Resource for pen turning?

M

Maelstrom78

Joined
Sep 21, 2013
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The bladeforums version of pen making perhaps?

I've got some bird's-eye maple from my grandfather who recently passed away.

I'd like to make some pens from that wood to give to family members.

It looks pretty forward but I enjoy researching things to the nth degree anoway.

Thanks!
 
To dial in on the basics, I recommend signing in to IAP, International Association of Penturners and poking around on their forums--they have a great Library if you become a member--and maybe even allow access if your not-it's free to join though. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me.
 
Pen State Industries has all the stuff and has free instructional videos. If you have a Woodcraft nearby, they carry most of the supplies, too.

Stabilize the wood as blocks and cut them into 3/4X3/4X5" pieces.
 
If you just want to make a few pens, and don't want to spend bunch of money getting into pen turning, I would be glad to do them for you at no charge. Send me an email if you want to discuss it.
 
Ha! It's funny to see this subject brought up here on BF, especially at this point in time nonetheless.

My dad very recently got into pen turning. He retired from Boeing a couple of years ago and a little over a month ago he started looking for a hobby to do while he wasn't busy with other things, and he quickly went with pen turning :) . I've been helping him out with a few things here and there as at least a few skills you learn from knife making can be used in making pens, like properly sanding, making jigs, etc.

Anyway, as Fish already mentioned, I recently joined the, "International Association of Penturners" (IAP) forum so I could ask a question about a specific brand of friction polish. Here is the link to that forum: www.penturners.org/forum

To me, it seems like it could equate to the "BladeForums version of pen turning".

Another cool thing is that I am able to make him some nice pen turning sized chisels to go with his Harbor Freight lathe and cheap set of HF turning chisels (which seem to work alright). I've also been sharpening his chisels for him lol. I tell ya, all the different aspects in knife making can crossover very easily to many different crafts. :thumbup:

I just finished making him his/my first pen turning chisel which I wanted to share here because this is where I hang, but was wondering whether or not it would be relevant enough. It has a handle, a ferrule, and a "cutting" edge. Couldn't be too irrelevant right? :D ;)

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been a few years since my last upload)
 
Last edited:
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
If you just want to make a few pens, and don't want to spend bunch of money getting into pen turning, I would be glad to do them for you at no charge. Send me an email if you want to discuss it.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! Let me noodle it over a little bit and see if I can score a lathe from craigslist. It could do double duty for making round handles for asian knives as well.

If I just have a couple though I will take you up on your generous offer.
 
coldsteelburns said:
Ha! It's funny to see this subject brought up here on BF, especially at this point in time nonetheless.

My dad very recently got into pen turning. He retired from Boeing a couple of years ago and a little over a month ago he started looking for a hobby to do while he wasn't busy with other things, and he quickly went with pen turning :) . I've been helping him out with a few things here and there as at least a few skills you learn from knife making can be used in making pens, like properly sanding, making jigs, etc.

Anyway, as Fish already mentioned, I recently joined the, "International Association of Penturners" (IAP) forum so I could ask a question about a specific brand of friction polish. Here is the link to that forum: www.penturners.org/forum

To me, it seems like it could equate to the "BladeForums version of pen turning".

Another cool thing is that I am able to make him some nice pen turning sized chisels to go with his Harbor Freight lathe and cheap set of HF turning chisels (which seem to work alright). I've also been sharpening his chisels for him lol. I tell ya, all the different aspects in knife making can crossover very easily to many different crafts. :thumbup:

I just finished making him his/my first pen turning chisel which I wanted to share here because this is where I hang, but was wondering whether or not it would be relevant enough. It has a handle, a ferrule, and a "cutting" edge. Couldn't be too irrelevant right? :D ;)

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been a few years since my last upload)
Click to expand...


Thanks I'll check out those resources
 
coldsteelburns said:
I just finished making him his/my first pen turning chisel which I wanted to share here because this is where I hang, but was wondering whether or not it would be relevant enough. It has a handle, a ferrule, and a "cutting" edge. Couldn't be too irrelevant right? :D ;)

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been a few years since my last upload)
Click to expand...

Post a pic of the chisel!
 
I bought a lathe, tools, numerous pen kits, wood and a pen press etc off craigslist on Sunday ($125). Never used a lathe before but for a basic pen it was pretty easy. Might be a good reason to buy a new tool. Another idea is to find a local craft store that offer classes. Woodcraft Bloomington Mn. Might be a good place to start, just ask to bring your own wood.
 
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