Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: Where to start

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Posts
    765
    Thanks
    56
    Thanked 71 Times in 48 Posts
    Rep Power
    8

    Default Where to start

    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

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    NW indiana
    Posts
    253
    Thanks
    13
    Thanked 122 Times in 51 Posts
    Rep Power
    9

    Default Re: Where to start

    Paul, I would be glad to help. I will PM you my email address.
    Please visit my store

    Brands we carry: Benu Pen, Conklin, Kaweco, Monteverde, TWSBI - Diamine, J Herbin - Clairefontaine, Rhodia, Whitelines

  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Posts
    58
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 25 Times in 16 Posts
    Rep Power
    8

    Default Re: Where to start

    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

  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Dickson TN
    Posts
    36
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Where to start

    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

  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Posts
    37
    Thanks
    5
    Thanked 63 Times in 23 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Where to start

    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

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to lukitas For This Useful Post:

    Rossler (February 22nd, 2017)

  7. #6
    Senior Member SIR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    GB
    Posts
    1,635
    Thanks
    725
    Thanked 732 Times in 466 Posts
    Rep Power
    10

    Cool Re: Where to start

    Any recommendations for a good value, yet long term, one-for-all lathe?

  8. #7
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Where to start

    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".
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to penwash For This Useful Post:

    SIR (November 16th, 2017)

  10. #8
    Senior Member SIR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    GB
    Posts
    1,635
    Thanks
    725
    Thanked 732 Times in 466 Posts
    Rep Power
    10

    Default Re: Where to start

    and i'll need a swage machine for cap bands etc, right?

  11. #9
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Where to start

    Quote Originally Posted by SIR View Post
    and i'll need a swage machine for cap bands etc, right?
    Not familiar with swage machine

    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:

    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  12. #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Italy
    Posts
    11
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Where to start

    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.

  13. #11
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Bartlett, IL
    Posts
    7
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Where to start

    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.

  14. #12
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Where to start

    Quote Originally Posted by Penultimate View Post
    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.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  15. #13
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Bartlett, IL
    Posts
    7
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Where to start

    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.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •