Thread: What do I need to start turning some pens

I'm about to try my hands at pen turning also, I already have an old lathe I intend to use even though it's a full size model. Yes, you will need a lathe and if your only ever going to turn small things then one of the small units should be fine. But a larger lathe can sometimes be cheaper and will allow you to do other types of projects and obviously larger turnings.

You will also need a pen mandrel, bushings, pen kits for all the parts, basic set of turning tools and most likely smaller sized tools. To start with I'd say a small gouge, parting tool and skew chisel. Maybe a smaller tool rest depending on what the lathe you end up buying has with it. You will need to have something already for trimming the barrels or get a mill set. Drill bits and a way to clamp well for drilling centred and for inserting the pen parts together. Sandpaper and finishes would pretty much be it. Lots of places online here in Australia and about the world for getting all the bit and bobs you need. I'm sure some of the regular pen turners will chime in with better information, youtube has lots of videos for ideas and help also.

I asked a while ago and got some decent answers, even though I have somewhat shelved my lathe plans due to time/space constraints

Hi Paul, when it comes to a lathe pretty much any lathe of any size can be used for turning pens. The only thing I say here is that you don't go for one of the cheap ones with the square tube bed such as the Ryobi, GMC etc as they are not heavy or strong enough to dampen vibration and they don't have a morse taper in the headstock or tailstock which are very important for fitting the accessories. Lathes with No.2 morse tapers are the preferred type as most accessories are that size. Variable speed is desirable but not essential.
You need finishes for your completed pens but going by your boxmaking you are well supplied there and there is no set finish you have to use, so just experiment. Most people start with the friction polishes such as Shellawax but often start to experiment with other finishes such as CA which is my preferred finish nowadays.
As stated in the thread that Poundy linked to, best to start with Slimlines or Streamlines as they are the lowest price option and gives you practice turning 2 blanks to size for the one pen.

HI all, And thanks for all those replies/comments. I dont want nor have the space for a full size lathe or even smaller size lathe. I used to have a full size lathe years ago, used to be my wife's fathers that I kinda inherited when he passed away. I ended up selling it, just couldnt get into making bowls etc. So I have taken all your comments on board and yesterday I ordered a Mini Lathe, yes from China. If it doesn't work well its not a lot of money wasted. I'll probably find some other use for it, if it does work, great. I don't want to ever turn anything bigger than a pen. I was just hoping I might be able to knock over a few pens and make nice little boxes for them. It has a drill chuck on it. Hopefully I can adapt a mandrel to fit into that. It has I think 6 speeds and a heap of accessories. I got a quote from an online pen supplier and his starting price for a lathe was $750. This lathe was wayyyy cheaper than that.

Thanks again
Paul

Do you have a link to what you purchased?

Probably something like this

100W DIY Lathe Machine Mini Lathe Mini Torno Milling Machine Woodworking Wood Working lathe Grinding Polishing Drill Tool-in Lathe from Tools on AliExpress

This one

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000075311722.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.19af4c4dCGwd9a