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First Pen

Project by MsDebbieP posted 162 days ago 518 views 1 time favorited 54 comments Add to Favorites Watch
First Pen
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June 12/09

Well, it sure did take me a long time to get around to this but finally—here it is: my first pen. It is a birthday present for my daughter (who by the way turns “old” today. Haha.. family joke)

Pen kit: Sierra Ballpoint

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


54 comments so far

View Russel's profile

Russel

2057 posts in 831 days


posted 162 days ago

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.

View Allison's profile

Allison

652 posts in 691 days


posted 162 days ago

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!

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 162 days ago

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)

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

20538 posts in 714 days


posted 162 days ago

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.

View scottb's profile

scottb

3403 posts in 1219 days


posted 162 days ago

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/

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 162 days ago

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)

View Loucarb's profile

Loucarb

938 posts in 337 days


posted 162 days ago

Very nice looking pen. Great job

View mmh's profile

mmh

1377 posts in 614 days


posted 162 days ago

Beautifully done!

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

View CanadianWoodChuck's profile

CanadianWoodChuck

159 posts in 805 days


posted 162 days ago

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

-- Canadian Wood Chuck (Bruce)

View David65's profile

David65

160 posts in 177 days


posted 162 days ago

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

-- David '65

View Douglas Bordner's profile

Douglas Bordner

3424 posts in 956 days


posted 162 days ago

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.

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 162 days ago

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)

View odie's profile

odie

1601 posts in 732 days


posted 162 days ago

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)

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 162 days ago

thanks Odie

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

View Sef's profile

Sef

97 posts in 543 days


posted 162 days ago

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/

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 162 days ago

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

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

View Napaman's profile

Napaman

3482 posts in 969 days


posted 162 days ago

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

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

View DAN 's profile

DAN

6438 posts in 875 days


posted 162 days ago

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

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

View Sawdust2's profile

Sawdust2

1181 posts in 980 days


posted 162 days ago

So, the next one will be made of willow?

Lee

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

View cabinetmaster's profile

cabinetmaster

8462 posts in 450 days


posted 162 days ago

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

View Dick, & Barb Cain's profile

Dick, & Barb Cain

7034 posts in 1191 days


posted 162 days ago

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

View mtnwild's profile

mtnwild

2013 posts in 419 days


posted 162 days ago

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.

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 162 days ago

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)

View miles125's profile

miles125

1419 posts in 897 days


posted 162 days ago

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

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

View bowyer's profile

bowyer

342 posts in 288 days


posted 162 days ago

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 161 days ago

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)

View Rj's profile

Rj

545 posts in 523 days


posted 161 days ago

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,

View Dennis Zongker's profile

Dennis Zongker

1014 posts in 484 days


posted 161 days ago

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 161 days ago

why thank you Rj :)

hi compliment from an expert!

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

View john's profile

john

1183 posts in 1273 days


posted 161 days ago

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

-- John in Belgrave ,(Slideshow ) http://cid-69bce320c6d8b119.skydrive.live.com/play.aspx/Extreme%20Birdhouses/P1030026.JPG?ref=2 (Website) http://www.extremebirdhouse.com

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 161 days ago

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)

View Karson's profile

Karson

25794 posts in 1292 days


posted 161 days ago

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 †

View YorkshireStewart's profile

YorkshireStewart

782 posts in 793 days


posted 161 days ago

Delightful Debbie; delightful!

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 161 days ago

thanks guys:)

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

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

View SCOTSMAN's profile

SCOTSMAN

2238 posts in 477 days


posted 161 days ago

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 161 days ago

thank-you Alistair :)

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

View darryl's profile

darryl

1392 posts in 1218 days


posted 161 days ago

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

-- www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.darrylmasterson.etsy.com

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 161 days ago

:) Thanks Darryl

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

View Karson's profile

Karson

25794 posts in 1292 days


posted 160 days ago

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 †

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 160 days ago

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)

View Grumpy's profile

Grumpy

14914 posts in 743 days


posted 160 days ago

Ms Debbie, you are a legend. Well done.

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 160 days ago

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

thanks :)

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

View MarkWilk's profile

MarkWilk

183 posts in 768 days


posted 159 days ago

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

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 159 days ago

:)
thanks, Mark !

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

View Karson's profile

Karson

25794 posts in 1292 days


posted 159 days ago

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 †

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 159 days ago

:D

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 155 days ago

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

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

View SCOTSMAN's profile

SCOTSMAN

2238 posts in 477 days


posted 155 days ago

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

View Karson's profile

Karson

25794 posts in 1292 days


posted 155 days ago

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 †

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 155 days ago

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)

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 126 days ago

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)

View pommy's profile

pommy

948 posts in 583 days


posted 126 days ago

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

View Karson's profile

Karson

25794 posts in 1292 days


posted 126 days ago

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 †

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14159 posts in 1053 days


posted 126 days ago

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)

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