Three pen-turning questions from a newbie

I've done a few pens before, but it's not my specialty. If memory serves me correctly, there is a specific pen turning group on Google that you might want to search out.

The problem with the 'French' type of polish is that it wears off pretty quickly. Especially with a pen, since the oils on your fingers are constantly attacking it. I've used superglue (CA) as a finish - nice and shiney, rock hard. The problem is the application of such - it's difficult (for me) to get a super-smooth finish without having to sand using a high-grit (1000+) paper. The inherant problem with CA glue is the set time is usually quick, so you've got to MOVE quickly to make sure no streaks appear. I've also used a mixture of 50% poly wipe-on and 50% tung oil. About three applications, and you've got a very high gloss shine.

You're asking for trouble with 'inexpensive' and 'quality' in the same sentence. The cheapest I've found (for regular slimlines) if from Arizona Silhouette

The guy there is a cool person to talk to and I've never had a problem with ordering from him. The quality of the actual pen sets don't seem any different to me when compared to others. > 3. Who has been the best supplier you've found on the net of exotic > wood \ blanks at reasonable prices? I haven't had a need to buy too many blanks (I use my own wood), but again, Arizona Silhouette

Thanks for the input, Brent!

"RaisinCain" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@s53g2000cws.googlegroups.com:

I would try a couple of things. First vist penturners.org. There you will find a wealth of info for all your current and future questions.

Second, I guess there are two levels of kits. The everyday level where you make the pens and give them away to family friends and co-workers. I use a site

for my supplies and find them fast friendly and fun. The higher level kits can get to be quite expensive, i.e. $40 for the kit... instead of $2.00. You can choose where you want to go which is the neat thing about turning.

Third for finishes, again penturners.org has a huge forum about this. I personaly use the Hut products, i.e. friction wax or the liquid wax.

have fun

Karl

If you don't want to invest in a buffing system, go with ShellaWax liquid... it's a friction polish that contains wax and goes on a VERY high speed and is durable and glossy.. Probably the most important thing in any finish, but especially pens, is the sanding.. you have very little surface area and no flat spots to reflect light, so sanding through the grits correctly is more important than in larger turnings.. Don't under sand and don't move up too soon or your next grit won't smooth the scratches from the last groove... Most pens need at LEAST 1,000 grit for a really smooth finish, I go to 2,500 on some.. (not that I think it's needed, it just came with my sanding pack)

2 of my favorites for cost and service while still selling good quality stuff:

Pens of Color (Sheila)

Craft Supplies >

Pens of Color (Sheila)

> Mac

I can't make any recommendations of who to avoid ... everyone I've dealt with thus far has been at least competent and some have downright bent over backwards to help me.

With the amount of pen turners who use the internet in one way or another and the ease with which flagrant abuses of customers can be reported out here, retailers are well aware that their reputation has to be pretty much spotless if they want to succeed with www sales. With dinner hanging in the balance, people can be downright accommodating.

For pen kits, I can recommend Ryan at

... I've placed several orders with him and he's always done better than expected / asked. He offers the entire PennState catalog at discounted prices. He also offers pen blanks in about 50 varieties. I haven't tried his blanks yet, but I'm getting ready to start in a few weeks. Up the scale, perhaps WAAAY up the scale, are pen kits from Berea. I believe that these are the kits offered by Woodcraft and Rocklers. However, Berea offers a larger catalog than the bricks & clicks stores seem to ... including some 'la dee da' "rose gold" kits. Google for Berea woodworks (ISTR).

Bill