Thread: my first pen (yes i brutalised it)

So that's how those blanks come up, eh? I have a couple myself... I think.

If I were you, I'd keep it just as it is. There's naught wrong with that; it's a good first attempt (it survived, didn't it? ) and it'll be a perfectly serviceable shop pen. Also, it'll give you something tangible to compare your progress against for future pieces.

I still have my first, too... and it's still a user.

hello Neal
wouldnt worry about it, can tell you it wont be your last, but thats all part of the fun
and like Skew said still a perfectly good shop pen,
cheers Tony

Great first attempt, it is a keeper, treasure it, Amos

Neal, first you had a crack it and that is great. It is a keeper, many lessons learned from it. Apart from the blow out you have done well, you should mount it in a frame and keep it near the lathe as where you started, I wish I had the sense to do that, than throw my first learning curve. I always stick to what Michael Hosaluk told me, " you never make a mistake, you create design opportunities. Keep at it Neal, waiting to see more.

Cheers
Darren

One pen' many lessons!! Grreat first attempt and a good keeper!!

Good on you Neal! One down, many more to come


I, too, still have my first photo frame at home. it's pathetic, very obviously out of square, gappy mitres and the rest.

Looking forward to seeing your next pen

cheers
Wendy

What they all said. Keep it and you'll remember the lessons better.

Here's to the keepers and the lessons fella's, i am going to keep the first and use it for a shop pen in my toolbox, i think i will try the dissassembler out (after having a win, i think, with the second try) and try to get a finish on it.

This is my second, fit is not quite as fine as i'd like but its close, around top and bottom, very happy with the finish, #400 > MM > burnishing cream. I'd say the lessons were worth it. Alligned my headstock, didn't rush, and got some med CA and a commercial blank.

Glued up my first wood one as well last night (a mykpenturner cedar) so should be ok to turn over the w/e.

Also learnt a few things doing the second, such as thinking about clip placement in relationship to plain patterning as opposed to just throwing it on and keeping my tools a little sharper, and also to remember to go lighter on the sanding at high speed, i had a heat up moment but i caught it before i did dammage and remembered to turn speed down.

Neal.

PS: i just wanted to add my thanks to all you forumites out there who contribute, i rekon without the inputs opinions and wip's i would not have the know how to improve myself at this speed and would have given up altogether long ago.

All good stuff, you started out well and I look forward to more in the near future

Hey neal it looks good from here . Is that the blank you got from dai sensai at the wood show ?
Oh did your care package arive ? Hope you like them

Don't dwell too much on what may be wrong ,or you think may be wrong ,every pen is a learning experience ,which is true no matter how many you make ,when it becomes automatic then you stop thinking and planning for best results and can get a bit sloppy ,you are only as good as your last pen lol. Cheers ~ John

Sam, I hear that pens can and do procreate like rabbits, i have a list of recipients in my head that grows an grows, loving the challenge of creating some specific gifts to the people who are important to me. Thrilled at the thought i can create and put thought (and a little talent) into a personalised something for that special someone.

Troy, my friend, yes it arrived, i am floored with your generosity mate, given what i have used thus far, i know i have a sound beginning and basis of stock to begin from. I cant thank you enough. i look at the wood and hope i can do some of it justice mate, some very select pieces and special bits Troy, some of the cedar looks figured and exquisite, again thank you. For both your eye on the wood and showing me what to look for.

And Yup the first one i tried was from Neil's give away at the show, as sad as it sounds my dog knocked it off the table when i got it home and shattered the blank into pieces (he also managed to steal one of the small hairy oaks and chewed a corner off it), i managed to save enough for the first pen and sierra kit, i still have another two different blanks of Niel's to try, but i will save them till i get better. The second one (black/white highlighted) was a CT one i got to try out when i bought some med CA a day later.

And John, mate if i posess a fraction of your talent mate i shall be well happy. I've enjoyed the learning thus far, and i'm at the grand total of two..... And how many thousands of pens till it becomes "automatic" mate? i shudder to think.

thanks one an all, for the encouragement and sage advice,

Neal.

PS: a lot of challenges lie ahead, this much i know from posts diving and what i've gleaned from others in terms of wood, when to apply the thin CA to stabilise, when to call it enough with the chisel, when to stop and take a visual, i started with a one piece acrylic kit, KISS theory, and i know i've a long way to master it, the wood i know i will make mistakes on and has me a bit hesitant. However i think if it comes from the heart, it's generally well recieved, i will be my own worst critic, the journey is oft more than the destination, other suitable anecdotes < here. I'm havin fun. Life is for livin.

You have done well for your first attempts at pen making. I would certainly not use the first pen as a shop pen but keep it as you can never make another "first pen" you are now officially hooked. and addicted.

Neal,

Today is the first day of the rest of your life used to be most of us were used to bowls etc so tools were already familiar, problem one under control. So much advice out there re drilling, drill types and methods settle for the method that works for you and is highly repeatable. Beat the bugs that beset the workshop with simple sharp tools.

Thanks for your journey so far, above all have fun put away the hair shirt and back basher I look forward to your contributions.

PS there isnt enough room in my life for first anythings even though I do have my first mandrel turned perfume dispenser I made for the love of my life that started my love for Huon Pine Burl I dont parade it cause I can see it in my mind. Be kind to yourself, enjoy your times in the shed I do.

Kind regards Peter.