Thread: Where do you get your kits?

Quick references in USA at IAP penturners forum, many if not all major suppliers list there from time to time, they also have referencing. Altogether a top source of quality pen blanks etc.
Peter

I've gotten some kits at Woodcraft, but they tend to be about 20-50%
higher than other places. (sometimes more) But you can also get price
breaks on 10 packs of some types (mostly slimline and euro) so that
helps. Often have closeouts too, so that can help also.

I've been getting cigar kits from a place in Honolulu that has pretty
reasonable prices. I don't know how well the finishes will hold up, but
most of the original slimline kits I got from Woodcraft and Rockler didn't
have long lasting plating either..

I think the place in Hawaii was something like woodpenpro.com. The
cigar kits were around $3.25 of $3.50 if I remember right. And that was
for gold, chrome or black titanium. Sharp looking kits, but as I said, I
don't know about the plating.

Also tried Craft Supplies USA once, but half of the order was on
backorder. Freaked me out because I needed the pens for a wedding
gift .. got the pen kits, but no bushings. UGH! had to drive 200
miles to get bushings ASAP.. That's my only experience with them.

Berea Hardwoods is still active, but I haven't bought there yet.

Originally Posted by NewLondon88

I've gotten some kits at Woodcraft, but they tend to be about 20-50%
higher than other places. (sometimes more) But you can also get price
breaks on 10 packs of some types (mostly slimline and euro) so that
helps. Often have closeouts too, so that can help also.

I've been getting cigar kits from a place in Honolulu that has pretty
reasonable prices. I don't know how well the finishes will hold up, but
most of the original slimline kits I got from Woodcraft and Rockler didn't
have long lasting plating either..

I think the place in Hawaii was something like woodpenpro.com. The
cigar kits were around $3.25 of $3.50 if I remember right. And that was
for gold, chrome or black titanium. Sharp looking kits, but as I said, I
don't know about the plating.

Also tried Craft Supplies USA once, but half of the order was on
backorder. Freaked me out because I needed the pens for a wedding
gift .. got the pen kits, but no bushings. UGH! had to drive 200
miles to get bushings ASAP.. That's my only experience with them.

Berea Hardwoods is still active, but I haven't bought there yet.

That happened on my last order from CSUSA, lol, I had a pen someone had commissioned me to make, and I ordered the kit from CSUSA. The bushings said out of stock, so I ordered the accessory kit which had the bushings in it, because the accessory kits showed to be in stock. It appears that they just put the "kits" together though, so I received the kit and a a receipt showing the rest on backorder. Naturally I went , but the kit with the bushings arrived the very next day so it worked out fine.

I've been buying most of my kits at woodcraft, as they are the only place locally to get them, but I think I'm going to switch to mainly oneline sources, as hard as that will be for someone who likes to pick things out in person. However I am pretty familiar with the majority of the kits out there now, and woodcraft does not have the selection I would like. Some of their kits are only available in gold, or rollerball, and I personally really like the silver metals, and fountain pens.

From what I've experienced, woodcrafts quality is on par with what else is out there, I have a chrome cigar pen I've been using for over a year that is still in good condition, can't say about the gold as I don't regularly carry any of my gold pens, not much of a gold person except for proper or special occasions. I deal with the public a lot at my job, and I just don't feel right flashing a gold pen around.

I think durability depends greatly on what kind of finish you chose though. Chrome, platinum, rhodium, black platinum, all these are very durable finishes. Gold, not so much. If the pen is going to see much use, for sure go with a upgraded or blended gold that has much more "hardness" and wear resistance. The cheap gold pens are the worst, so if you are buying economy pens, you might be best off to stick with chrome or the like.

I get my kits from Addictive Pen Kits. They're Berea Hardwoods kits and are very good. I recommend them

Try "Pennstateind.com"

CSUSA have good kits - I got told by someone that PSI was dearer than other places. Berea still have a good reputation.

Tom

As you live in the States try here they are having a good sale on some Berea products. Ernie is great to do business with.

http://www.beartoothwoods.com/catalog/specials.php

Also try Aaron at http://laulauwood.com/designer-pens.asp

and Bill at http://arizonasilhouette.com/ he does not export which is a pity

Over here we deal with Brett at Addictive pens, Jim at Carrol's and Gary at Gary Gary Pye's all have excellent products and service.

Tom,
If you want the Berea kits, you just can't go wrong with Ernie. If you want the standard Pennstate line, give Tracey at woodnwhimsies a try. Her prices are great and service is second to none. There have been a copule of times, I needed something to go out in the mail right away, so I gave her a call about it, placed the order and received it two days later.


Rick

I did not realise that you could get "Berea" kits from other sources. Good to know. I'll have to start checking around.

Thanks for all the links. I will check them all out.

Tom

Hi there ,
There is another pen dealer in the states or hawaii called penstate give them a whirl the even have a internet site...

Cheers all..