Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
my first pen
jim reasoner
>With all your help, I rushed right out and turned my first pen. Its no prize winner, but I hope to get better. Its sassafras which is soft and blah grain. I made several mistakes, ie I was so anxious to get it finished I neglected to put any finish on it. I also learned several lessons which I hope to put to use. I also learned it is not to hard to turn a pen, but it is hard to turn a really nice pen. Man, that wood gets thin next to the barrel. thanks a lot
Re: my first pen
Fred L. - North Carolina
>Jim:
Well, it looks like ... a pen! Good going! According to some experts no finish is a finish. I am sure the wood will look better with daily use.
One thing I have heard a lot of penmakers say is that they wish they still had that first pen. I have to confess I don't have mine, however, since my wife has it, I have a chance of looking at it once in a while. First pens seem to end in wives' hands!
Well, now for your SECOND pen, we are waiting !
Fred
Don't knock it...
Joe Pack, New London, OH
>Hey, it works, doesn't it? Can't say that for MY first one. :-)
Yes, the wood does get thin, particularly when you are heavy handed like me. After turning through a few, I learned to get close with the tools, then finish up with sandpaper.
Careful, pens can become addictive.
Re: my first pen
RonZ
>I gave my first pen to my son. Hopefully he'll take good care of it.
Re: my first pen
RonZ
>That's a great start! You can still add a paste wax [carnauba/beeswax as a finish. After a while it will develop its own patina.
Re: Don't knock it...
Fred L. - North Carolina
>Sandpaper? As a tool?
I must confess I do too! The wood gets very thin for a straight slimline. I turn as close as I can, and then use a piece of scrap plywood with sandpaper glued to it to level it.
To tell the truth, I seldom turn straight slimlines to the bushing's diameter. Most of the time I make them about 1/16" larger in diameter. The ends of the barrel are then tapered to the bushing's size. 1/32" more wood does make a difference in turning, and the wood stronger.
The slimline kits are very useful for other shapes too. I don't always use the center band. Russ Fairfield's tutorial has some very nice variations on the slimline.
Happy penturning!
Fred