger maple?

willow: not sure what we have left in the wood pile. Thought about it though, you can be sure!

as for the lathe.. I think I mentioned it somewhere. I got a SWEEEEET deal from our regional Steel City representative. I bought the small lathe in December and the pen kits at a wood show in January… yes, January. I’ve taken a long time to actually put them to use!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Thats very good for your first Debbie. I bet ya can’t make just one :)

-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""

Beautiful pen MsDebbie! Having seen your previouse work I know you could match it’s beauty with a gift box.

Rick

-- If at first you don't succeed...Don't try skydiving

Miles—I don’t think I’ll take you up on that bet lol

Bowyer—thanks. I’m in no hurry to make the pen box. But then, I have til Christmas to get the courage lol

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

MsDebbie Great Pen!! and for your 1st one its looks like you’ve been turning pens for along time.
Sure looks like Tiger Maple to me & I’ve turned a fewTiger Maple pens now …{;o)

Great Job!!

-- Rj's Woodworks,San Jose & Weed Ca,

WOW!! MisDebbie, This is a great looking pen. And it’s your first try. Your daughter should be very proud of her mom. That’s a very nice gift. I can’t wait to see your next pen.

-- Dennis Zongker

why thank you Rj :)

hi compliment from an expert!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Great job MsDebbie !!!
Is there anything you can,t do ?

-- John in Belgrave http://www.extremebirdhouse.com ....http://community.webshots.com/user/cranbrook2

there’s more on the “can’t” side than on the “can” side that’s for sure.
and the “too scared to” is even longer yet! :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Debbie a great looking pen. Now that you are going to get deep into this addiction. You’ll have to send me your address so i can send you some cool looking blanks.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Delightful Debbie; delightful!

-- Res severa verum gaudium - True pleasure is a serious business. http://www.folksy.com/shops/TreeGems

thanks guys:)

Karson—that is such a kind offer!! You truly are an amazing individual.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I have done quite a few pens over the last year or so possibly a hundred or so, and I too find the sierra a lovely kit .you did a great job for your first attempt you will only get better try some other kists too I warn you it is addictive have fun debbie regards Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

thank-you Alistair :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

welcome to the club Debbie!
I wish my first looked as good!

-- ~ www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.darrylmasterson.etsy.com ~ www.woodworkingdungeon.blogspot.com ~

:) Thanks Darryl

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I’ve got the package all made up. Will try to get it in the mail tomorrow.

I got you a 391challenge blank in ther so you better get it done before july 4th. There is also a Mesquite that I got from BlueStingrayBoots. The others were some of the blanks I’ve made up.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

ooooh nooooooo I forgot about the challenge! DOH. lol

Karson – you’re the best. Thank you so much

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Ms Debbie, you are a legend. Well done.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

lol – in my own mind, Grumpy.. in my own mind

thanks :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

You picked a great wood and a great kit for a first pen. Wonderful Job!!

-- Mark, Florida, http://penturner.wordpress.com/

:)
thanks, Mark !

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Shipment is on it’s way.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

:D

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

guess what arrived today??? !!! Already.
That was fast. You must have connections :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I just did “despite a having a bad back yesterday” a nice couple of pens.Among them was my first cigar pen they are really well balanced heavy pen why not try one of these MS Debbie kind regards Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Well good luck Debbie. I got a call from JefftheWoodwhacker and he got some wood I sent to him today also. The post office must not have had anything else to do but deliver my wood.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Karson, they probably said, “hey there’s that famour LumberJock.. we’d better send his packages ASAP!” :)

Alistair: I’ll add it to my list of future plans.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

well Karson, I’m learning lots, with the blanks you sent me!
Things were going really well, (too well, obviously), and then the lessons started!

• make sure the drill bit is in straight (lost 2 on this before I realized what was wrong)
• make sure you start the hole in the very centre, especially with smaller blanks
• be very careful with the wood that has unique characteristics – might be weak spots! (lost one beautiful piece)
• make sure you cover the brass tube with lots of glue (lost one with this lesson – I think that is what the problem was, anyway)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Debs how did i miss this it looks stunning i’m going to get myself a lathe karson sent me some wonderful pen blanks so i have to do him justice and make some pens but i dont think they will be as good as yours

Andy

-- cut it saw it scrap it

Debbie Sorry to hear about your problems. I’ve found that when drilling I only go in about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Then take the drill bit out and get all of the drilled wood out.

When those pieces get packed in the drill bit it can shatter the wood blank. Some of the blanks are very fragile and will split and crack.

I’ve got a pen vise that holds the blanks straight, but that sometimes still lets it drill crocked. When I’m doing a two piece blank, I always start drilling from the center (after cutting in two) that way the center grain is matched up as best as it can be.

Here is the pen vise that I use. It comes from Penn State Industries.

I use epoxy to glue in my brass tubes, it usually fills in all of the gaps. I also wait at least 24 hours after glueing before cleaning the glue out of the inside of the tube and trimming the ends. If the glue is not really hard, I’ve had the brass tubes spin in the blank while trimming.

Let me know what you lost and I’ll replace them. Satisfaction guaranteed.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Andy – I look forward to seeing your pens and I’m sure they will be gorgeous. Isn’t Karson the best?

Karson: I have the vice and I do the clearing the wood trick. Letting it dry for 24 hours – well that I haven’t been doing, but since the last tube spun out and then dried half way in, I think I’ll be doing that from now on. Thanks.

You are such a sweetheart re: replacements. You don’t need to do that. Really. I do appreciate the wood and the offer!! Fortunately, since with this pen, I can get two blanks out of each, other than the holly, I think I’ve gotten at least one pen from each of the wood (well, I’m not done making them yet but I’m hopeful)!!

:)
I lost half of the ironwood and I held my breath while making the other half…. I think it had a little split in it so I put some glue on it during turning. I think I was able to save it—it’s a pen now anyways—I might have cried if I’d lost it. That is such beautiful wood!!! I’ll have to get some pictures and post them.

Thanks again for the gift. I am treasuring the wood and the pens!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)