[escottb3569]

Hello all, I am new to this forum and would like to thank all that reply to this in advance.

I am looking into getting the tools I need to start turning pens. I have a dessent Idea of what I need, but I have very limited space so any ideas are welcome. Also, where do you get the wood for turning pens, and what is best for turning pens?

as far as tools go with my limited space I was thinking of a bench top lathe( but not sure what kind). I was also thinking of a small band saw or table saw. I know I will need clamps and other specail tools spicific for turning pens. but any other suggestions again are welcome.

 

[Daren]

Welcome. You are in luck, there are a few pen turners here. It can easily be done in a small space too. You might want to think about a small duct collector, for health reasons and just good house keeping.

Wood is easy, ebay is one place to get it cheap. Some of the fellers here sell wood too. Or better yet, try to find your own, you would be surprised what you may find in the neighbors firewood pile :shifty:.

When you get time check out the gallery here, there are some nice small turnings pictured and some pens.

 

[coffeetime]

I like to turn pens. And thanks to the guys here encouraging me to look in my neibourhood for wood I find all I need. I don't need anything imported or rare. I'm happy with the local Oak, Hickory and Cedar that I can just pick up off the ground. any wood that is 3/4" square by 5" long or bigger can be made into a pen. I also make memory pens. These are made from wood of things I like to remember.
As for tools you will need to cut the wood, drill and turn. To cut it a band saw is great if you use limbs or chuncks of fire wood. If you can swing it I recommend a drill press for the drilling. I also put a piece of dowel in the chuck and use it to press the pins together. As for the lathe I have an old one that the motor mounts on the bench that the lathe is bolted to. Bigger might be better but I'm happy for now.

A note about Cedar: This stuff smells great but the dust is very hazardeous to your health. If you use Cedar, as a minumum you need a good dust mask. Idealy a dust collection system is the best for all woods.

Mike

 

[Daren]

I also make memory pens. These are made from wood of things I like to remember.
Mike

Your whole post was good :thumbsup:, I just picked out the quote to help the new guy here. Not only can you make pens for yourself to remember...but give a couple pens to guys (firewood cutters, tree services, woodworkers with "scraps", etc.) and some will remember what you do with what they found as waste. Next thing you know you could have truckloads of pen blanks, literally.

The more you turn, the more you will be surprised what makes great pens. Maybe a tree in your own front lawn is dropping limbs that would make killer blanks? Some of the ornamental plantings in the yard have cool wood, dogwood, redbud, lilac, any fruit trees (apple, pear, peach, plum...) they grow slow and are most often hard and tight grained. Good turning stock.

 

[woodman42]

Welcome to the site.