This time next year I'll be a millionaire

[teddyt]

well all the bits I need to make pens, have arrived.
Mandrel,press,blanks and parts.... so as Del Boy say's"this time next year...."
Or "you'll be lucky to make a fiver" as Mrs teddyt tells me

joking apart, Iam just doing slimline pens for friends etc(so just using whats easy off fleabay).
Any recomendations on parts and blanks?

[Graham]

Good luck to you Teddyt. I hope you do well.

[Philip Green]

I recently used this company for pen kits: http://www.penkitsuk.com/. Good prices, speedy delivery and the quality is good. The web site has instruction sheets as well. Other good suppliers: Axminster, Stiles & Bates and Yandles.

These all do pen blanks as well although Penkits are currently out of stock.

Good luck with your first efforts. One thing is certain and that is friends & family will dutifully tell you they are great. Post some pics and you will get some honest views on how you can improve your pen work.

[teddyt]

this is where I order my stuff from, and he seems keen on his pricing and the service was very good.

I have made 2 pens so far from complete scratch, 1 american ash the other mahogany.
I will get the camera out and upload a couple of pic's.

[teddyt]

Well hera's my first effrots
please be honest

[John D Smith]

Hi Ted,
           I like your enthusiasm keep it up and the best of luck with your pen turning I have two pieces of advice

           1. Get a copy of a book by Walter Hall "Pen & Pencil Projects" invaluable.

           2. Get the best finish possible remember the owner will be handling this day after day

                                                    Regards John

  While I posted this you posted the photographs of your pens I would suggest you go for a better background for the pictures

  Also I think on one of the pens there is a shoulder at the nib end try to blend the barrel in with the finial and nib otherwise well done

[seventhdevil]

those are perfectly good pens mate, keep em coming...

[teddyt]

thanks guys
I have just told the boss to order me that book for xmas.
and these pens were sanded shelacked and the bees waxed. gonna have a go at the super glue method. but what is the best finish?

[John D Smith]

Hi Ted,
         the book will give you plenty of ideas on finishing don't use up all your kits until you have seen the book.
 
I have also made a couple of further comments on my previous post.
                                                                                                Regards John

[teddyt]

yes thanks john. i see your point regards the shoulder

[John D Smith]

Hi again Ted,
                  If you google " Woodturning pens finishing" you will find quite a few on finishing the is one 10mins long on super glue and BLO Boiled linseed oil.
                  regards John

[woodndesign]

'Writings on the wall' you've got the makings of some nice pens. Maybe not a Millionaire in the 1st year.  Then your numbers can always come up, should you be in it.

John has advised well, the best option is on the book. There's been some resent articles in the Woodturning Magazine.

You've not taken on the best of timbers to use, yet with practice on detail and finish you'll have cracked it.

Well done and cheers for sharing.   David

[GBF]

I think you have more chance of becoming the Pope.

Regards George

[teddyt]

I think you have more chance of becoming the Pope.

Regards George

If I get the job......you will be the new st .George

[andersonec]

well all the bits I need to make pens, have arrived.
Mandrel,press,blanks and parts.... so as Del Boy say's"this time next year...."
Or "you'll be lucky to make a fiver" as Mrs teddyt tells me

joking apart, Iam just doing slimline pens for friends etc(so just using whats easy off fleabay).
Any recomendations on parts and blanks?

If you are anywhere near Grantham I have a bucket load of (25-30mm x 150mm) pen blanks of some very attractive woods, I have been collecting my off-cuts but now but I don't do pens, it's just that I am loathe to throw nice stuff away but now got too many so they will have to go one way or the other.

Andy