What Tools Do I Need To Start Turning Pens - Pen turning On The Cheap

Instagram: @RJBWoodturner
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Preparing Acrylic Blanks for Turning: • Preparing Acrylic Blan...
Preparing Wood Blanks for Turning: • Preparing Wood Blanks ...
Below are links to the tools I used in this video, or similar tools that will perform the same job. “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Minimal Tools Used in This video:
Barracuda Chuck: amzn.to/3whaj8E
#2 MT 60 Degree Live Center - amzn.to/36F27Qg
1/8” Parting Tool - amzn.to/37H3W09
#2 MT Jacobs Chuck - amzn.to/38rwDOU
#2 Mandrel Saver - amzn.to/2XiEdYb
Turning Sandpaper - amzn.to/2RziHLP
Other Tools:
Blank Prep:
Rikon 10” Bandsaw - amzn.to/3eOULP8 (Craftsman not available)
Blank Cutting Jig - www.turnerswarehouse.com/?ref... (Search for Blank Cutting Jig.)
Blank Centering Jig - amzn.to/2S4fC7r
Machinist Square - amzn.to/3gM6BQb
Deburring Tool - amzn.to/3UlMJ45
Drill Press - amzn.to/3cUrwJl
Drill Vise - amzn.to/34Yv4aC
Pen Tube Insertion Tool - amzn.to/3bLeGfW Play Doh - amzn.to/2xTUw4V
Epoxy - amzn.to/2VOaTYI
Craft Sticks - amzn.to/2KrrHQ5
Barrel Trimmer - amzn.to/36nUQpb
9” Delta Disk Sander - amzn.to/2yINGiA (Craftsman was not available)
9” x 150 grit replacement sandpaper disks - amzn.to/2Y1U0fO
Abrasive Disk Cleaner - amzn.to/3D3HtLX
Rafter Square - amzn.to/2Xo4bcy
2” C-Clamp - amzn.to/3aBstoj
Sanding Jig - www.turnerswarehouse.com/?ref... (Search for Sanding Jig)
Jewelers File - amzn.to/3bRN5Jp
3/8” Bottle Brushes - amzn.to/3eNOhjJ
Turning Accessories:
#1 MT 60 Degree Drive Center -
#2 MT 60 Degree Drive Center - amzn.to/2TmpUzB
#160 MT Degree Live Center - amzn.to/38U6Sqs
#1 Mandrel Saver - amzn.to/2Tu6LfZ
Tools:
¾” Roughing Gouge - amzn.to/2uGkpDM
¾” Skew - amzn.to/35ozkSV
Detail Gouge - amzn.to/37Gmz4o
Chucks:
#1 MT Jacobs Chuck - amzn.to/38oxhfL
Collet Chuck Set - amzn.to/37e6gf0
Collet for 3/4” Stock (Not Included in set with chuck) - amzn.to/2RAikAv
26 piece set of E-32 Spring Collets - amzn.to/39GYI5K
Nova Chuck - amzn.to/2W3v1YG
Nova Mini Jaw Set - amzn.to/2vVzNN8
Bits Taps & Dies Starter Bits - amzn.to/36blqjN
27/64” Drill Bit - amzn.to/2VxDBOX
Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/3apKt6d
M10 x 1 Die - amzn.to/33cd7EG
M10 x 1 Tap - amzn.to/33670S6
M13 x .8 Die - M13 x .8 Tap - Tap & Die Set - amzn.to/38oxFLf
#1 MT - Tap & Die Tool Holder - amzn.to/3awtFtY
#2 MT Tap & Die Tool Holder - amzn.to/2NJu4zK
Sharpening: Rikon Slow Speed Grinder - amzn.to/2TIq2LR
200 Grit CBN Wheel - www.woodturnerswonders.com (Call For Proper Fit: [phone])
Wolverine Sharpening System - amzn.to/2xMPZBp
Dust Collection: Dust Deputy - amzn.to/3cdxOUF
Dust Right Lathe Dust Collection - amzn.to/2Pvd2pW
Craftsman 16 Gallon Shop Vac - amzn.to/2T6Nz8w
Finishing:
100 Grit Sandpaper - amzn.to/2zm5twl
Zona Paper - www.turnerswarehouse.com/?ref... (Search for Zona)
Non-Stick Bushings - amzn.to/392M5l4
Penn State Thin C/A Glue PKCAFIN www.pennstateind.com
Starbond Aerosol Activator - amzn.to/3832Fjr
Starbond Medium C/A Glue - amzn.to/2T5zMif
Micro Mesh Pads - amzn.to/2GFigKU
Renaissance Wax - amzn.to/2I3Zb5O
Buffing Wheels - amzn.to/2teAz6D
Milescraft Pen Press - amzn.to/32zjn8Z
Metal Lathe:
0000 Steel Wool - amzn.to/30Mr9M0
½” Aluminum Rod - amzn.to/3at0Ej1
1/2” HDPE Rod - amzn.to/30EyTiU
Mineral Oil - amzn.to/2v7NQ1A
Brushes for Mineral Oil - amzn.to/2TCREl0
Digital Calipers - amzn.to/2NLuJ3t
HSS Cutting Steel - amzn.to/2RBM8Nm
HSS Parting Blade - amzn.to/3auoIC8
Punch Tool - amzn.to/2XXClpD
Metal Marking Tool - amzn.to/37o7Gnr
Other:
#1 MT Taper Mate Morse Taper Cleaner - www.woodturnerscatalog.com
#2 MT Taper Mate Morse Taper Cleaner - www.woodturnerscatalog.com
7/16” Wrench - amzn.to/3ePikr6
Acetone - amzn.to/2yovew5
Nitrile Gloves - amzn.to/2TIpNjV
Parker Ink Refill (Black) - amzn.to/2REsVux
Parker Ink Refill (Blue) - amzn.to/2TFsLp4
Parker Refills with Springs (Black) - amzn.to/319RW4O
Thin Rip Jig for Table Saw and Router Table: amzn.to/2wl3WFU
Pen Disassembly Soft Grip Pliers - amzn.to/32wWeUG

[@CrossCutCreations]

This is awsesome! The old adage says the first pen costs $1,000 and this video shows that it doesn't have to cost quite that much.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert, That really is what I was going for. Regards, Bob

[@Dosbomber]

Tip for slightly beyond the "beginner" stages: After you've spent some time (and not a lot of money) using sandpaper to smooth out your pens, and you decide to continue turning, ditch the sand paper for Abranet or similar mesh-backed abrasives. It doesn't clog up like sandpaper, and you use WAAAY less of it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Hopefully people will read the comments and benefit form your comments. Regards, Bob

[@angim8984]

Great information for a new turner. Another tip is buying a starter pack of pen kits. They come with at least 4 pen kits, the drill bit and bushings. I did this when I first started.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is a good tip Angi, I had some footage on purchasing pens but decided not to use it for this video. I wanted to shorten it. Regards, Bob

[@Ted_P]

When I started, I watched a lot of your videos. This is a great revisit on the topic. No need for refinement on the video. It’s perfect.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ted, I hope it encourages more people to join the hobby. Regards, Bob

[@cjs_hobbies]

I started with a penn state lathe starter kit. I still use the lathe as my pen press with some nylon inserts for the morris taper on each end.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I had some footage on making some press blocks out of HDPE but I was going for minimal cost on this one. Regards, Bob

[@scottbyrd2157]

Thank u for your advice!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Scotty. Regards, Bob

[@alanmullock381]

Don't forget,the lathe is an excellent assembly press aswell Bob!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Yes sir, I had some footage on making some press blocks out of HDPE but remembered I was going el-cheapo so I cut is and went with a clamp because most woodworkers would have at least one laying around. Regards, Bob

[@broomrider2697]

100%

[@kagnewmp12]

My late Uncle was a wood worker for close to 60 plus years and I inherited most of his shop and tools and one box had a brand new unused Mini Pen Lathe with all the tools and Chucks along with boxes and boxes of Pen blanks of all types of wood both foreign and domestic plus several more boxes of Pen kits still in the bags. I have a nice 2 car garage to start my shop up in the Spring if I can just get the initial want of making some Pens and other things because I also have more wood and slabs then I can store. I'm almost 70 now which is a good time to get started but will end up giving or selling a lot of these woods.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You’ll Love pen turning, it’s a great hobby for any age. Good luck. Regards, Bob

[@broomrider2697]

What a wonderful inheritance! I hope you have a great time with your new lathe. I've just started turning myself and have found it very meditative.

[@bacstr]

Your timing is soooo perfect, you can't imagine. Thank you!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Glad you found it helpful. Regards, B

[@haroldmartin8009]

Always good to know the minimum tools needed to finish a project and a good idea on how to teach new guys to make a pen without breaking tbe bank at start-up

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Harold. Regards, Bob

[@gabrielesh7916]

This came out with perfect timing! My GF got me a lathe for Christmas and I've been staring at the equipment I thought I needed while I save up for it... I already have some of that and can afford the rest... to the pen kits! Lol

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is awesome! I’m glad this video helped. Regards? Bob

[@raystevens687]

Thanks Bob it reminded me how I started out and much I've advanced. Keep up the good work.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ray, We’ve all come a long way. 😀 Regards, Bob

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Bob, This is the best video I have seen to get someone into pen turning. Great work Bob. Take care Bob. Cheers, Huw

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I want to make pen turning as accessible as possible. From this video the only way to go is up.😃 Regards, Bob

[@georgewilmore7599]

Awesome job explaining the process and minimal tools needed.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you George. Regards, Bob

[@billrobinson8939]

Great video. Some excellent tips. I have been turning for 4 months but no pens so far. A neighbor friend has been selling pens her son makes. Now, she wants me to teach her how to make pens because her son is so slow. I will make her memorize your video. Then she'll have some basic knowledge. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bill, Hopefully my vids will help her learn. Regards, Bob

[@bullwinkle0006]

I’ve been turning pins for years. I’m not sure why I haven’t run across your videos before just a few Weeks ago. Some fantastic ideas for creating pin blanks which I’m going to try thanks I noticed the many videos where you were wearing UofL gear !!👍🏼 I graduated from Speed School in ‘67. B.E.E. GO GARDS !!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I graduated from Speed School in ‘89. 😃

[@norm5785]

Thank you for sharing, you can use the lathe as a pen press

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome. Using the lathe is a bit slower but it does work well. Regards, Bob

[@meawayfromhome]

Hi Bob, Lots of good info in this video. I think you will inspire a lot of people, thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Phillip, I hope it does. 😃

[@aliabazaid4293]

Very important and useful information

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Redress, Bob

[@synergyjohnwv]

Great stuff as always Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@MRmadman1978]

DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON ALL THE JIGS! Get the jaws for drilling on the Lathe. works great. -Use brad point bits for drilling. I am about to replace all the bits to them for pens. -Band Saw is great, but you can get a hand saw. -I have EWT now, but I started with cheap carbide from Amazon. 3 tools for $40 bucks. I think I have finally been able to square up all my tools (Band Saw, Sander, etc.) So no special jigs are needed.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Michael. Regards, Bob

[@SALTYCOMBATDIVER-ExInstructor]

Great video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. 😊 Regards, Bob

[@nitrousblast1]

Thank you for the information on tools. I’m just getting into turning and see there are tons of different priced tools. It’s great to know I don’t have to spend a ton of $$ on them to get a great finished result. My question is should I or can I use wet wood to turn pens. Folks on KZbin recommend wet wood for various projects like bowls but no one has mentioned wet or dry for pen and bottle stoppers. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello, I would not recommend wet wood for pens. Once thinned, it will dry quickly and split apart. Get a cheap toaster oven and a gram scale. Weigh the wood then cook it the at 110 to 120 degrees for 30 minutes. Weigh it again and repeat until it stops losing weight. At that point it’s dry enough to use. Regards, Bob

[@davidbondi]

Another good video Bob, I love that you are trying to lower the cost of entry to potential new pen turners. One idea to add.... if you don't want to use a clamp for pen assembly and don't want to invest in a pen press, how about Penn State's Between Centers Pen Press (PKLPRESS) for your lathe? At only $18 it is awesome. I have tried 3 different pen presses (PSI, Milescraft and one I made myself) and I have to say, honestly, I like using this Penn State between centers the best. It gives me more control than anything else. Perhaps you could link to it in your description.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I initially had some footage about purchasing some HDPE and turning a couple press blocks then pressing on the lathe. I was hoping most people would have a clamp if they were doing any type of woodworking. Just fighting to keep that cost down. Regards, Bob

[@davidbondi]

@@RJBWoodTurner That makes sense Bob for the initial stage of keeping cost to an absolute minimum. I actually saw a video where a maker used a mallet to assemble a pen, he made it work, but I can only imagine how many pens I would split trying that. I should have been more clear that my point was that when the time comes when a new pen turner is ready to move to the next level and spend more money, my personal choice would be to not purchase a pen press (given my less than satisfactory experiences with them). I would save the money and get the between centers press from PSI. It is all I use now.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

@@davidbondi Gotcha, I misunderstood so I’m glad you clarified. Regards, Bob

[@aussiebushpensstuff]

@@RJBWoodTurner I purchased a cheep 20mm hdpe chopping board and turned my own press blocks. As well as my own non stick bushings. I have plenty that when my non stick bushings get worn out, I just turn new ones & I still have 90% of the board left.

[@aussiebushpensstuff]

@@RJBWoodTurner Oh & I got the non stick bushing idea from watching your videos

[@TactiCali27]

Thanks so much! Can you recommend an inexpensive lathe

[@RJBWoodTurner]

A lathe is a lathe, all they do is spin wood. With that being said, you get what you pay for. I have used Harbor Freight lathes and they work even though there are issues with alignment between the head and tail stocks. I would recommend joining a club in your area. You learn about what other members use and maybe go to their shops and try their lathe. Also, as they upgrade, they usually offer their old lathe to the club members. You can get a really good used lathe at a reasonable price. Regards, Bob

[@TactiCali27]

@@RJBWoodTurner thanks so much for the great advice

[@gregorycombs2527]

Might be good safety to pull your sleeves up when turning.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks.

[@Dosbomber]

An assembled pen with NO finish on the raw wood. I bet that feels nice in the hand. 😀

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Already took it apart to make another pen. The video was about the minimum tools needed to make a pen not about the pen so finishing wasn’t important or necessary. Regards, Bob

[@Tom_Samad]

Do you do any laser or mechanical engraving on your pens?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Tom, I have taken pens to a relatives laser in the past and engraved them but only a couple of times. I’m not knowledgeable of the process at all and I don’t have a laser of my own to learn more about it. Regards, Bob

[@Matthews_Media]

Barracuda Chuck costs $260 here in Germany :(

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Wow!!! That is expensive. If join some pen groups on Facebook and ask for recommendations on more value priced chucks. Somebody in Europe should be able to put you onto something. Regards, Bob

[@Matthews_Media]

@@RJBWoodTurner Yeah another problem here seems to be that there aren't many "brand" name chucks (For cheap anyways)... The problem that causes, is that you can't find a set of pen jaws that match that specific model. I'm looking into buying a collet chuck to hold my pens instead. Although that limits me to a max diameter of 20mm... Thoughts?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Yeah, you end up having to turn a tenon on your blanks to use the chuck. I do get better results with a collet chuck though. Regards, Bob

[@trao192]

Does truing just mean rounding the blank out or something else? Can someone explain it better?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello, Truing means to turn the blank round. Regards, Bob

[@trao192]

@@RJBWoodTurner thank you!

[@user-eg4zx1lj2k]

Merhaba dolma kalem malzemelerini nasıl temin edebilirim.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Here is a tool listing with links where items can be purchased. Regards, Bob

[@user-eg4zx1lj2k]

Teşekkür ederim.

[@STMwoodturning]

Great info for a newby like me. Huw @ wooden it be nice recommended you as it was great advice!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Huw is a friend of mine that I hope to meet one day. Regards, Bob