Pen kits

[Woodman]

Does anyone know a good wholesale pen kit source? I know there has to be a place to get the pen kits cheaper. :)

Joe

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Joe

I see this is your first post on this site so would like to throw out the welcome mat and say welcome aboard and hope you join in any time. I am guessing from your request you are a pen turner. Now you ask a question that is a little misleading but with that said. None of these companies that sell pen kits sell wholesale per'se. Not all companies sell the same kits so it comes down to what kits you are looking for but a few companies that are very reputable are Crafts Supplies USA www.woodturnerscatalog.com Then there is Packard woodworks www.packardwoodworks.com Then you have Berra Woods, Also PSI ( Penn State Industries) Sorry do not have the links at this moment but if you Google you will find them. Comparing one company with another is tough because not all kits are alike. But you will at least get prices. Different people like different companies for different reasons but these are reputable. When you say cheap I hope you are aware of the different platings so that will show in the prices.

It would be nice if you give us some background on yourself and tell us what kind of pens you make. Also maybe show us some pictures if you choose. Hope you jump right in and have a chat. Welcome.

[Woodman]

Hey John and evreyone. Well when I said cheaper I meant cost. I have been reading up on the different types of finishes. I have been turning for two weeks now and have been making slimline and cigar pens. I do have pictured of some of my better ones. I am retired from law enforcement in Little Rock Arkansas. I own a powerwashing business but still had too much time on my hands and ran accross pen making on e-Bay. I am now looking at different buffing methods and saw some helpful info on this site. I have been just using shella shine and now know the error of my ways after reading last night. Oh well I have only made 25 pens and sold two on e-bay. If I can figure out how to up load pictures I will.

Joe O.

[RollaJohn]

If you haven't found this thread yet, here is a discussion of how to with various photo hosting sites. http://www.woodworkingcrafts.com/info/forums/showthread.php?t=1761

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Joe

Very good. Glad to have you and we now have a little idea as to where you are coming from. You will find a number of talented pen turners here as you get into discussions. Please feel free to ask any and all questions. There are alot of well talked posts in the forums so feel free to browse those and if they trigger questions just shoot!!! Heck I think I better choose my words more carefully (trigger, shoot) Law Enforcement. I remembered :D

May I ask what kind of lathe are you using??? What tools do you find easy to turn your pens??? Where have you been buying your kits now???

[Woodman]

Well i got a Turncrafter and I am just using the gouge to get down to the thickness I need to use sand paper. The skew? I am having a problem with. I know I have a lot to learn and learn and do with every turn. I got past the nose bleeds after my girfriend gave me a respirator to use for breathing. She is in the med-field and knew exactley what was going on.


Joe O.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Oh Joe, by all means you need to wear a dust mask or some sort of dust protector and also glasses or I will always wear a face shield. You can never predict what wood will do traveling at those speeds. Safety is paramount in the shop. People react differently to different spieces of woods and usually it is too late to find out if you are allergic. Most turners will have a dust collector of some sort set up behind their lathe to especially catch the dust when sanding.

That is a nice little lathe and will serve you well in your pen making ventures. The skew is a finicky tool for sure but if you can learn to control it it can be a huge friend. Like all things practice and you will get better.

[Woodman]

Well I just can get the angle right I guess and have not worked at it enough. I have gotten good with the gouge. I will try the skew some more.

Joe O.

[RollaJohn]

Joe, if you haven't checked out the videos on YouTube there are several on the wood lathe and its tools. Here are two that show the skew.

The first is from JET Tools: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQTo1pAIpQ4&feature=related


And the second from a turner with the user name of johnrob281: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk_rGxOZhZM&feature=related


Many of the videos posted have some helpful hints but you will have to determine how relevant they are for your needs. Not all the turners are as skilled in demonstrating for the camera or in the use of the tool.

[Woodman]

Thanks Rolla that video helped .

Joe

[Woodman]

Has anyone used PSI liquid friction polishes & sealer from penn state ind.? And of so did you like it.

[Chrit55]

Woodman,
I use Woodturningz near Chicago. They are as good as PSI and less expensive. They also carry plastics along with a wide assortment of wood blanks. There on the web at woodturningz.com , try it i'll think you'll like them.

[penturner1]

I sand to 12,000 grit,put EEE cream on,followed with Shellawax cream,and last of all I put Renassiance wax on. I have a very smooth finish then. :D