Request for penmaking info - starter kits

IMHO, pretty much all the pens out there are either from PSI or clones, so I usually buy from them.. I also order from Craft Supplies and Woodcraft, but mostly for convenience, they're the same pens with different names..

My wife started me out with the PSI deluxe kit and it was a good start.. But not what I'd recommend to someone who (like me) was an experienced turner.. I think it's more what you'd buy someone with a new mini lathe that was a new turner..

The pen mill is ok, but I went out later and bought a better one.. carbide and several size shafts for different pens..

The kits are ok, but since it's more of a sampler than a started kit, IMO, I think you'd be better off buying 10 or 20 slimline pens and master those, then chose another style that you might like..

If you have a lathe and a bandsaw, you probably have lots of scrap to cut pen blanks with.. As an experienced turner, I got really bored with all of those identical rosewood blanks that came in my kit..

I'd recommend a GOOD 7mm brad point drill and a pen blank drilling jig.. I use the jig from Lee Valley, but they're probably all ok..

You don't NEED a pen press, but if you think you'll be doing a lot of pens, and they ARE addictive, a good press is very nice to have.. The new ones have a knob to lock the length of the part being pressed.. A great idea that I added to my press.. (damn stack of wood blocks are a PITA)

Check out the different venders for gift cases.. I prefer the ones with a hinged, clear plastic top, but that's mostly for sales..

A final touch before your next trip.. Pick up a pack of computer business card blanks for whatever printer you have and make some "Hand crafted pen made for xxxxxx xxxx by Kevin" or whatever to put in the gift box..

If I can be of further help, feel free to email me..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Just to throw in another wrench...

Craft Supply has been a good source for me. I usually go to Arizona Sihouette though http: I just don't know if they have any starter kits like these. They do have some decent intro to pen turning video resources though.

Just an update here. I ordered the Starter kit from Craft Supplies on

31 Jan. I received the package today from UPS. All appears to be in order. I received a sampler of woods 1 each of - birdseye maple, yew, mesquite, english walnut, myrtle wood, and carob. Also in the package were 5 10k pen kits, glue, polish, a mandrel, and a barrel trimmer. I also ordered a drill guide from Stebar the same day. It has not arrived yet. I ordered the latter as I lack the funds for a drill press right now and see the guide as a way to get started.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Kevin wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@m34g2000hsf.googlegroups.com:

Steebar can sometimes take awhile to ship their orders. They don't usually (my experience) answer emails or the telephone. Hank

Hello Hank, I have found that out about Steebar. I kinda wished I'd known of that prior to ordering. I am in a customer service position and have found that perhaps the most important thing for maintaining a good relationship with customers/users/clients is to keep them informed- pro-actively if at all possible. Giving them full and complete information about the status of their order, or job, or whatever let's them know that they have not been forgotten. As for Steebar, how long to wait? Well, I'll give them 2 weeks and if no product, will cancel the order both through them and the credit card company.

innews: snipped-for-privacy@m34g2000hsf.googlegroups.com:

I buy most of my pen supplies from woodturningz.com They are master dealers for psi and sell most of thier products in the psi catalog at the second price, and dealers for many other company's. they are great people to deal with and they ship on the same day almost every time. they have internet specials ever two weeks if you get on thier mailing list. there web sight doesn't show everything they have but give them a call at 888-736-5487 they may have to call you back so leave a message and they will. They have some of the best prices anywhere because I'v checked around alot.