Bushing Storage. How Do You Store Your Bushings?

[@glencrandall7051]

Outstanding! Nuff said. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe. 🙂🙂

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Glen. Regards, Bob

[@amohr3659]

Nice!!! What a great idea; why didn't I think of that? Now all I need is a spare drawer...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you.

[@Dosbomber]

I may have gone a little overboard in my system. I have a 3D printer, so I designed a kind of pill bottle design with a hexagonal outer perimeter, so they all fit together and make pretty efficient use of drawer space, and never roll across the floor or bench, are big enough to fit ANY size bushings, and have an inset diameter around the middle that fit a label off my Brother label printer after trimming off the rounded ends of the label. The open end of the vial is threaded, with threads to match the plastic cap from a soda bottle (which I have waay too many of). Most of these vials are printed in white filament, save for one I printed in red filament, which is the 7mm "slimline" bushings which are used with almost every other set as spacers. There's an old saying about when all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. When you have a 3D printer, every problem looks like a new CAD design. :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That sounds amazing. Sometimes overthinking is fun. Regards, Bob

[@alanmullock381]

Good thinking! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Alan. Regards, Bob

[@stephanie09.11]

I took this and did the same. Mine are all 3/4 x 6. Found I had multiples. 🤷‍♀️ These are definitely nice and big enough to keep more than 1 set if needed.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Stephanie, I’m glad this video was helpful to you. Regards, Bob

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

WOW thanks Bob that is absolutely awesome

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Donald. Regards, Bob

[@davesloansnakehunter]

Now I just need to find all of my bushings. Then one at a time I will mike if needed then label and then make and organize them. This is a good project, thanks for getting me started.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dave, I worked on this more today using 3/4” tubes for the larger bushings and he drill bits. Regards, Bob

[@grandolddrummer]

That's really clever!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. It wasn’t my original idea but I liked the organization. Regards, Bob

[@MickyBellRoberts]

Hi, Huv from Wooden It Be Nice sent me over to your channel. I just aquired a lathe and have lots to learn. He said I would learn so much from you so here I am. I love what I see so have subscribed to you. I am from Huntsville, Texas Y’all.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you and welcome. Regards, Bob

[@MickyBellRoberts]

@@RJBWoodTurner Nice to meet you. Micky.

[@mvecellio1]

That is a great idea Bob. I had a similar problem. With no space for a drawer like that I purchased two 30 drawer small parts cabinets from Lowes and mounted them on the wall. Each drawer has one kind of bushing. I keep the bushings in a small plastic bag and label both the bag and the drawer front. I am going to look for those tubes. That is a great idea. I would like to send you a pen blank if I can get an address. Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, Great idea for pen storage. I’d love a blank. My address is P.O. Box 114 Newburgh, IN 47529 Regards, Bob

[@donaldosborn1892]

Very good idea

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Donald. Regards, Bob

[@georgepauselli769]

Good idea thanks stay safe

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you George. Regards, Bob

[@valeriehenschel1590]

My husband is the pen turner in our family, so I think I will surprise him by building him your storage system. Will probably make the labels on my computer printer, but otherwise the kit will be much the same. Thank you!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

What a great surprise, he will love it. Regards, Bob

[@toddcottengim7457]

Awesome idea. Your solution is perfect. Over the years I have acquired quite a few bushing kits. Some I bought outright and others I got at estate sales. Tired of all the little bags in an unorganized box, I jumped at this idea. I converted one of the drawers in my turning chest into bushing storage. 30 out of 34 sixteen mm tubes and twelve 25 mm tubes are filled. Nicely organized and spill proof. Thank you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Todd, I’m glad you liked this idea, I got it from Eddie Stipe. Regards, Bob

[@annemcdonley5983]

Great idea. I've been looking for a better idea than the little plastic boxes with compartments in them. Thanks for showing me a better way!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Anne. Regards, Bob

[@Hutchswoodworks]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. 😊 Regards, Bob

[@larryarendt4552]

Great idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Larry. Regards, Bob

[@MelbourneAlan]

great storage idea. almost imposible to mix them all up. it looks like it is only 1.5 inches deep. have you thought about making a small tray to go inside that drawer. put a stip of ply front and back for the tray to slide on. you can then have 2 layers. put your most used ones on the top and odd ball ones underneeth. if you need access to them all you have to do is slide the tray over and get access.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That’s exactly why the drawer is as deep as it is. I don’t need a second layer today but eventually I’ll get there. Most used on the top layer and less used on the bottom. Regards, Bob

[@RosecransTed]

Super idea ! Wish I had seen it a long while ago. I found a way that has worked well for me. I leave the bushings in their bag and put the bag in a "medium" size Altoid tin. They have a tight fitting lid and work for my "standard" sized bushings. I made narrow shelves to set the tins on and used a magnetic strip behind the tins. Works well for most bushings. I was able to do this because I have a LOT of Altoid tins each tin is labeled both with the bushing number and the name of the project(s) They work great - downside is that you must really like Altoids !

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I do like Altoids but that is a lot of them. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@petrusscott3038]

Hi Bob, What a great idea. One of the things that I don’t like is a lot of companies don’t tell you which kit(s) the tubes are for. They give you a part number that you have look up in a catalog or website to determine which of my 30 or 40 tube is the correct one and the bags break. This is a AWESOME idea for many reasons.. Thanks, Peter

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Peter. Regards, Bob

[@AndysCornishCreations]

Hi Bob... great idea and nicely done... I've just ordered some tubes !!! ... take care...All the best.....Andy

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Andy. Regards, Bob

[@georgebrill3072]

Great idea. Thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you George. Regards, Bob

[@avramw]

I do something very similar and I also label with my label maker but here's my best tip: add the drill bit size and the kit name to the labels! I can't even tell you how handy that's come. For my label maker, I had to connect it to my computer in order to print multiple lines on the label but it was well worth it!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ron, That is is great tip. Regards, Bob

[@mikedench4079]

Brilliant. Many thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike. Regards, Bob

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

Great video and idea! However, since my shop has to be convertible because my garage shop has multiple uses that require most of the space, I needed the most compact storage space possible, and I don't have suitable location for a new drawer. I came up with a simple solution by making a small wooden box similar to a 3X5 index card file, but I use in longwise. Then I cut an index card down to fit inside the plastic envelope in which the bushings had been shipped and labeled. My bushings sit in the box upright because of the card, and I can easily look through the "file" to find the bushings I need. If I tend to use the same set of bushings often, I put them at the front of the box. While this probably takes a bit more time to find the right bushing, it's only a matter of seconds. This system works for me and takes up almost no space in my very compact shop system. Thanks for all your videos and the tips you bring to pen turners like me. All the best, Glen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That sounds like a great idea Glen. Regards, Bob

[@ericmilligan3]

Well done Bob, very practical, you must be bushed after that. ❤️👍❤️😷

[@RJBWoodTurner]

LOL, you bet I am. Regards Bob

[@philwalmsley1116]

Bob, great idea. I use plastic case from Harbor Freight that has several smaller individual plastic boxes. I label the smaller boxes with the pen kit name and the drill bit size with a label maker. Works pretty well for me at this point. However, I do like your idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Phil, I purchased one of those boxes but never put it into service. I may use it for pen parts sorting. Regards, Bob

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Bob, That is a great solution to a problem all us pen turners have to deal with if we turn multiple styles of pens. I'm going to look at if I can get the tubes here in the UK. Thanks for this one Bob. Take care. Cheers, Huw

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Huw, I hope you can find the tubes. Regards, Bob

[@stuartscott9646]

Slick. I don't have that many unique bushings (for pens) but I do have some for seam rippers, salt & pepper shakers and pepper/salt mills. I use small plastic bags, and put them in plastic trays that are left from Little Caeser's wings. (Thanks to my wife!)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That’s a great organizational method and sounds like to works really well. Regards, Bob

[@jasonpierce1267]

That is a great idea!! I am brand new to pen turning (literally one pen completed) and after reviewing all the different types of bushings, I can totally see how this will make life so much easier. Thanks for sharing. Always enjoy your videos!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jason and welcome to pen turning. Regards, Bob

[@dwightl5863]

Your system takes it to the next level on how I store bushings. I keep them in a plastic divider case but in the small plastic zip-lock bag they originally come in. It works ok but the searching part is time consuming. Believe I'll be going to your method. Thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dwight. Regards, Bob

[@PaulFontaniniArtist]

Great job.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@valborchardt3596]

Oh gosh what a cool idea Bob, thanks for that. Take care

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Val. Regards, Bob

[@medicsteele]

FANTASTIC !!!!! thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Regards, Bob

[@edwarduribe2910]

This is going into my shop...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Edward. Regards, Bob

[@graemebuchanan4227]

Hello Bob, another great idea thanks for the share

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Graeme Regards, Bob

[@TheRedhawke]

That’s just cool

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you.

[@anthonynewell7114]

The only addition I might make is to put a small piece of foam in the middle of the tube to act as a barrier between the bushings rubbing/banging into one another and taking the chance of damaging the bushings....

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Good idea. Regards, Bob

[@beloitdavisja]

I use the 25 box storage system from Harbor Freight (Item 90243). I've almost filled two of them so far. Just write the kit on the side facing up and makes it super easy to find stuff.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James, I Purchased one of those but it’s still in the wrapper. I’ll find another use for it. Regards, Bob

[@RubenWoodcraft]

Nice system, you borrowed it very well 😁.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. 😁

[@criagguhl5084]

Wow! That was so helpful and will save me so much money. Thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Craig. Regards, Bob

[@JamesGarwood]

Thank you for this, it was very helpful and I've found a company in the UK I can get the caps from! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James, Regards, Bob

[@angim8984]

Awesome way to store your bushings!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Angi. Regards, Bob

[@ljashansen]

Nice idea. I priced the tubes 1/2 x 4" at .49 cents each plus .19 cents per each cap, turns out at .89 cents per tube in lots of 25. Plus shipping. I use RX pill bottles that are short and fat and can hold multiple sets of identical bushings, all sizes. Free. Just label the tops and easy to find. Not as elegant as yours but works very well for me. I label mine with name of pen as well as decimal diameter of the bushings. Containers are large enough to use the plastic bags bushings came in if desired. Most of us have many Rx empty containers of various sizes that could be used. I use the short fat ones because my storage drawers are short and these can stand up and save space. Label makers are essential to all pen turners.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

RX bottles are a great way to store bushings. No chance of spilling them either. Regards, Bob

[@fahcpa]

This is a great alternative...but, then again, I still like my (definitely not original) approach. That's the harbor freight storage container with 24 small units. I've got 8 of these, use my Dymo labeler and, like you, don't worry about a spill of unidentified bushings. Yes, I've overturned the primary holder...klutz factor in full mode, unfortunately. Anyway, love your videos. Keep on Keeping On my friend.👌

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Those multi container boxes are really nice. I bought one to use but ended up going this way. Maybe I’ll use it for pen parts. Regards, Bob

[@dencropper]

Hi Bob, thanks for sharing. Could you possibly do a video or place in your description all the different places that you get your pen blanks and supplies?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Dennis, I probably buy from 25 or 30 different places. Mostly I purchase that he pen shows. Regards, Bob

[@lesterandreas9005]

I really like the storage idea. I currently use a wall shelf with individual drawers that are labeled in alphabetical order. I then have a spread sheet that I reference the bushing diameter instead of kit because so many kits take the same size bushings. But I will definitely steal the storage idea it looks so organized.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That’s a great idea. Regards, Bob

[@tuckernuck1]

Thank you for the awsome tip! subscribed now.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@ericwhitsel61]

As usual, another brilliant idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Eric. Regards, Bob

[@missygeorge1315]

Thank you for sharing! This will be great in the new set up in my shop.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Missy. Regards, Bob

[@edwoodiancreations7353]

Great idea I just finished labelling my bushings on a pill box I use whitish just about full, now I know what to upgrade to 👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Pill boxes work great. Regards, Bob

[@edwoodiancreations7353]

@@RJBWoodTurner i have upgraded to individual containers now for my bushings with screw lids as the point you made about dropping the container and trying to work out wich bushing is which made a lot of sence as i just bought a couple of new bushings for some different kits

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is awesome! I hope you Love your new setup. Regards, Bob

[@edwoodiancreations7353]

@@RJBWoodTurner i do like keeping them separately just have to work out storage for them thinking something similar to your chuck jaw system

[@TheTallWoodworker]

I've had the same fears using my organizer box. Awesome find... and I will start using that too

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@DragonGateDesign]

Awesome job, great idea and sweet video. This is an one of those ideas that to some people not just those that don't turn pens regularly, may seem a stupid idea, I mean it takes a whole drawer of space. But it's a super design and idea that is both easy to build you can put a drawer anywhere. And it can be used for lots of different applications. It's just one of those why didn't I think of that kind of things. I don't yet but I plan to get into pen turning this years. So this is the perfect set up to see. Thanks so much

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Shaun. Regards, Bob

[@Paul_C83]

The bushings I buy come in small bags with big card board labels.... I cut out the name from the cardboard and put it in the bag.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Great idea Paul. Regards Bob

[@guitarchitectural]

Nice idea! I do something similar to your original idea... I use Plano thin boxes but rather than one full of bushings I keep one pen kit per row. Barrel trimmer shaft, bushings, requisite drill bit(s), extra tubes/parts... I get four pen kits per box, and I keep all the instruction sheets in the box too!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@BrickhouseCraftWorks]

This was an amazing organization upgrade! I currently am using the magnetic bushing organizer that Woodcraft sells but, I really like this idea much better! Thanks for sharing! - Seth

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Seth. Regards, Bob

[@vinceearl4240]

One day I will have a shop, and there will be one of these systems in that shop.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Vince. Regards Bob

[@frankperry9742]

For about 8 years, I have been using the square pen tubes that PSI sells. Label them. Simular to your setup.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Great idea Frank. Regards, Bob

[@ExplorerOffgrid]

I've been using pill storage containers, i have one "monthly" box giving me 30 individual open/closed spots and a second weekly box for the most common bushings I use .. also use an engraver to etch the size on each of them when they come into the shop... this does look pretty skookum though

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is an awesome idea. Regards, Bob

[@markquasebarth2858]

That really looked awesome Bob how do you go about store near drill bits to use for a drilling out the pens

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Mark, I haven’t started storing them yet. Coming soon. Regards, Bob

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

@@RJBWoodTurner Here's how I store my pen drill bits. I took a 2X2 board, drilled a line of holes roughly the sizes of the bits I use, labeled each hole for the appropriate bit with a permanent marker, and then attached the board to the wall at the back of my workbench, which has a laminate w/backsplash top. The 2X2 sits on top of the low backsplash and the drill bits sit vertically in the holes. The board is long enough to make room for additional bits should future pen kits require them. It's handy, out of the way, and makes finding the right bit simple. Glen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That’s a great idea Sandy. Regards, Bob

[@johngregg5735]

Brilliant! I’m going to ditch the ex-pill bottles I have been using… I think I'll splurge and do my pen drill bits as well.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John, I have tubes coming for the bits too. Regards, Bob

[@stephaniewolford2420]

Brilliant! L1C4 - Go Cards!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Stephanie, Louisville #1 Cards Forever. ❤️ Regards, Bob

[@DennisKyser]

Love your videos, I see the cards sign are you near St Louis. I ask because I am from this area.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, That is from my old college University of Louisville. Regards, Bob

[@MichaelBurnham]

What would you recommend for a lathe for a beginner turner?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is a difficult question to answer. I don’t know the type of turning you want to do, your budget, shop size, etc. Also, I only have experience with mini lathes. I have used: Ryobi Harbor Freight Nova TurnCrafter Jet My personal favorites from the bunch are the Jet and the Nova. Both are good lathes. If I could make a suggestion, look for a turners club in your area. The members will have many different lathe types. You can go to their shops, learn, ask questions, and turn on their lathe. After a couple shop visits you will get a feel for what you like in a lathe. Regards, Bob

[@idbfly]

Love the idea. I think I would also add the bushing number in the label. Do you have the link for those tubes? Didn’t see it in your description

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Bushing numbers in one side, pen name on the other. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@Jeffro.s_ball_cards]

Is Todd Van Poppel in this set?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

😃

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Going thru RJB withdrawal. Hope all is well

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. I am well, just very busy. Regards, Bob

[@glennprovenzano1837]

can i get the link for the tubs thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-23600/Clear-Tubes/Clear-Plastic-Tubes-1-2-x-4 www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-14122/Clear-Tubes/Clear-Tube-End-Caps-1-2-Red Regards, Bob

[@glennprovenzano1837]

@@RJBWoodTurner Thank you

[@nigelfrance3481]

Hi Bob that looks like a great idea do you mind if I copy you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

No Sir, Not at all. Regards, Bob

[@stephanie09.11]

My OCD has been cured regarding bushings.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

😁

[@acemaker2002]

I store my bushings in plastic, small, old, pill bottles. They are not as compact, but they are free!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Great idea Stephen. Regards, Bob

[@MickyBellRoberts]

haha you are so smart you should be two people, haha

[@RJBWoodTurner]

😬

[@andrewbrown8148]

Wow, great storage method~! Pardon me for ripping off your rip off. ;-) Thanks for sharing~!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

LOL, that’s the way of the world. Regards, Bob

[@NikonErik]

If you ask me, if you have this problem, you might be over doing it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I just like organization. Regards, Bob

[@NikonErik]

@@RJBWoodTurner I do too....what I mean is maybe a person might be too obsessed with making every pen type out there! That's an expensive endeavor! I go to these craft fairs and I see thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours worth of finished pens of so many types. Gorgeous, right? But at $40 per pen on average, maybe? There's no way there's a sustainable business there.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I’ve been turning pens for a long time and I’ve amassed quite a collection of bushing. Plus I’ve bought out several other turners who were getting out of the hobby. I do have way more bushings than anyone really needs but when I get a kit, any kit, even if I don’t have its specific bushings, I can usually use the bushings from a couple kits to make that pen. I also have other turners borrowing bushings when they need them. I’m like a library of bushings for many people. Regards, Bob

[@NikonErik]

@@RJBWoodTurner Wow! Now I understand! Thanks!