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mandrbeck
November 5th, 2016, 05:25 PM
I'm sure that this has been covered before, and if so I would not be offended if the first reply was simply a link to another thread, but I would like to take up pen making as a hobby. It looks like fun and would like to learn how to do it. So my question is, what tools does a person need to take up this hobby? I am not interested in trying to start a business or selling anything. I just want to spend some free time playing with pen making. Thanks.

Paul

DaveT
November 5th, 2016, 06:29 PM
Paul, I would be glad to help. I will PM you my email address.

mcorrea
November 7th, 2016, 02:29 AM
I'd also be interested in finding info. I'm looking to start simple; like creating a longer body for a Kaweco Sport section and making threads to fit some spare pen cap, for example.

Matias

dowales
December 21st, 2016, 01:16 PM
Good afternoon. I would also over to learn as well. I am not trying to be forward and would appreciate points or sites for review. Many thanks

lukitas
December 23rd, 2016, 03:44 PM
I may not be the person indicated for a full answer. You can find hundreds of pen-makers on YouTube, but I was always more interested in the machinists than in the pen-makers.
You can do it by hand, but lathe-work is essential. A decent knowledge of machining basics is a must: feeds and speeds, cutting angles, material characteristics... A lot can be learned on the interwebs : That lazy machinist, Tubalcain, Keith Fenner and so many more can teach you a lot. But I've learnt the most from doing the work : Put pieces of plastic a lathe and see which speeds and feeds work best, when you need lubrication.
Make a plan, then find out what you need to do to end up with a usable pen.

Of course, you can also buy a few kits, and then just turn fitting tubes in interesting materials. Or you can build new bodies for existing sections. For turning tubes, a simple wood-turning lathe will suffice. For cutting threads you'll need dies and taps, or a metal-working lathe with a decent set of gears for thread-cutting. And some way of measuring the threads you want to match.

A basic grasp of machining is the minimum required, but you learn as you go.

Cheers

SIR
November 15th, 2017, 09:38 AM
Any recommendations for a good value, yet long term, one-for-all lathe?

penwash
November 15th, 2017, 02:43 PM
I don't make pens but I do use lathe a lot in my restoration.

I have a Taig II metal lathe that is very solid, yet small, perfect for working with pen parts.
But unless you go for the full-blown CNC version, you can't cut threads with it, and would have to rely on taps and dies.

I've read good things about Sherline lathe, the rest of the market is dominated by Chinese made metal lathes under dozens of different "brands".

SIR
November 16th, 2017, 02:41 AM
and i'll need a swage machine for cap bands etc, right?

penwash
November 16th, 2017, 10:13 AM
and i'll need a swage machine for cap bands etc, right?

Not familiar with swage machine :D

Here's a shot of my lathe in action, I was reducing the diameter of a section so it'll fit the barrel in the picture:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4547/38432744112_3a55b13949_c.jpg

Fabri00
November 19th, 2017, 07:05 AM
I have a sieg c3, Chinese lathe but rebranded and it is very good for turning pens and pen parts.
Is not expansive, it cut threads, and I measured the precision of the chuck at 2/100 mm, which is very good.
It cost here in Europe about 500 USD.

Penultimate
November 22nd, 2017, 09:56 PM
Greetings
Head over and join The International Association of Penturners @ penturners.org. The forum is great with a lot of super talented pen makers. Additionally, they are a great bunch and always willing to share advice and techniques.

penwash
November 23rd, 2017, 08:58 AM
Greetings
Head over and join The International Association of Penturners @ penturners.org. The forum is great with a lot of super talented pen makers. Additionally, they are a great bunch and always willing to share advice and techniques.

I don't doubt that there are talented woodcraftsmen in that forum, but their emphasize in general are kit pens, which to me isn't the same as actually making a fountain pen.

Penultimate
November 24th, 2017, 11:00 AM
Penwash
While there are a lot of pen kit discussions the emphasis is on craftsmanship including kitless/custom pens. If you want to learn how to make kitless pens IAP is an essential resource. The library is full of articles written members on the subject of making kitless pens.