Thread: Starter kit comparisons

I had the same problem a couple of months back, I went with the addictive kit, the bloke from there was really helpfull, I will definately be geting more stuff from him again, but I havn't had any dealings with the other two so i dont know what they're like

I think the addictive kit would be better simply because you are getting a range of shafts for the pen mill, which you will need when you do other size pens. most turn on a 7 mm shaft with appropriate bushes ,but there are various tube sizs as you go through the ranges. You can order online with addictive ,but need a confirmation call from them to finalise order, postage usually not out of order in my experience . hope that helps ,getting close to putting it all together now hehe. cheers.

For me the pen mill in the addictive kit is the deciding factor. The pen mill in the other two restricts you only to 7mm pens (slimlines). While that would be fine initially, you will eventually want to move onto larger kits which will neccesitate an upgrade in pen mill or other ability to squarly trim pen blanks ie: with a bench disc sander.

A point though:

But I can live without the glues, finish or sleeves for now

Finish and pen sleeves you can technically do without because they aren't critical to the ability to make a pen. Glue, on the other hand, you can't do without. You must glue the tubes in, so when looking at the addictive kit you need to factor in glue which the other two kits do come with.

Originally Posted by Toasty

Finish and pen sleeves you can technically do without because they aren't critical to the ability to make a pen. Glue, on the other hand, you can't do without. You must glue the tubes in, so when looking at the addictive kit you need to factor in glue which the other two kits do come with.

Yep, I just meant finish & glue I can buy locally anytime, the other stuff I can't. Sleeves are nice, but optional at my stage.

The mill is the big attraction from Addictive, and $8 in a post bag isn't too bad either, so I think i will go with him. Just been waiting a few days for a repose to a PM from him, I'll have to try contacting another way.

Russell.

I spoke to Brett at the Canberra Working with Wood Show, he reckons these days he is so busy with addictivepens he doesn't have enough spare time to visit the forum much, so you might want to give him a call instead (from his site: 02 9896-7319)

I get gear from Addictive, Gary Pye and Carrol's. All provide excellent service so no worries on that front. As indicated previously I would go with Addictives starter kit only because it comes with the mill which can do different size tubes. Not going to be much use when you are just turning slimlines but will become very useful when you get onto Sierra's, Barons, Sedona's, Emporors, Gents, Broker's, Americana's, Cigars, PRK-401's, Streamlines... (you get the picture)

Corbs

Get the mill from addictive. Six cutting edges I think and ability to do different sizes you cant go wrong.
Finishes you can get from anywhere. CA is the best. Bunnings have a CA glue and accelerator for about $20 which is ok. Glue can also be from bunnings as well. I use 5 min araldite as I have time to set the tube correctly then can get on with the job in a few more minutes.

Mandrel get the adjustable carbatec one. All you need then is the bushes for the pen you are turning and no need for spacers. I'm very happy with mine.

Most of these items have reviews on the forum. Just hit search this forum at the top and have a bit of a look around.

Also everyone has different likes and dislikes. Kits, suppliers, mandrels, finishes, blanks etc are all pretty good. It just all depends what suits you best. Once you actually get set up and going you will find you will for example get a kit or finish and really like it and turn tonnes of stuff. One day you will try a different kit or finish and you will think it's the best thing since sliced bread. It just continues from there.

After a while you will find you will have a multitude of different mandrels, kits, finishes laying around from all the different phases you have been through. It also makes it easier because you can have a go at anything.

So get out and have a go. You'll enjoy it more actually doing it than talking about it . I know I do.

BJ

Originally Posted by regulated

So get out and have a go. You'll enjoy it more actually doing it than talking about it . I know I do.

Sounds like an old saying - something about "Those who can, do, those who can't talk about it". Just waiting on that lottery win to afford everything

Russell.

Ok I've taken the plunge. Ordered Addictive's starter, and WM-305 Lathe from Carroll's. The rest I'll sort out as I go. Now just the agonising wait for delivery

Russell.

Thats it ! on the slippery slope now hehe,Kids will start asking their Mum,whos that stranger ,when you appear from your wood lair on odd occasions

Originally Posted by BoomerangInfo

Ok I've taken the plunge. Ordered Addictive's starter, and WM-305 Lathe from Carroll's. The rest I'll sort out as I go. Now just the agonising wait for delivery

Russell.

Now you've done it. turned the SWMBO into a pen widow!
Show us the setup when she's installed and we need to see the first pen
welcome to the crazy realm of collecting small bits of timber

Oops, I'm in the dog house now. I forgot to discuss teh purchase first with the missus....

Russell.

Originally Posted by BoomerangInfo

Oops, I'm in the dog house now. I forgot to discuss teh purchase first with the missus....

Seeing as the idioms have been trundled out a bit of late let me add: tis often easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission

The waiting is the most painful part after the order, that's for sure.

Originally Posted by Toasty

Seeing as the idioms have been trundled out a bit of late let me add: tis often easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission

.. and it helps to have a comfortable couch ..