I went to the local WoodCraft today to look around and watch a demo of the saw stop. I found out that they were having a workshop where you could turn pens that they were sending to deserving soldiers overseas. I decided to give it a try and with the help of a patient and talented instructor I was able to turn out this pen. 
They offered to allow me to keep it since it was my first but I decided to let it go to the soldiers and I would settle for this cell phone pic and the meory of turning my first pen. OH YEAH almost forgot I am hooked and left woodcraft with a starter kit and plan on making several for Christmas. Shhhhh. don’t tell anyone in my family they dont know. lol
-- Pyromedic602, free wood is always good wood
4 comments so far
Russel
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2058 posts in 834 days
posted 381 days ago
Well, watching the Pen Turner’s Swap made me want to join in on the fun. Only problem, I didn’t have a lathe and had never made a pen. So, I recently bought a small lathe and today made my first pen. Nowhere near as pretty as yours, but it was fun nonetheless. I fully understand how that first pen makes you want to do more.
-- Working at Woodworking www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
scopemonkey
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129 posts in 1059 days
posted 381 days ago
It’s an addiction. I started doing pens a few months ago and haven’t stopped since. Your pen is beautiful and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated by some lucky soldier/sailor/marine/airman.
-- GSY from N. Idaho
rikkor
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11335 posts in 769 days
posted 381 days ago
Welcome to your new addiction.
trifern
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7894 posts in 662 days
posted 381 days ago
Welcome to the world of turning.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.