subject: Essential Pen Turning Supplies [print this page] Pen turning is an amazing hobby that anyone can take up. It is one of the parts of woodturning activity and like woodturning it requires certain level of investment in tools, equipment, supplies and time. However, some of the people who have done woodturning before might have some of the tools and supplies that are required for pen turning. The other required tools can be purchased from local woodturning supplies stores or pen turning supplies stores. Let us see what tools and pen turning supplies are required for pen turning.
Lathe Machine: Lathe is the basic machine that is required for woodturning. For pen turning a small lathe machine can be used that can be available in Australia for somewhere around $270 to $1200. However, if you also want to do large woodturning projects and have a big place, then a bigger lathe machine can be purchased.
Pen Turning Tools: pen turning tools are also essential component that is required for pen turning project. These tools generally comprises of chisel sets that are specifically designed, which can be used with the lathe machine. These chisels come in several shapes, size and metals. Ensure that your turning tools are made up of powdered metal or high speed steel (HSS) as they are durable as well as can maintain their edge for a long period of time.
Pen Kits: it is a kit that contains all the small metal pieces that are found in a pen. Generally they are made up of brass and are available in various shapes and sizes. In addition to this, they also come in various plating such as gold-plated, chrome, titanium, baked enamel, etc. These pen kits can be obtained from any local pen turning suppliers or can be ordered online.
Pen Blanks: pen blanks are the chunks of wood, plastic or other material from which you would be going to create your pens. Again, these pen blanks differs in shapes and size, but they also come in different colours and can easily be available from pen turning supplies store.
Mandrel: pen mandrel is a rod that grips the pen blanks on the lathe machine at the time of turning process. Sometimes these mandrel are included when you purchase a new lathe machine, but if it is not included you can buy it from a local store in Australia for somewhere around $32 - $33.
Bushes: these are metal bushings that are used to grip pen blanks steadily on the mandrel and serves as a measuring unit while turning. Different types of bushes are required for different pen kits. They are relatively inexpensive to buy and can easily be available from any pen turning suppliers in Australia.
Miscellaneous Supplies: it includes glue, sand paper, wax, buffing and polishing compounds and all other things that are required to give your pens a professional look.
Thats pretty much everything that you will require for pen turning. All that is left is to apply your woodturning skills and start making pens.
