Pen bushings

[John Torchick]

Yesterday, I received a PSI catalogue and was intrigued by the number of different pen designs offered. I have built a couple of pens from Woodcraft and, so far, have three sets of bushings. My question is concerning the diameter/size of the pen bushings used to turn the blanks. There are some pens at PSI that are similar in shape and size to those at WC. I don't want to duplicate bushings if I can avoid it. I'm cheap, remember! How do you folks who turn a lot of pens approach this? Thanks.

 

[Bill Boehme]

The same pen styles often have different names at different stores based on my experience of buying pen kits at the local Woodcraft and Rockler stores. I have a bunch of bushings, but unfortunately I don't have them organized so I wind up sifting through them hoping that I will find what I need. This doesn't answer your question other than to say that you ought to organize them or you'll wind up in my situation.

 

[Richard Coers]

Join the International Association of Penturners, IAP, http://www.penturners.org
There is a PDF file in their library that has a wonderful spreadsheet on all pen kits, bushings and drills. There are just a few kit manufacturers, but a LOT of resellers that apply different names to the same identical kits.

 

[John Torchick]

Richard, thanks for the information. Bill, I was organized once....I think. I'll have to ask SWMBO.

 

[Steve Worcester]

Join the International Association of Penturners, IAP, http://www.penturners.org
There is a PDF file in their library that has a wonderful spreadsheet on all pen kits, bushings and drills. There are just a few kit manufacturers, but a LOT of resellers that apply different names to the same identical kits.

I think there is some in the file section of the facebook groups too

 

[John Torchick]

Thanks, Steve. I signed up for www.penturners.org and have been approved for "membership" on that website. I'm impressed with the different styles, blank materials, etc. Looking forward to learning a lot from the folks there.

 

[Grant Wilkinson]

When I started turning pens, I bought several different kits and therefore several sets of bushings. That became pricey and a pain to keep them organized. Now, I simply measure the diameter of the pen fitting and turn the blank to that dimension. Not only does it save money on bushings, but it's more accurate because I found that, after turning a few dozen pens on a set of bushings, I had reduced the diameter of the bushings with a gouge or sandpaper, so they were longer equal to the diameter of the pen fittings.

 

[John Torchick]

Grant, good point. Might experiment with your method. I have a good set of dial calipers that would come in handy.

 

[RichColvin]

A micrometer is a wise investment for a pen turner. As noted, the bushings are not always to be trusted for accurate outside diameters.