Woodworking (rec.woodworking) Discussion forum covering all aspects of working with wood. All levels of expertise are encouraged to particiapte.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1   Report Post  
Benjamin T. Kindt
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

Hi,

I'm about to make the plunge into the pen turning hobby, and I thought
I'd post my initial shopping list here to get some feedback. Am I
going overboard? Am I forgetting anything important?

Many thanks in advance. Here's my list:

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.

JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99

Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55

4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95

Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.

Thanks again!

Ben
  #2   Report Post  
Bruce Barnett
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

(Benjamin T. Kindt) writes:

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99


Harbor Freight has a 3-piece "mini-size" set (HSS) for $5.99.
I just got the 8-piece full-size set ($29.99), and will post a review later.

There are other sets as well, like these (from Woodcraft's web site
unless otherwwise stated)

Crown Micro Turning Set - 5 pieces for $99
Woodcraft detail set - 6 pieces $69.99
Woodcraft 3-piece Pen Turning set - $39.99
Sorby 3-piece Pen Turning set - $69. (
http://www.houseoftools.com)
Sorby Micro set - 5 pieces $106 (rockler.com)
Woodcraft "Mini" HSS Turning Set - 5 pieces $39.99


Just looking at the price of $80 for 3, the average price is much
higher than all of the above.

Without even seeing the Jet pen turning set, I suspect the other sets
are a better deal, simply because of the price per tool and/or the
reputation of the maker. IMHO.

Can anyone compare these sets for pen turning?


--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
  #3   Report Post  
Mike in Mystic
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

Benjamin T. Kindt" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm about to make the plunge into the pen turning hobby, and I thought
I'd post my initial shopping list here to get some feedback. Am I
going overboard? Am I forgetting anything important?

Many thanks in advance. Here's my list:

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.


The VS IS important. I have the same lathe, but pre-VS and I have been
thinking real hard about trying to the one I have and get the VS one. I
have the extension bed, and when doing spindle turning, bowls, etc. you
often change the speed quite frequently. So, you are doing the right thing.



JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.


I have the stand and it is definitely a good investment. That said, I am
planning to build a really nice cabinet stand, with loads of storage for
lathe related items. Of all the tools I own, the lathe seems to require
more specialized items than anything else and I find it a pain to keep track
of everything when they are mixed with my other tools. Things like pen
mandrels, pen blanks, turning finishes, etc. etc., not to mention the tools.
So, for starters the stand is good, but you might find yourself doing what
I'm going to do sometime in the future.

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99

I can't speak directly about this turning set, but I agree with Bruce - it
seems overpriced. Of the ones he listed, I'd go with the Sorby pen turning
set. For myself, I bought individual tools rather than a set and think that
was a good way for myself. I'm interested in turning furniture parts, not
just pens, so my needs might be a little different than yours. So far, I
haven't found the need for the really small tools that some of these "pen"
sets seem to be made up with. I am still a beginning beginner on the lathe,
so I don't have a lot of experience to go on. From what I've seen, once you
really get bit by the turning bug you will end up with dozens of tools, so
having the small ones won't be a bad thing hehe.


Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55

4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95

Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.


The rest of your products are probably as good as any. I haven't been too
impressed with Penn States pen kits myself - some have been o.k. but some
have been really cheaply made. I've found the following:
http://www.packardwoodworks.com/
to be a great place to find really good turning supplies.

Finally, you're going to have to think about sharpening your tools. I
didn't even think about that when I started into the lathe 'craze' and
quickly saw the error of my ways. I tried to use the tools straight out of
the box - NOT GOOD! Sure, you could turn a pen, but it wasn't really
effortless. I took a pen-making class and the gouge's the teacher handed
out were so sharp it was amazing. And boy, what a difference. So, I bought
a grinder and the Wolverine sharpening system, and a slow speed buffer and
some books! Then I had a kid so I've yet to set up the sharpening station
or use the lathe in the last six months hehe.

Hope this info is helpful!

Mike


  #4   Report Post  
AHilton
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

Lots of opinions that I'm sure you'll get so it may not make it easier that
you asked these questions. We all have different levels of experience and
just plain work differently so the reponses you get can (and probably will)
vary greatly. The more you get into it, the more you realize that you don't
need so much. If you have unlimited funds, just get everything you want and
don't worry about it. Otherwise, you can always add things as you go along,
if need be, and develop your own working style and needs.

With that said, I'll give you my unvarnished opinions, SPECIFICALLY related
to turning pens as you indicated you are doing this for and with MY working
style. I stopped counting around the 1200 pens/pencils mark. That was all
in the past 2 years. And for the pen makers that make their living from it
(which are quite few in fact), that's just a quick afternoon. g

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.



You don't need VS for pens especially. Is it nice to have, especially for
other large projects? Sure. Necessary for them? No. I turn pens start to
finish at one speed (usually in the 1800 or 2500 range depending on style
and materials used). If the price difference isn't much, then go for the VS
but realize that you'll eventually probably just stick it on one speed and
leave it there most of the time.


JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.



It's alright. Nothing special. Fine for pen making a cardboard box will
do. g If you're very tall or very short you'll have to make allowances
for the fact that the standard sizing holes don't go that far. It won't
stand up to heavy out of balance pieces very well but then we're probably
not talking pen making at that point either. g


JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99



Use a skew. 'Nuff said! No, really. Alright then. That's what *I*
use from start to finish on all of my pens/pencils. You could use just a
Sorby Spindlemaster or something similar too. Or just a spindle gouge. Or
just a small roughing gouge. If you want to make all of those beads and
coves and other things all over the place that really don't sell well (well,
maybe in the crafts shows they do alright), it's going to be tough to use
just a roughing gouge. The point is, you can do it with just one or two
tools and they don't have to be powdered metal super-crystaline
harder-than-diamond tools. This is just pen making. $80 isn't bad for a
good set of tools but are you really going to use all of them for just pen
making? I've had several students of mine just get the Harbor Freight $13
small turning set of 3 tools (looks like rejects from Sorby and are HSS by
the way) and have been making pens out of them just fine. They end up just
using one of the tools (either roughing gouge or skew) eventually for their
pens anyway.


Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70



I do like the MT mandrels over the spindle threaded or chuck mounted ones.


EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55



These are fine products. Overkill for me but others like them. The EEE
doesn't do much to tickle me in any way. In general, sand to a high grit
(~600 depending on material used) and maybe use a sanding sealer (usually
overkill again) before putting on a friction polish (usually shellac-based).
All kinds of finishes can be used but pen makers usually have their favorite
and stick to it. I use many of them depending on what and whom I am making
the pens for but the basic, general purpose friction polish is a good
starting point.



4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95



Haven't used Penn State's (repackaged I assume) brand. It may be fine. I
use from 220 to ~600 grits and just a little at a time.... enough to cover
one of my fingers in width and about 3" long then doubled over. Cut these
ahead of time. For good general purpose sandpaper, the new 3M and Norton
papers that you can find in the common stores are fine. Use good sandpaper!


Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.



Hey, if you're getting into it this far .... G A drill press is a time
saver if you're going to be doing this very much. A simple workbench one is
fine. I still use my cheapy Grizzly one for boring holes, trimming blanks
and pressing fittings. It doesn't take many pre-drilled blanks to come up
to just buying a little drill press. Of course, you'll need a straight,
steady and safe way to hold your blanks to be drilled if you go this route.
I use just a tiny hand wood clamp with notches cut into it to hold the
blank. Quick and easy.

A bandsaw is useful but that's not absolutely needed either. Especially if
you're not making your own blanks. I make my own pen blanks but they are
usually long (3' sometimes). When I'm at the lathe and pen making bench, I
have a tiny chopsaw that I got at Harbor Freight to cut my blanks to length.
It has only a 3/4" (if that) cutting depth but I modified mine to cut a full
1" +.

You didn't mention drill bits, pen press (I use the drill press but you can
easily just use a hand clamp but you have to be careful as it's not very
precise), barrel trimmer (some use a disk sander), and glue. I use CA most
of the time but others use epoxy and polyurethane exclusively.

Just a few things for you to consider. g

- Andrew



  #5   Report Post  
MHaseltine
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

You will want to probably turn other things soon - least wise I did - and I
invested in 3/4" roughing gouge (Crown). It's a good medium duty tool to make
squares round. I also like to use this gouge to do the initial rounding of the
pen blank but I can get impatient.

I agree that sharpening will be a big item and you will need to sharpen/hone
your tools out of the box as well as keep them sharp. I have one of the small
Delta wet wheel grinders($55 or so at Lowes) that does okay for most of my
turning tools but doesn't do well trying to do any of the more fancy grinding
angles on gouges or on any of my scrapers. (I did get a Wolverine system for
Xmas from SWMBO.)

You will need very sharp tools for some of the more exotic hard woods which can
be brittle. A sharper tool isn't as prone to catch unless you get too
aggressive with your cut. It is frustrating to be taking the finsihing cuts on
a pen only to have it come peeling off the insert (grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr).

Would also suggest a small parting tool - Sorby has, I believe, a 1/16" partig
tool that does well with pens. Some of the kits you may want to turn require
peeling off part of the blank from the brass insert or precisely placing the
insert with part of it sticking out of one end of the blank during the glue up.
I find the peeling to be easier.

Some people really like the mini tools for turning pens and other small items.
I am not a big person but I still like tools with a bit more heft and longer
handles - I find that I can control them a bit better. This is just something
to think about.

Would suggest that you look at Craft Supplies (do a google search for them) and
I think Woodcraft has already been mentioned. Both places will have a good
assortment of tools, finishes and sandpaper.

Enjoy your new hobby - turning is addictive though. I've been hearing talk
about advocacy groups setting up treatment centers to deal with this condition
complete with in-patient detox units - gotta get the shavings and dust out of
your system. Then having those addicted attend the newly formed WTA.

Michael


  #6   Report Post  
xrongor
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

so thats what, 550$ and change? how many pens you gotta sell or make to
justify that? you might do better to get a real lathe that you can use for
other things. or a drill press, or even just a motor. you can make a jig
with two skateboard bearings, turn the drill press on its side, and just go
that route for a few pens...

jig like this. capital x is skate bearings inserted into wood, lower x is
the wood jig.

xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Xxx
xxX
Xx rod through bearings to take lateral load off motor --- xX
threaded rod to power
Xxx
xxX
xxx
xxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx

if you want, i can draw up a nice picture and post it to the bin group. ya
im crazy, but it just seems like quite a bit of money just to make pens.
ive done tons of turning on a jig just like this one that i made attached to
a drill press.

just my 2 cents...

randy

"Benjamin T. Kindt" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm about to make the plunge into the pen turning hobby, and I thought
I'd post my initial shopping list here to get some feedback. Am I
going overboard? Am I forgetting anything important?

Many thanks in advance. Here's my list:

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.

JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99

Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55

4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95

Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.

Thanks again!

Ben



  #7   Report Post  
Greg M
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

That's funny, I was thinking of getting into pen turning and I was just
about to fire off a post asking for advise. I've been out of college for
about a year now and I've wanted to assemble my own woodshop for a few
years. Unfortunately, I'm in an apartment right now and it's going to be at
least a year before I can buy a house or condo that has a basement or garage
big enough for a small shop. So, pen turning seems like a good hobby to tide
me over until I have the space for a shop. It requires a fairly small amount
of equipment, it's not too loud, doesn't take a lot of space and it's fairly
inexpensive to get started. Granted, I've never turned a pen and I can't
offer any experiences on equipment,etc; but I'm taking a class for it at the
local Woodcraft next week to see if I like it.

That being said, I've been looking at the JET 708329 Mini Pen Lathe
(information can be found at http://tinyurl.com/35szo and
http://tinyurl.com/2t9kz). I've seen it as low as $99.99 at times, but the
cheapest I can find it online right now is $129.95 at several different
places. I thought about the Jet Mini Lathe that you mentioned, but its more
than I want to spend, it takes up more space than I have and it seems like
an overkill. I plan on using the Mini Pen Lathe on my apartment porch by
rigging up a removable clamping system to my porch rail (don't worry, I'm on
the ground floor), then all I need is a stool and extension cord and I'm
good to go. My Dad has drill press but lives across the state (Michigan) so
whenever I visit I'll bring a bunch of blanks and get them ready for
turning. I don't have any turning tools yet, but I'm going to buy the 5
piece "Mini" HSS Turning Tool Set (http://tinyurl.com/2xb8p) at Woodcraft
when I take the pen turning class since they don't provide the gouges
required for the class.

I'm sure there's a couple of other minor things I'll need but left out, but
I'll know more about it after the class. Maybe the Jet Mini Pen Lathe would
serve your needs as well, and I appreciate any first hand experience or
general comments anyone can give me regarding that lathe.

Greg M


"Benjamin T. Kindt" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm about to make the plunge into the pen turning hobby, and I thought
I'd post my initial shopping list here to get some feedback. Am I
going overboard? Am I forgetting anything important?

Many thanks in advance. Here's my list:

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.

JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99

Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55

4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95

Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.

Thanks again!

Ben



  #8   Report Post  
Reyd Dorakeen
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

just as a comment, I bough some mini turning tools(12$ apiece), and found
them to be somewhere around useless, and I regret spending my very low money
supply on them. they are a lot harder to sharpen, they are really fussy
about toolrest position because they have so little leverage, and I bet you
could do just as much with a cheap HF set of tools, and then use them still
if you ever upgrade to a bigger lathe. Correct me if im wrong, but for pens
don't you usually want a smooth flowing form for a lot of it? I was trying
the mini ones for some pen ideas, just drilling and gluing a bit of a
ballpoint pen inside, and it was much harder to get a good curve with the
mini ones, the only useful one being the mini round nose scraper for cutting
really little coves/beads. just my 0.02(and its worth less being canadian
too)
in article , Greg M at
wrote on 3/19/04 5:29 PM:

That's funny, I was thinking of getting into pen turning and I was just
about to fire off a post asking for advise. I've been out of college for
about a year now and I've wanted to assemble my own woodshop for a few
years. Unfortunately, I'm in an apartment right now and it's going to be at
least a year before I can buy a house or condo that has a basement or garage
big enough for a small shop. So, pen turning seems like a good hobby to tide
me over until I have the space for a shop. It requires a fairly small amount
of equipment, it's not too loud, doesn't take a lot of space and it's fairly
inexpensive to get started. Granted, I've never turned a pen and I can't
offer any experiences on equipment,etc; but I'm taking a class for it at the
local Woodcraft next week to see if I like it.

That being said, I've been looking at the JET 708329 Mini Pen Lathe
(information can be found at
http://tinyurl.com/35szo and
http://tinyurl.com/2t9kz). I've seen it as low as $99.99 at times, but the
cheapest I can find it online right now is $129.95 at several different
places. I thought about the Jet Mini Lathe that you mentioned, but its more
than I want to spend, it takes up more space than I have and it seems like
an overkill. I plan on using the Mini Pen Lathe on my apartment porch by
rigging up a removable clamping system to my porch rail (don't worry, I'm on
the ground floor), then all I need is a stool and extension cord and I'm
good to go. My Dad has drill press but lives across the state (Michigan) so
whenever I visit I'll bring a bunch of blanks and get them ready for
turning. I don't have any turning tools yet, but I'm going to buy the 5
piece "Mini" HSS Turning Tool Set (http://tinyurl.com/2xb8p) at Woodcraft
when I take the pen turning class since they don't provide the gouges
required for the class.

I'm sure there's a couple of other minor things I'll need but left out, but
I'll know more about it after the class. Maybe the Jet Mini Pen Lathe would
serve your needs as well, and I appreciate any first hand experience or
general comments anyone can give me regarding that lathe.

Greg M


"Benjamin T. Kindt" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm about to make the plunge into the pen turning hobby, and I thought
I'd post my initial shopping list here to get some feedback. Am I
going overboard? Am I forgetting anything important?

Many thanks in advance. Here's my list:

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.

JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99

Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55

4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95

Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.

Thanks again!

Ben




  #9   Report Post  
Matt
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List


"Bruce Barnett" wrote in message
...
Harbor Freight has a 3-piece "mini-size" set (HSS) for $5.99.
I just got the 8-piece full-size set ($29.99), and will post a review

later.

I have a set from HF that was $10. I'm interested to read your review on
the $29.99 ones. I needed to sharpen my parting tool rather soon. I might
pick up that 3-piece set to try out.

M@


  #10   Report Post  
xrongor
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

i give up on ascii art.. it always blows up on me..

sorry.




  #11   Report Post  
Bruce Barnett
 
Posts: n/a
Default Review: Harbor Freight 8-Piece HSS chisle set


I recently placed my first order from Harbor Freight. I
ordered three items. The first two arrived after 3 weeks, and the last
should be sent in a week.

I ordered the 8-piece HHS chisel set (47066-0VGA). The price
is typically $29.99, but when I placed my order, it was $32.99. I
sighed about the price increase, but figured for that price how could
I go wrong?

Well, after placing the order, I noticed the item was again placed on
sale, for $29.99. I sent them e-mail, and they said they would credit
my account for the difference. T'was nice that this was painless.


As for the chisels - I had a cheapo AMT for years, and bought
the Jet JWL-1236 last year. I have a few nice tools, augmenting the
"free" set that came with the Jet. I am a amateur, and don't have a
lot of experience. But I can describe the Harbor Freight set for those
who are interested. I haven't used them yet.

What did I get?

Eight chisels in a wooden box. Labeled "Windsor Designs" and
marked "Made in China." Each is about 16 inches long, and the blade is
6 1/2 inches long. The blades are about 2 inches longer than the
cheapo set I have. The shape of the handle is a little like my Robert
Sorby oval skew, with the tang tip rounder, which means my hand can't
fit around it as comfortably as it does the Sorby. Because of the 10"
handle and the weight of the metal, some feel "top heavy."

The eight chisels a

1" Roughing Gouge
Heavy steel, about 1/4" thick. This one just has a slightly
greater curve than a spindle gouge. I have a non-HSS roughing
gouge that has a taller cut/deeper gouge. This one is shallow
by comparison.

3/4" Roughing Gouge

Like the above. Same thick steel. The curve is slightly less
that the one above. It has the same curvature as the spindle
gouges I have.

1/2" Parting Tool
This tool is a little strange to me. I don't see it mentioned
in my books. The point is V shaped, and it's flat on top, and
the two edges are beveled. Most of my scrapers have a steeper
bevel. Still, the metal is 1/4" thick, and I can regrind it easily.
It's 5/8" wide.

But I'm not sure if I should use it as a scraper, or as a skew.

1/8" Parting Tool
This is a beading/parting tool. A V point, but no bevel on the
edge. But the steel is 1/4" thick by 5/8" wide. It's only
1/8" when 8 equals 4.

1/2" Skew
1/4" by 5/8" - same stock as the last two tools. Just reground.
The corners have a square edge.

1" Skew
1/4" by 1" - like above, but wider.

1/2" Round Nose Scraper
1/4" by 5/8" - so this is a 5/8" roundnose scraper.

1/4" spindle gouge

1/4" round stock, with a 1/16" shallow cut. It's not a deep
cut in the gouge. The groove has a nice edge halfway, then the
edges are slightly "damaged" for the second half, as if the
grinding wasn't crisp..

In general, the steel is very heavy. Four of the tools have the
same 1/4" by 5/8" stock, and can be reground to make other shapes.

The roughing gouges can't be reground as easily. I don't do
spindle work much. I'll compare them to my other roughing gouge and
report later. I wish the 1/4" spindle gouge was more recessed, so I
could use it as a small bowl gouge. However, because of the
shallowness of the grove, I can make it a scraper. It's thick enough
to handle this.

In summary, the measurements describing the tools are often
inaccurate. But the thickness of the metal is substantial. I can use
them as is, or regrind 6 of the 8 tools if I need other shapes. I can
always make a longer handle.

For $29.99, it's hard to go wrong, even if you have a basic
set. I can make a Raffan spear-shaped scraper, a radius skew, oval
skew, flat-end scraper, dovetail scraper, or whatrever othger odd shap
I need. And as Gene, Mike and others have said, it's a great set to
practice sharpening on.


--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
  #12   Report Post  
Benjamin T. Kindt
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List - Updated and Revised based on inputs

First of all, thank you so much to everyone for taking the time to
provide such well considered, specific guidance. Based on the input
everyone has provided, here is my revised shopping list:


JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.

JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I thought about
hammering together a quickie 2x4 and plywood work station, which was
much appreciated advice, but I think I'm still going with the stand.

Woodcraft, 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $39.99. This looks like a
much more reasonable generic starter HSS set.

Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35
Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55. The whole topic of
finishing seems to be one with the most diverse opinions. I figure
I'll start with this set and experiment with others as I go.

Sandpaper, various grades, price TBD

End Mill / Barrel Trimmer, price TBD

Multi-Size Drilling Guide: $15.95, Penn State. This looks like a
quick way to get started drilling using a hand drill instead of a
drill press. Hopefully it won't totally be a gimmick.

CA glue, price TBD

Drill bits

Plus wood blanks and pen kits.

New item: Some way to keep my turning tools razor sharp. Any advice
in this area would be much appreciated.

Later purchases: Bench-top drill press; band saw; disk sander; table
saw; dupicator attachment for lathe... the list goes on...

Thanks again, all!

Ben


(Benjamin T. Kindt) wrote in message . com...
Hi,

I'm about to make the plunge into the pen turning hobby, and I thought
I'd post my initial shopping list here to get some feedback. Am I
going overboard? Am I forgetting anything important?

Many thanks in advance. Here's my list:

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.

JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99

Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55

4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95

Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.

Thanks again!

Ben

  #13   Report Post  
Matt
 
Posts: n/a
Default Review: Harbor Freight 8-Piece HSS chisle set

Bruce, the set I got from Harbor Freight (I walked in the store) was around
$10.00 (maybe on sale?) and had the following:

1/4", 1/2", and 3/4" gouge
1/2" and 1" skew
1/2" parting tool
1/2" round
1/2" spear point.

The spear point looks as you described he
1/2" Parting Tool
This tool is a little strange to me. I don't see it mentioned
in my books. The point is V shaped, and it's flat on top, and
the two edges are beveled. Most of my scrapers have a steeper
bevel. Still, the metal is 1/4" thick, and I can regrind it easily.
It's 5/8" wide.


The handles are 10" and the blades 4-1/2". They are labelled as the
Pittsburgh brand.

The problem with the parting tool is that the shaft of the blade is diamond
shaped. (so if you took a cross section of the blade you would see a
diamond:

/\
\/
front
___________
\
___________/
side

This makes sharpening more difficult on the grinder.

I know many people say get the Sorby or something higher quality, but it
isn't in my budget right now. Anyway, these tools are great to learn
sharpening on and I have been able to make some chesspieces with them so
far. The tools you have described seem similar to those I got, but maybe a
little more sturdy. Anyway, I'm out the door right now to HF and am going
to look around a little.


Matt


  #14   Report Post  
dave in fairfax
 
Posts: n/a
Default Review: Harbor Freight 8-Piece HSS chisle set

Matt wrote:
Bruce, the set I got from Harbor Freight (I walked in the store) was around
$10.00 (maybe on sale?) and had the following:
The spear point looks as you described he

Bruce wrote:
This tool is a little strange to me. I don't see it mentioned
in my books. The point is V shaped, and it's flat on top, and
the two edges are beveled. Most of my scrapers have a steeper
bevel. Still, the metal is 1/4" thick, and I can regrind it easily.
It's 5/8" wide.

Matt wrote:
The handles are 10" and the blades 4-1/2". They are labelled as the
Pittsburgh brand.
The problem with the parting tool is that the shaft of the blade is diamond
shaped. (so if you took a cross section of the blade you would see a
diamond:
This makes sharpening more difficult on the grinder.


The Pittsburgh and Windsor brands are two different levels of
quality, with the Windsor being the better. The $10 set is at its
regular price, the other goes for $29-39 depending on sales.
The diamond parting tool is the better tool for parting off. It
gives less resistance on the sides, sharpening isn't hard , put it
on its thin side and roll it down until the sparks come over the
leading edge, repeat on the other side. Make sure the two edges
meet at the middle of the tool, along the line on its side.
Dave in Fairfax
--
reply-to doesn't work
use:
daveldr at att dot net
American Association of Woodturners
http://www.woodturner.org
Capital Area Woodturners
http://www.capwoodturners.org/
  #15   Report Post  
Russell Seaton
 
Posts: n/a
Default Review: Harbor Freight 8-Piece HSS chisle set

1" Roughing Gouge
Heavy steel, about 1/4" thick. This one just has a slightly
greater curve than a spindle gouge. I have a non-HSS roughing
gouge that has a taller cut/deeper gouge. This one is shallow
by comparison.


Actually its about 7/8" roughing gouge. Steel thickness is 7/32".
Just under a 1/4". It works OK as a roughing gouge. I much prefer my
1.25" Hamlet roughing gouge, but this Harbor Freight roughign gouge
will work for 3" and under stock.


3/4" Roughing Gouge

Like the above. Same thick steel. The curve is slightly less
that the one above. It has the same curvature as the spindle
gouges I have.


This tool is the same as the 7/8" roughing gouge, except the sides
don't go up as far, therefore, its only 3/4" wide. Its a very shallow
gouge. Same 7/32" thick steel. I have considered grinding mine into
a Continental gouge.



1/2" Parting Tool
This tool is a little strange to me. I don't see it mentioned
in my books. The point is V shaped, and it's flat on top, and
the two edges are beveled. Most of my scrapers have a steeper
bevel. Still, the metal is 1/4" thick, and I can regrind it easily.
It's 5/8" wide.


This is a diamond point scraper. Steel is 7/32" thick. Width is
9/16". One of the local high schools uses this diamond point scraper
to turn pens. Why the teacher does not teach the children to use a
skew or gouge to turn pens, I don't know. But apparently they get it
done with the diamond point scraper. This is one of the tools in the
Delta lathe sets they have. I have not yet ground mine into a square
end scraper.


1/8" Parting Tool
This is a beading/parting tool. A V point, but no bevel on the
edge. But the steel is 1/4" thick by 5/8" wide. It's only
1/8" when 8 equals 4.


This is a 7/32" wide parting tool. Normal square parting tool. Not
fishtail or diamond. Thickness is of course 7/32" and height is
9/16". A fine parting tool. I would prefer a square end 1/8" parting
tool if I could only have one. But if you don't already have a
parting tool, this one would serve admirably for many years.



1/2" Skew
1/4" by 5/8" - same stock as the last two tools. Just reground.
The corners have a square edge.


9/16" wide skew. 7/32" thick steel. Works fine as a skew. I bet
even Richard Raffan would find it acceptable as a skew. This can be
ground into a scraper. But it seems wasteful to grind a perfectly
decent skew into a scraper. Even though I have a Hamlet 1/2" skew.



1" Skew
1/4" by 1" - like above, but wider.


Same 7/32" thick steel and 1" or 1" and 1/16" wide. Can't recall.
Also works fine as a skew chisel. Or can be ground into a wider
scraper. But again it seems wasteful to grind a decent skew into a
scraper. Even though I already own a Hamlet 1" skew.



1/2" Round Nose Scraper
1/4" by 5/8" - so this is a 5/8" roundnose scraper.


7/32" thick steel. 9/16" wide. Works fine as a round nose scraper as
long as you don't stick it too far over the toolrest. This is the
tool I wanted when I bought the Harbor Freight kit. I needed a round
nose to finish up the inside of a bowl. My big French scraper could
not get into the tight radiuses. I thought I would just end up with
lots of scraper material from the harbor Freight kit. Which is good.
But now I think many of the tools are too good to grind into scrapers.
So I really need more scrapers now.



1/4" spindle gouge

1/4" round stock, with a 1/16" shallow cut. It's not a deep
cut in the gouge. The groove has a nice edge halfway, then the
edges are slightly "damaged" for the second half, as if the
grinding wasn't crisp..


5/16" spindle gouge. I think this is too thin for an only spindle
gouge. Maybe OK for very delicate work, but you really need a 3/8"
spindle gouge. Which I already have. And a 1/2". So this small
spindle gouge will see some use. A fingernail grind goes onto it
easily enough.



In general, the steel is very heavy. Four of the tools have the
same 1/4" by 5/8" stock, and can be reground to make other shapes.


All of the steel in the Harbor Freight tools are the same thickness.
All 7/32" thick. Except for the 5/16" rod used for the spindle gouge
of course. As you said, four of the tools are the same piece of
steel. The 1" skew is jsut wider. And I would not be too surprised
if the 3/4" roughing gouge is the same width as the 1" skew, before
bending it to its gouge shape. I'm pretty sure the 7/8" roughing
gouge starts with a wider piece of flat steel before bending to its
gouge shape. I figure the Chinese factory cuts the flat 7/32" steel
into three widths to make all of these tools except the spindle gouge.
Very efficient.

All in all you end up with a set of tools where everything except the
3/4" roughing gouge will be used frequently, assuming the diamond
point scraper is reground to a square end scraper. I know many people
say tool sets are bad because you get tools you will never use, but
with the Harbor Freight set, that is not the case. Granted, many of
the tools are not the ones I would choose, or did choose, if buying
each of these tools separately. I went for a 1.25" roughing gouge
instead of the 7/8" here. I went for a 3/8" spindle gouge instead of
the 5/16" here. I went for a 1/8" parting tool instead of the 7/32"
here. The two skew chisels are the same or close enough to what I did
choose. The round nose and square end (formerly diamond point)
scrapers are useful for almost everyone so they are good to have. I
already have a bedan for a sturdy square end scraper.

For $29.99, you can't go too wrong. Assuming the Chinese High Speed
Steel does not fracture in use and put your eye out.

Harbor Freight item number is 47066.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47066


  #16   Report Post  
Bruce Barnett
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

Bruce Barnett writes:

Woodcraft 3-piece Pen Turning set - $39.99


I just made a pen with this set tonight at a pen turning class. The
metal is substantial. The gouge has about a 5/8" shaft with a deep
flute. It can be used as a small bowl gouge.

The skew is an oval skew, with curved edges.
And there is a parting tool, which we didn't use for the pen.

The blades are somewhat short, but it's a mini-set.

Sorby Micro set - 5 pieces $106 (rockler.com)


I own one of these, and this set should be very nice for detail, but
the metal is more delicate (thinner and longer) than the above
set. The Woodcraft set would be better for a beginner pen maker, IMHO.
If you like fine detail, add the Sorby set.

--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
  #17   Report Post  
Russell Seaton
 
Posts: n/a
Default Review: Harbor Freight 8-Piece HSS chisle set

I think your set is the carbon steel set. The Windsor set discussed
here is High Speed Steel. In my Harbor Freight store they are kept up
at the counter in the glass case. So you might try asking there first
before looking all through the store. The Windsor 8 piece HSS set
with purple "rosewood" handles is $39.99. The same set with tan wood
handles is $29.99. Item number 47066 on the Harbor Freight website if
you want a picture of them before going to the store.

"Matt" wrote in message ...
Bruce, the set I got from Harbor Freight (I walked in the store) was around
$10.00 (maybe on sale?) and had the following:

1/4", 1/2", and 3/4" gouge
1/2" and 1" skew
1/2" parting tool
1/2" round
1/2" spear point.

The spear point looks as you described he
1/2" Parting Tool
This tool is a little strange to me. I don't see it mentioned
in my books. The point is V shaped, and it's flat on top, and
the two edges are beveled. Most of my scrapers have a steeper
bevel. Still, the metal is 1/4" thick, and I can regrind it easily.
It's 5/8" wide.


The handles are 10" and the blades 4-1/2". They are labelled as the
Pittsburgh brand.

The problem with the parting tool is that the shaft of the blade is diamond
shaped. (so if you took a cross section of the blade you would see a
diamond:

/\
\/
front
___________
\
___________/
side

This makes sharpening more difficult on the grinder.

I know many people say get the Sorby or something higher quality, but it
isn't in my budget right now. Anyway, these tools are great to learn
sharpening on and I have been able to make some chesspieces with them so
far. The tools you have described seem similar to those I got, but maybe a
little more sturdy. Anyway, I'm out the door right now to HF and am going
to look around a little.


Matt

  #18   Report Post  
Tim Schubach
 
Posts: n/a
Default Pen Turning Initial Shopping List

Not meaning to start a war, but I've had some terrible experiences with Penn
State in the past, and absolutely refuse to even browse their catalogs
anymore. I wish they would remove my name from their customer list. Some
people love them ... I'm not one of them.

Berea Hardwoods sells kits as well, and I have never had a bad experience
with them after literally hundreds of kits ordered. Customer service is
great, and when you call, they're always willing to talk you through your
problem du jour. I have no affiliation with them, but have been very
pleased both with their products and service. Visit them at:

http://www.bereahardwoods.com/

Happy Daze!
tms

"Benjamin T. Kindt" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I'm about to make the plunge into the pen turning hobby, and I thought
I'd post my initial shopping list here to get some feedback. Am I
going overboard? Am I forgetting anything important?

Many thanks in advance. Here's my list:

JET 708351VS/JML-1014VS Variable Speed Mini Lathe, $299 (plus $25 off
at Amazon this month). I'm not sure if VS is that important, but I
thought I'd go for it rather than regretting not getting it later.

JET JML-S Adjustable Mini Lathe Stand, $119.99. I don't yet have a
good workbench, so this seems like it would work well.

JET 709160 3-Piece Pen Turning Chisel Set, $79.99

Mandrel Set #2 MT, Penn State, $15.70

EEE-Ultra Shine Paste Wax, Penn State, $14.35

Shellawax Cream, 300ml Jar, Penn State, $20.55

4 Grit Sandpaper set, Penn State, $19.95

Plus wood blanks and pen kits. I figure I'll start with pre-drilled
blanks so as to save on the cost of a drill press. I have access to a
bandsaw if needed as well.

Thanks again!

Ben



  #19   Report Post  
Jon Franklin
 
Posts: n/a
Default Review: Harbor Freight 8-Piece HSS chisle set

this is a test . . . .

On 21 Mar 2004 00:32:33 GMT, Bruce Barnett
wrote:


I recently placed my first order from Harbor Freight. I
ordered three items. The first two arrived after 3 weeks, and the last
should be sent in a week.

I ordered the 8-piece HHS chisel set (47066-0VGA). The price
is typically $29.99, but when I placed my order, it was $32.99. I
sighed about the price increase, but figured for that price how could
I go wrong?

Well, after placing the order, I noticed the item was again placed on
sale, for $29.99. I sent them e-mail, and they said they would credit
my account for the difference. T'was nice that this was painless.


As for the chisels - I had a cheapo AMT for years, and bought
the Jet JWL-1236 last year. I have a few nice tools, augmenting the
"free" set that came with the Jet. I am a amateur, and don't have a
lot of experience. But I can describe the Harbor Freight set for those
who are interested. I haven't used them yet.

What did I get?

Eight chisels in a wooden box. Labeled "Windsor Designs" and
marked "Made in China." Each is about 16 inches long, and the blade is
6 1/2 inches long. The blades are about 2 inches longer than the
cheapo set I have. The shape of the handle is a little like my Robert
Sorby oval skew, with the tang tip rounder, which means my hand can't
fit around it as comfortably as it does the Sorby. Because of the 10"
handle and the weight of the metal, some feel "top heavy."

The eight chisels a

1" Roughing Gouge
Heavy steel, about 1/4" thick. This one just has a slightly
greater curve than a spindle gouge. I have a non-HSS roughing
gouge that has a taller cut/deeper gouge. This one is shallow
by comparison.

3/4" Roughing Gouge

Like the above. Same thick steel. The curve is slightly less
that the one above. It has the same curvature as the spindle
gouges I have.

1/2" Parting Tool
This tool is a little strange to me. I don't see it mentioned
in my books. The point is V shaped, and it's flat on top, and
the two edges are beveled. Most of my scrapers have a steeper
bevel. Still, the metal is 1/4" thick, and I can regrind it easily.
It's 5/8" wide.

But I'm not sure if I should use it as a scraper, or as a skew.

1/8" Parting Tool
This is a beading/parting tool. A V point, but no bevel on the
edge. But the steel is 1/4" thick by 5/8" wide. It's only
1/8" when 8 equals 4.

1/2" Skew
1/4" by 5/8" - same stock as the last two tools. Just reground.
The corners have a square edge.

1" Skew
1/4" by 1" - like above, but wider.

1/2" Round Nose Scraper
1/4" by 5/8" - so this is a 5/8" roundnose scraper.

1/4" spindle gouge

1/4" round stock, with a 1/16" shallow cut. It's not a deep
cut in the gouge. The groove has a nice edge halfway, then the
edges are slightly "damaged" for the second half, as if the
grinding wasn't crisp..

In general, the steel is very heavy. Four of the tools have the
same 1/4" by 5/8" stock, and can be reground to make other shapes.

The roughing gouges can't be reground as easily. I don't do
spindle work much. I'll compare them to my other roughing gouge and
report later. I wish the 1/4" spindle gouge was more recessed, so I
could use it as a small bowl gouge. However, because of the
shallowness of the grove, I can make it a scraper. It's thick enough
to handle this.

In summary, the measurements describing the tools are often
inaccurate. But the thickness of the metal is substantial. I can use
them as is, or regrind 6 of the 8 tools if I need other shapes. I can
always make a longer handle.

For $29.99, it's hard to go wrong, even if you have a basic
set. I can make a Raffan spear-shaped scraper, a radius skew, oval
skew, flat-end scraper, dovetail scraper, or whatrever othger odd shap
I need. And as Gene, Mike and others have said, it's a great set to
practice sharpening on.


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules

Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
screw keeps turning dundonald UK diy 15 October 26th 18 08:18 AM
Cabinet saw shopping (long) Wes Stewart Woodworking 26 February 5th 05 03:56 PM
Turning tool tuning tools Stephen M Woodworking 1 February 25th 04 05:15 PM
Garage Power Shopping List manoman UK diy 44 February 21st 04 01:29 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:25 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 DIYbanter.
The comments are property of their posters.
 

About Us

"It's about DIY & home improvement"