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I couldn't resist. After getting the feel for it with the maple counterpart I just HAD to make one out of Purple Heart (PH).

I have had some trouble turning PH in previous project (the rings box) and did some research on it and I believe it was due to the turning tool angle of attack. after playing around with it and approaching the wood at a different angle, I was getting much better results, but there is still room for improvement on my part and I will have to make a better tool rest that will sit even closer and at a more convenient height to allow me to bring the tool to the wood properly.

This was made on a metal lathe which was a concern of mine (speeds and all) but now with this one finished, I'm pretty content with the results and am confident the lathe will not be an issue. I chucked the pen mandrel in a 3jaw chuck, and for a tool rest I used a 1/2" round bar seated in a boring-bar (metal) tool holder.

While this setup 'works' it presents a few issues:
1. large chuck = a lot of turning metal which is not meant to be turned this fast, and is a safety hazard to hands.
2. tool rest not at proper height and not close enough to work due to it's being seated in a metal tool holder that by itself cannot get too close to the work.

I will be making a collet chuck for the lathe to take care of #1, and I'll make a tool rest that will sit directly on the bed or on the cross slide and will be able to position it exactly where I want.

For now I'm very pleased with the capabilities and results.

Thanks for watching,
Peace!

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Comments

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I've fought with purpleheart on the lathe, too. It's a finicky beast. This came out great. Once you start making pens, the disposable ones just don't do it anymore;)
 

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Looks great, Sharon!

I can confirm the importance of the tool rest. Turning results are dramatically better if your rest is set at the proper height, and as close to the work as possible.
 

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Beautiful pen, Sharon. I see all that practice at the show paid off!
Purpleheart is such a beautiful wood, but a bear to work with.
I have found so much variation in the workability of the wood… when you find a nice straight grained very well colored piece, it is a treasure.
Ellen
 

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super looking pen Sharon
 

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sweet pen!
 

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I think it was Ted Williams who was dubbed "The Splendid Splinter". At the risk of blasphemy, I think that name should have been reserved for purpleheart! Another nice pen Sharon. Nice job.
 

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thanks for the comments everyone.

Lenny - "The Splendid Splinter" (for no apparent reason) would indeed be a fitting name :)
 

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Nice pen, Sharon. Turning pens looks like a lot of fun.
 

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Great job turning the PH and a very unique style , my friend : )
 

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Well that was quick!
 

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You did a nice job with the pen and adapting your metal lathe. I'll be interested to see how your improvements on your lathe set up "turns" out! Also did you buy a pen press to assemble the parts or make your own?
 

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Looks you you're hooked on pen making now.

I guess you were due for another hobby.

Lee
 

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heh, thanks y'all. yes looks like a new hobby is emerging - or a new way to mess things up
 

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i was looking at pens yesterday and the gf was looking threw pens and saw you purpen and came and told me she wanted me to make her one of these pens, she is hard to please so that means your doing something right keep up the good work!! oh yeah beautiful pen!!!
 

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Thank you alexdom
 
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