Thread: Back to basics - Pen Turning

That a very nice looking pen. I have noticed over the past few months that the slim line has become a poor cousin on the forum, with most turners using very high end pen kits. These kits looks fantastic, don't get me wrong, but they are not ones you just give away as random acts of kindness. I like the less expensive kits for this reason, I get the pleasure of making and trying new things but don't have to have the stress of recouping $$$'s to cover big costs.
Having to sell makes it 'work' not pleasure for me. If by chance someone does want to part with $$'s, fine, but it's not the reason I make pens.

Sometimes going back to the basics it really important.

JD

That is why I like the slim line and the Sierras. Because they are inexpensive, you can just give them out, as a random act of kindness.

I treat wood working as hobby and have been thinking about going pro. But I always come back to the fact that the minute I am chasing the dollars, I will start to loose the joy of woodworking. Its like putting a dollar sign on your kids. Just sit, smile and enjoy life.

extremely nice pen
like the mango
I personally have nothing against slimlines and their cousins the streamline
In fact I've been told "with disdain" that that is a mans pen ie anything larger then a slimline

Just about to send you a pm saw you on line, received the parcel today very surprised and gratefull, is it OK for me to post pics of the two pens. Many thanks Peter.

I agree with your decision not to turn pro in pens enjoy it more this way without the agro that accompanies profit and losses.

Regards Peter

My old mate dream the dream and recover steadily with the power you have and the kindnesses you give to so many, Wilma and I share this feeling that I have too I did it my way, no one can adequately feel your losses and gains but we sure can tell you hang in there mate.

Best regards Us

thats a lovely pen mate ,and its good to see one made without the all too common fat body with the tiny waist, never ceases to amaze me why they do this ,some of them look ridiculous ... once again good job and hope to see many more ..bob

Hi Darren,
Good to see you back. It sounds like you have had a rough time of it.
I know from experience that it is a long and hard road back,but I am sure that with the character that you posses you will come out the other end a strong and successful man.
take care on your new trip.

Regards
Terry

Hello Darren, nice to have you back, hope all goes well, I like the pen, but I like the ones with a medium fat body and trim waist!, of course each to their taste, Amos

Originally Posted by bdar

After some turmoil in my private life....my now ex partner...

Sorry to here it Bdar , keep the chin up mate, glad to hear you are coming out the other side.

First up everyone thanks for your comments. JD, yes the slim line and stream line are treated like the poorer country cousins at times and only bland timbers are used and high figured and coloured timber are left for the higher quality kit. A while back I was fortunate enough to buy some Amboyna from Peter. I was able to quarter one of the blanks to get 4 slim line blanks out of it, these are destined for gold slim line pens.

I do work for a living, but my pen crafting also supplements the income as well, but it doesn't become a chore for me to craft my pens. As for the wasp waist desig, no not my cup of tea buy I do not say no to one if an order for one is requested. As Amos said, each to their taste.

Thanks Terry, yeah I will bounce back, just taking baby steps at the moment.
darren

Very sorry to hear of your troubles, Darren. What you are doing by going back the roots of your turning and applying what you have learned is fascinating. Very introspective of you. I will watch with great anticipation for further developements. I wish you well.

Welcome back, Darren. Like dogs, your lathe will love you unconditionally. Hope things are doing well in your life.

Welcome back Darren, sorry to hear you have been going through a rough patch, hope things are now on the up and up

Originally Posted by bdar

The effort in finishing and turning for high end pens to be perfect, yet some think that because it is a slim line and a cheaper kit the same effort should not be used. .

I have always disagreed with this sentiment as well. In my mind, if you are taking the time to make it, why not make it the best you can. I myself bought a large number of slimlines because they were cheaper to learn on. My kids now have fancy pens for use at school (surprisingly they haven't lost one yet.) and a few of my co-workers have some pens they were really happy to get. not a single one looked down on the pen because it was a slimline.

One of my favorite sayings... "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right"