Mark Tetrault writes:

Ok I'm a newbie at turning. Is it necessary to buy expensive
Sorby's tools to produce good results, or will beginner's quality kits be
ok?

You want sharp tools. Sharp means less sanding. High quality tools
usually have high quality steel, which stays sharp longer.


I see 1mt and 2mt kits online, what is the difference.

The Morse Taper #1 or #2 is how things can be inserted into your
lathe. Your lathe headstock will also have threads on the outside,
allowing different chucks to be screwed onto the outside, or a MT to
be inserted in the inside.

My lathe has MT#2 at the tailstock, so I can get a MT2 drill chuck, and put
it in either end.


You want a lathe with a standard MT size. If you upgrade your lathe,
you can use the same add-ons.

Could someone list for the the actual tools and supplies I'll need to start
turning pens?

Pens are simple forms, and it doesn't take much regarding chisels.

Let me point out some suff on woodcraft.
You can find some things at other places cheaper, but woodcraft has everything.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=2054
Jet Mini lathe $275

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...&FamilyID=3974

Pen turning set $39.99

http://www.woodcraft.com/depts.aspx?deptid=2291

Pen Mill (you can turn a handle for one of these)
Pen Mandrel

You will also need something to accurately drill the holes.
I use a scroll jaw chuck ($$$) and drill chuck ($10).
Do you have a drill press?

Woodcraft has a center drilling vice ($40) but I think there
are cheaper solutions. A drill press can also be used to press
the pieces together. You might be able to use a wood vice, etc.

http://www.woodcraft.com/search/search.aspx?query=HUT
Finish materal (HUT PPP)

You need sandpaper and sealer.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4014

I use the micromesh for fine grain wood like curly maple.
$16-$17.50



This is just the general stuff. For each pen kit you need the blank,
the kit, a matching drill, the bushings that go on the pen mandrel.

You probably should get a book first, or take a class.


Did I miss anything?
Oh - DAGS for penturner faq's


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