Thread: Increasing output how?

Tiger, it also depends on the quality you are looking for, I do one blank at a time between centres, and even then I stop frequently and turn the blank end for end as I near the finish, to allow for any small discrepancies in the lathe alignment. I also stop frequently towards the end to measure with Vernier Caliper because I found that often there is a difference between the bushing and the ACTUAL size of the kit.
Yes, it does take some time for the CA finish, but I take my beanie off to those who do WOP, they have the patience to allow for drying between coats!! and most do a great job of it. Amos

I do the same as many others and cut, drill and glue several blanks the day before I want to turn them. That saves hours and lets the glue set. Then I turn similar pens in one go, e.g., all the Sierras then all the Slimlines, etc so bushes don't have to be changed and you get a rythmn with the turning needed. After all are turned I then move onto CAing the lot as I use delrin bushes and again don't have to change much of the setup. Then I MM then and after that I polish them, again using only delrin bushes. Basically its making them in batches in a production line. For those who are not purists I believe you can buy a contraption from Woodfast to allow you to copy previously cut blanks on a lathe - but there goes the fun and your personal style.

For mass production - outsource to China.

What a beautiful workshop you have set up there Pariss. You must spend hours cleaning the machinery everytime you use it. It all looks brand new.

Amos, awesome tip turning the blank end for end, i dont know why i hadn't thought of that before..thanks.

also back to topic thought i'd post this to show as its an insight to speed and familiarity, there's no finish, or the pre turn stuff but i think its relevant to the op's question.

Woodturning Pen in under 4 minuts - YouTube

Neal.