I'd like to try and make a pen or two and was wondering what are the basic pen making tools to get. I dont know the names of all the pieces but I noticed there were different size drill bits. So I figured there were different size tools to match.
Thanks

In ref to pen making: I'm probably giving you more info than you want, Marc. Hope I don't put you off. Penmaking is wonderful...demanding and fun.

Yes, there are different sizes of drills and bushings. The drill size is for the outside diameter of the brass tube (that goes inside your wood and pen). The bushing is generally, usually close to the outside diameter of your fittings (pen parts).

Find a company that has the styles and prices that you want to start with. Choose the pen style, buy the recommended bushings, drill bit, mandrel and pen kit for that style pen. Often the drill bit and the mandrel can be used for several styles of pen parts; but you will definitely need different bushings for each style. You will also need a pen press which gives you a way to hole the tiny parts in alignment and gently/firmly press the metal bits into the pen barrels.

It's best to buy and use all one company's items together and not mix diferent company parts because there are small differences (maybe .5 mm etc.) that can make differences in how the set up works.

It's also best to avoid relying totally on your bushings when matching your wood and metal edges. Sometimes bushings are not accurate. If you have calipers (I use digital ones from Harbor Freight), you can measure the metal part and your wood so the wood is about 3/1000" larger than the metal when finished. But that's for when you get more experience and if you get fussy.

The main pen supply importers are: PSI http://www.penstateind.com and Burea http://www.bureahardwoods.com and Craft Supplies http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com (PSI and Burea are resold through smaller companies and sometimes you can get a slightly better price...although sometimes, smaller companies create their own styles also.) CraftSupplies only sells through their own store/website.

Shop tools you may already have or will need:
--an accurrate Bandsaw or TableSaw with fence or sliding jig to cut the pen blanks to length. If you do not have a bandsaw or table saw with jig, try to find pen blanks already cut for the style you want to do.
--Drill Press and drilling jig (can be set up with wood and clamps or bought) OR a Jacob's chuck that fits the tailstock of your lathe...you'd need a regular chuck for the headstock to hold the pen blank. (This method is considered very accurate). Again you can find pen blanks that have been predrilled for certain diameters and avoid drilling at first go.
---sand paper (I use up to 2000 grit in white), later you may find you want to work with MicroMesh or Abralon, but paper is cheaper to start with and handy.
---a finish material... I use Deft Gloss Lacquer hand applied, some use a friction polish, others use CA glue (I'm highly sensitive to the CA and can't have it in the shop.)
--Glue to keep the brass inside the wood and do repairs if needed. I use 2-part epoxy, others use Gorilla or CA --you may want something to keep the glue out of the end of the brass tube...I use dental wax, others use potato slices or Play Dough and some are so experienced at this very little goes beyond the edge of the brass. You cannot have glue in the tube and have your pen work well, there just isn't enough room in there for the glue and the parts too. I tried... oh, how I tried.

Berea Hardwoods

http://www.bereahardwoods.com/

Hi Awesome and welcome to WWP .
I checked the web site you posted, but I'm looking for a kit that includes all the necessary tools. When I have checked other stores I find pen presses, tube cutters different size drill bits and mandrels. Since I have no clue as to what is needed to turn one complete pen, I was looking for a kit to do just that. thanks.

There are no 'kits' that contain the drill press, lathe, bandsaw, pen press, drill bit sets, and all finish options.

Getting into pen turning can be an expensive hobby. If all you want is to make one or two pens to try the process, I would definitely recommend taking a class at a local woodworking store or asking around at the local woodturners' club. The classes at stores are inexpensive and at clubs you will find turners who would be willing to teach you for free...although it would be very nice if you would offer to reimburse them for the cost of supplies at least. Just a nice touch.

If you have no turners around your area, there are folks on line who have videos up of how they turn pens and these would give you an overview of what is involved. Really to satisfy your curiosity there is no reason to invest in all the tools.

But that said, when you choose your pen kit (fittings) there is often a list of the items you need to complete it. You can also call the company of your choice and they will be able to arrange your completed order for you.

To sample penmaking, taking a class would be the most reasonable way to go.

Hi Pat, I dont know how, but I didnt see your first response to my original question. ... Thank you very much for the information. I have all the large tools, lathe, bandsaw,drill press, table saw...etc.. ..I just couldnt figure out what was needed to make..lets say..a few 7mm pens beside the wood. I'm guessing that when you order a "kit" it is made of the parts "of" the pen only. I'll poke around more on the web sites mentioned to learn about the tools (mandrels, bushings, tube cutters..).
So far where I live I have trouble finding woodworking clubs or classes of any sort. There are also no woodworking stores here,, great huh ? (except TFWW). One would think that living so close to Manhattan you'd be able to find anything you want. Not anymore. Not even a lumber yard that sells exotic wood.
Thanks for your response, its a good start for me.

edit....
I just came back after checking out penn state industries, I forgot all about them. A while back I used to get their catalog . Their pen kit page is interesting and their pen turning supply page isnt as confusing as I thought it was going to be!!! Thanks again!!

Hey Marc! I've got some links for you to chase down so you can see somebody make a pen. Ok? I'll list them just before my signature.

Also Penn State does have a free dvd you can ask for when you order. I found their method a bit ... They focus on how easy and fast it is to make pens. I do know a turner who uses a scraper, fast speed, and eye-balls the diameters...and turns out pens in about 20 mins... I also know penmakers who use a skew, 3000 rpm, slow movement and use calipers to measure to 3/1000" and take about an hour or two. There is a significant difference in their finished work and each has found a nitch market and sells pens.

Here's some video links: (short links are in red

Probably the best set of videos and by Kip Christensen, one of the first penmakers in USA and affiliated with CraftSupplies.
http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_8905_wood ... rning.html http://bit.ly/79Zu6x

This has a Slimline and several aspects of doing a pen,
http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl= ... DMQqwQwCQ# OR http://bit.ly/7IX6SW

This is from the American Association of Woodturners AAW and has several styles of pens. http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=2792 http://bit.ly/6j22VQ

Another source for scads of information and pen making fellowship is at http://www.Groups.yahoo.com/group/penturners I belong to this group and the faq-files-links on the homepage are a wealth of info. They are open to newbies, but it's nice if you check the files first...saves you all the basic questions.

I'm happy to answer any questions that I can. Or I'll hunt you the info.

Have you been able to see my first reply yet?

Hi Pat, Thats GREAT info you posted!!!! Thanks!
Yes I did get to see your first reply. Now to make a new Bookmark called "Pen turnings". (I'm going to see if WP can get any pen making sites in the 'links' section)