Hi,
New to this forum. For some time I have wanting to start pen turning.

Wondering what I would need to start. also places to get it.

Sorry if this is already in another thread.

Thanks Isaac

Hello and welcome to the forum. You need and lathe,lathe chisels, a drill press or if plan drilling on the lathe and jacob chuck and 4 jaw chuck. A disc sander or pen mills to trim the barrels and CA glue or expoxy glue. Pen blanks and kits you can get them from different places like Timberbits and alot other places. Pen press for putting the pens together.

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Craig Lorence

I started on the lathe recently and the first thing I actually made was a pen. Before that I was turning between centers to just get a few of the lathe and what could happen when I get a catch.

What I am using to create a pen is the following, pen mandel, live center, roughing gouge, sand paper and some type of finish.

Slimline pen kit, requires 7millimeter drill bit, epoxy to glue the brass tube in the wood some sand paper to scratch up the tube before gluing. And a pen mill to square up the ends.

The above I think are the bare minimum. To press the pen together a clamp can be used providing it has some strength on pressing together.

I don't use the pen press, Just push them together in a vise. A piece of pine at each end stops any troubles. A pen mill helps, but if you can sand flat and square across the end you could live without one (but they are cheap). Thats said it means you can get away with just a pen mandril and supplies (CA, sandpaper, some polish) and a lathe of course.
Where do you get it, On my side of town its either Carbatec in springvale or Pops Shed over in churnside park. Or some of the sponsors have them all as well timberbits and carrolls.

PinZano

Ask one of the moderators from Melbourne or a member who has been on here a long time if you can meet them to get some advice otherwise you will get a thousand differing views on lathes and tools and end up confused. Alternatively, go and visit a woodworking club in your area.

My only advice is start out slowly and buy good quality equipment that will last. I made the mistake of buying a Sherwood lathe off the internet as my first purchase. It lasted 2 days. Then I started buying quality gear and it still works. I must admit I read as many discussions about equipment as possible on this forum before I buy.

If you want a list of my equipment PM me and I will give you a basic idea but my comments earlier about consulting seasoned wood turners is the best option. Make sure you check out Timberbits.com as you won't get a better deal on some items you need.

Quality does not necessarily mean big dollars, just simply the right choice of manufacturer.

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The Pen is mightier than the Sword

www.artisanpens.com.au