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RWW #6: Pen Turning

8 comments
16 years ago
Audio Podcasts     Woodturning

This week I discuss my Sushi box design and build, the new Rockler wall mounted dust collector, the blogosphere impact, and field a question from Wilf on turning steel recognition.

Download this episode

Here is the link on steel spark patterns to identify the type of steel you are grinding:

Pen turning is a great entry to wood turning and once you make one pen you will be hooked and all of your friends and family will want their very own pen. With the Christmas season fast approaching it is time to jump in and get turning so you can get all those orders done in time. I discuss what you need to prep the blank, how to turn it, and how to finish it. I also discuss safety items and resources for more information.

Penn State
Craft Supplies USA
Arizona Silhouette
Woodsmith Pen Turning Podcast

And a great book by Barry Gross called

    Pen Turner’s Handbook

Here is a link to some mandrels at Penn State, and a shot of a barrel trimmer too.

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Glyn Weir

Just listened to you podcast while I was at my woodcarving class. Great info and I never realized that the pen turning process was as fast as 15 minutes. I realize that you are probably going faster than average due to the volume of your pen turningbut even at 2 to 3 times that time it would still be a relatively fast project. I can’t wait to see what you put together for a video on penturning. Thanks for the info. You have inspired me to make an effort to get my late set up.

Glyn Weir, Port Coquitlam BC, Canada

Glyn Weir

Just listened to you podcast while I was at my woodcarving class. Great info and I never realized that the pen turning process was as fast as 15 minutes. I realize that you are probably going faster than average due to the volume of your pen turningbut even at 2 to 3 times that time it would still be a relatively fast project. I can’t wait to see what you put together for a video on penturning. Thanks for the info. You have inspired me to make an effort to get my lathe set up.

Glyn Weir, Port Coquitlam BC, Canada

Shannon

Glyn,
Glad to hear you enjoyed it and I think you should get the Renaissance Woodworker award for listening to a turning podcast while carving. I hope the teacher wasn’t instructing while you were listening or I might get my podcast banned from BC! The very first pen I turned I did in an hour and that was with some fumbling about from station to station. If everything goes right then yes 15-30 minutes is easily achieved. I will work on a video and get it out soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Todd

Just listened to your podcast. I have only done pen turning at the local Woodcraft during the “Turn a Pen” day and had lots of fun. You mentioned about posteing a video podcast and I would be interested in seeing it. Thanks for all the info.

Todd

Thanks for the info. I just listened to it and found it to be very informative. I would like to see your unedited vidoe podcast if you choose to do it.

Christina

Thanks for the information. Pens are my favorite things to turn. I look forward to your video.

Wood Stabilizer

Great Info! I’ve just started turning pens with stabilized wood and have to say that I love it. It still takes me about 45 minutes from start to finish, but I’m not in it for the speed 🙂

Christina

Stephen

Great episode! It is incredible how the same species of tree takes on different characteristics in different parts of the world. That’s why I suppose I love working with wood so much. I’m wondering if you’ve had much experience working with acrylic blanks as well?

And by the way, I love Woodcraft’s selection of pen turning stuff too. http://www.woodcraft.com/category/pr101-20-12/pen-making-kits.aspx

Actually having trouble picking a blank to start with. Any considerations for your favorite species? Either way thanks for this great video and take care.