Thread: Assembling Pens

I am using my drill press till I build a proper pen press

I have a press that came with a "V-Nailer" framer I bought. Before that, I used my drill press. I don't see the need for a semi-expensive press that is dedicated to only that...Just my opinion, have been waaaaay wrong before.


Rick

I use a litttle arbor press similar to the pic below that I also use for reloading ammo for target shooting.


cheers
BD

Well, you all are probably going to drum me out if the circle, but I use a basic box assembly clamp. Let me be more specific. I've got these Irwin Quick-Grip clamps and I just removed the soft yellow rubber 'jaws' from one and I find that it makes a dandy squeezer. Lots of control and no marring of delicate surfaces. I think they run about ten dollars a pop so it's not likely to cause you to go broke. And, I've never broken anything by this method.

But don't mind me - I'm sure there's a more expensive 'squeezer' out there.

I Just use my woodwork vice.

I've only made one pen so far but I used my drill press also. I run the chuck all the way out so the little fingers make a level flat area when they come together. I then set the nib on a piece of spanish cedar a press the parts in. It worked great for my first pen and plan on doing more of the same till a problem arises. But like I said it was my first pen.

I Use my Triton Superjaws.
Two hands to hold the bits and a little foot pressure to put them together.

Currently using a metal vise with soft copper jaws also have used a clamp the same as Cisco and it also worked fine. A small drill dress will work fine as well. Just take your pick whatever suit you

Guess I'm diff. When I got into pens I bought a starter kit that had a pen press in it. If it wouldn't have had it I probably would have purchased the press anyway. After buying all the other stuff--lathe-tools-etc. what's $40.00. Woodcraft #142731. Normally I'm a tight-wad, but......

I just use my lathe! It has an in-built press, after all.

I've a couple of different wooden blanks that I mount into the chuck-jaws, depending on what kit I'm pressing, and a small wooden "mushroom" I mount in a jacob's chuck on the tailstock. (Here's a quick pic of it, more info on the method I use can be found in my WIP at around post # 19 or 20. Pretty sad photography, but I'm a turner, not a camera hound. )

Never seen a need to buy anything else...

I do the same a Skew, dont know if he told me that was the way he did it or I worked it out for myself, but works great

For the few i have made already I have used the Irwin clamps but found that the Bessey Duoclamps were better as the jaws are actually parallel (these also have removable plastic faces like the Irwins)

I use my drill press for straight forward assembly, I have a 3/8 bolt with a leather face on it that I chuck in the chuck.

When I start fiddling with irregular assemblies like pen 1's with long tubes and other such butchery I use the wood bench vice.

cheers

Here's my two bob's worth: it's a modified el cheapo ($15) "drill press" from Bunnies, with a platform and press head turned from scrap redgum, faced with Corian pads. Goes like a bought one!

Well - I wanted to attach a piccie, but the Threadmaster says I can't do it because I uploaded it once before - ?Que? Why can't I use the image again?????