Penmaking, Pics of process

A lot of people have asked about what it looks like during the process, here's some pics.

Materials... I already cut & drilled the blank and glued in the tubes... ooops, should have taken one before that.


Blank mounted on the lathe


Takes shape


Sanded, starting at 150 grit all the way down to 600 grit


CA (superglue) Finish applied


Completed pen... once glue dries, it is sanded with micromesh all the way down to 12000 grit. Plastic polish applied and pen assembled.
This one is a 24k Apprentice European made from Box Elder Burl.

Nice looks like fun, is that a special lathe and do you have any links on where you can buy the supplies? Looks like a cool hobby to pick up

You are an artist....for sure. Nice

You need a wood lathe... if you are just looking to turn small bowls and pens... then a mini lather will work... mine is 10" x 14" (10 wide stock by 14" long) is the max
Jet makes really good lathes, but penn state has good ones here is a link

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/mini-lathes.html

This is a good beginner set
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLC10-B.html
and this one, it has electronic variable speed, where the other is manual, moving a belt
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLC10VS-B.html

there are many sets, and the cost goes up

here is a good book

http://www.amazon.com/Pen-Turners-Workbook-Making-Stunning/dp/1565233190/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284499065&sr=8-1

Sweet thanks glock, I'm thinking about do n it, I need a hobbie that doesn't take up too much room in my garage, doesn't involve drinking, and can be done from time to time. And those are some sweet ass pen that you make

it can turn into an expensive hobby

How much would the one up above cost.