How to get started

[swiftden]

Hello i own a leda lathe and wish to start turning some pens , pencils letteropeners etc. Could you please help me out . I have read numerous posts on various web pages about pen turning but am a little confused about what mandrel etc to by and where to get them. What do i need to start off with . Sorry if this has been gone over time and time again but i need some advice.

Thanks
Allan

[Naf]

Hi, I own a leda MC1018 mini lathe and it takes a mandrel with a #2 morse taper. In regards to supplies, you can mail order from http://cws-store.yahoostore.com.au/ or do a google search for pen supllies in Adelaide. Others forum member might know of suppliers around your area.

Nathan

[CameronPotter]

Jim Carroll at www.cws.au.com (http://www.cws.au.com) (yes the au comes before the com) was very helpful to me.

Cam

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Both the previous links will take you to the same place: Jim Carroll's. :D But he'd be my recommendation here, too. ;)

Best of luck, I hope you find it as enjoyable as many of us here do.

[CameronPotter]

Gah! Serves me right for not checking the previous link! :rolleyes:

Another thing I should say is that Rex Burningham and Kip Christensen have written a book called "Turning Pens and Pencils". It is not necessary to have this book, but it REALLY does help - lots of good ideas and inspiration in there too.

Cam

[JackoH]

"Pens From The Woodlathe" by Dick Sing.The definitive work.
Although this is an american book, all the kits for the pens described can be readily purchased in Oz.
Jim Carroll stocks most of them.