Wanted to try making turned pens for a fair while.
Got some vouchers for Christmas, so splashed out on a pen mandrel and a few bits and bobs.

Started with a keyring, easy single part turning, dimensions not critical, except the ends.

Not sure on the timber, possibly black walnut....

Then confident with preparing the blanks and setting up the mandrel, I went for a pen.
The straight body one was the first one, just a sealed and waxed finish. Not ideal
The one with the bulb was the second, did a superglue finish on that, basically cover it in a couple of layers of superglue, which hardens the wood. Much better.

Not 100% sure on the timber, think they might be maple.

Decided i wanted to try making a cupcake, first idea was too ambitious for my setup, so went for a simplified version.
Turned the case and cake seperatly, then glued them together, then turned the cherry between centres, parted off, then finished off by holding the tenon on the cherry in a home made jam chuck.
Cherry is Padauk, cake is Lacewood, and case is Purple Heart.

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Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?

Nice work I watched a documentary on pen making and was fasinated with the some ot he materials used in the higher end pens

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Theres loads of materials about, they even do one which is coffee bean incased in acrylic

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Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?

Nice work. The superglue finish you mention is new to me. Does it need any finishing/sanding once dry or does it provide a smooth surface without further work? I can't imagine squeezing a tube of superglue over something and getting a polished look.

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http://www.isistherapytraining.com/

Cheers

Theres a couple of ways i have seen it done. My chosen method was to sand, and drop the glue on a cloth, spin the wood and rub it on quickly. Let it dry, quick sand, redo, repeat a couple more times. Then a fine sanding folowed by a cream polish.
I didn't use the spray hardener, might pick some up.

Few vids on youtube about it- see the sort of finish prior to final sanding about 2m45s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSKSep2Y ... re=related

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Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?

Brilliant!

My wife wants a cup cake

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www.craigthehandyman.com Wilmslow / Alderley Edge

Nice work and thanks for the link, never tried the superglue method. will try it on larger diameter objects.

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Dreams contain the seed of success..... (if you manage to wake up.)

Ive used it on an ebony pen this week, got a much better finish.
Bought the CA accelerator, built up about 6-8 coats. Then wet sanded it back with some 1200g paper, followed by T-cut.

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Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?

Nice work Hitch

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DIY | Donnas dream house

these are nice, really makes me want to get a lathe

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- Dave
http://www.pamperhouse.net
http://www.invertedcircle.co.uk

Few more....
This pair is going for a Birthday present, pen with matching pendant.
Pendant made from the pen blank off cut.


Here is a few others I have done. The second pair up are the ebony ones I mentioned.

Certainly enjoyable Root, not the cheapest of hobbies, the lathe was probably the cheapest bit, £30 from a mate.

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Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?