I was wondering if anyone here has made pens before. I don't have the ability to have a welder at home but need something to do. What about pen making I was thinking. Any advice on making custom pens?

look around on this site, they have some kits. Should give you some ideas.
https://www.pennstateind.com/store/pen-turning-supplies.html


I have it bookmarked cause they had metalspinning stuff. I'm a newbie metalspinner.
It is fun but a lot of work goes into the spin forms "before" you can spin metal!  Then there is all the blanks to cut!

Thanks for the link, I actually saw that site earlier in a Google search. Looks like a great site an store.

I wanted to do pen making about a year ago but funds just weren't there. I have thought about it on an off but just never have. Past couple weeks i keep saying I need something to do. I am really considering it. I think now is the time ime just not sure where to start.

I think I might go to woodcraft sometime an see what they have in store.

Going to do some more Internet research as well.

http://www.caffreyknives.net/damascus_pens.html

Have a look around this site. This fellow makes Damascus pens in his blacksmith shop.

You'll be better off reading books to improve your skill set.

As you spend the next week, make note of how many custom pens you encounter.  Look at ebay and see how fast pens sell there, and the prices.
How many people are sitting at the flea market trying to sell the pens they made?

The money in pens is in selling supplies to guys who want to make pens.

if you are thinking of making them for gifts for family/friends,  out our way is Woodworkers Warehouse Supply.

every so often they hold classes (free) on a Saturday and just before Christmas, they had a class on making pens.
they also have classes on band saws, routers, drill press use and other tools that they sell.

yes, they sell pen making tools and supplies.

you may want to check out that idea, and observing and asking questions at a class, you would have a better idea if that hobby
is for you.

just my 2 cents worth.

Quote from: kxxr on February 27, 2016, 08:13:35 AM
http://www.caffreyknives.net/damascus_pens.html

Have a look around this site. This fellow makes Damascus pens in his blacksmith shop.

Those are absolutely amazing! I don't think my skill set is going to be like that but I can appreciate his work. thanks for sharing.

Quote from: Aunt Phil on February 27, 2016, 10:33:11 AM
You'll be better off reading books to improve your skill set.

As you spend the next week, make note of how many custom pens you encounter.  Look at ebay and see how fast pens sell there, and the prices.
How many people are sitting at the flea market trying to sell the pens they made?

The money in pens is in selling supplies to guys who want to make pens.

Me and books are like oil an water.

I know custom pens aren't big money, for most. I would do it just as something to do in my spare time. Once I get decent at it I would give some to friends an family. I don't see it being a money making adventure. I don't plan spending millions on making pens but I know nothing is free.

Quote from: turnnut on February 27, 2016, 09:18:17 PM
if you are thinking of making them for gifts for family/friends,  out our way is Woodworkers Warehouse Supply.

every so often they hold classes (free) on a Saturday and just before Christmas, they had a class on making pens.
they also have classes on band saws, routers, drill press use and other tools that they sell.

yes, they sell pen making tools and supplies.

you may want to check out that idea, and observing and asking questions at a class, you would have a better idea if that hobby
is for you.

just my 2 cents worth.

I am honestly not sure all the stores out here in salt lake. I know there is a woodcraft I was at to get scrollsaw blades. I am gonna go this weekend to see what else an ask a few things. I will look in to seeing whatever stores are out here. I am sure there's more then just woodcraft.

I spent a lot of time today looking online at videos an stuff. I want to talk to someone in person an take a look thoe.

Your two cents is always appreciated, an so is everyone else's :)

Quote from: Nolatoolguy on February 28, 2016, 12:09:11 AM

Quote from: Aunt Phil on February 27, 2016, 10:33:11 AM
You'll be better off reading books to improve your skill set.

As you spend the next week, make note of how many custom pens you encounter.  Look at ebay and see how fast pens sell there, and the prices.
How many people are sitting at the flea market trying to sell the pens they made?

The money in pens is in selling supplies to guys who want to make pens.

Me and books are like oil an water.

I know Nola, believe me I know!  I've already met & dealt with 17.326 of your contemporaries who DON'T read.  It was once my great hope the Internet, before it became the InTURDnet would be the vehicle that brought reading and writing back into the world of communication, but my hope was shattered when some sumbeach invented Utoob4BOOBS. 

On the positive side, I made a hell of a lot of money from people who didn't read the manual, and BuzzardBreath built a company based on people refusing to read. 

Why and how schools in this country managed to turn reading into something to be avoided frightens me.  It will take us to ruination in a few more years because it is far more possible to spread s#!t with video than in writing.

Here's a couple that I had made, a guy wanted some mahogany wood so I traded wood for pens. He was just starting to learn pen making and was basically practicing.

Quote from: HeelSpur on March 01, 2016, 09:03:48 AM
Here's a couple that I had made, a guy wanted some mahogany wood so I traded wood for pens. He was just starting to learn pen making and was basically practicing.

Nice. Thanks for sharing

Well guys I went an bought a lathe. after much research I chose a jet 1221vs. I paired it with a nova chuck. Next were some easywood tools turning tools with replaceable carbide cutters. I went overboard buying 400 pieces of 3/4x3/4x5" assorted turning stock, it was a killer clearance deal thoe. I then had to get some pen hardware kits. I also got a assortment of finishing supplies an finishes. Other purchases included a pen press, pen mandrel, drill chuck, pen makers drill bit set, an a few others ime forgetting.

I know I could of got a smaller lathe. I wanted something I could somewhat expand on thoe. If I want to do a small bowl I can. The variable speed is deffinitly a nice plus. It's a nice midsize lathe, as far as 110 volt bench top lathes go. I thought about going used but I chose not to.

I got most of the stuff at woodcrafts two day spring sale. It is gonna take 2-3 weeks for the lathe to be delivered to store. They were all sold the first day of sale but I still ordered anyway.

It's probably good it's not here yet cause I have have a spot. I have to build a small but sturdy workbench. Before that thoe I have some cleaning to do.

Not yet but months from now I hope to have some done. I would love to send some out to you guys for your input an to show my appreciation. Especially papaw, he deserves a pen or two.

A pic of it, not mine

You could try a little metal spinning!
I'm very much a rookie but I have made stuff! hubcaps for a pedal car!
I bought the 3 dvd set from Terry Tynan, they are very good!  cheaper now by 10+ dollars than they were a year or two ago.
And he has one dvd on using a mini lathe. My ups and running lathe I a Karle spin shop lathe, I have another larger one I will get going someday!  With bad knees I can stand on a rubber mat. The spinning movements are easy on my shoulders. But, the tightening down of tailstock and toolbar have caused my left aka the better one to lock. 3-4 days of at best to sit and hold the small kitten we have/had.  Oh this growing old has turned to falling apart and then some!  Your not going to make money with a small lathe but you can learn and make some stuff for yourself and others and have fun doing it too!
Here is a video clip or two from TT's website,
http://www.metalspinningworkshop.com/MovieClipTwo.html
some supplies can be found here at Earl's new website
http://newproductllc.com
and if you want to learn more we have a metalspinning group on FB
https://www.facebook.com/groups/526540047361369/


Lathes can be lots of fun!