I want to learn to turn pens and am searching for a suitable lathe. I’ve been looking at many different kinds and believe I have narrowed it down to a couple. The first is the Basic Pen Making Starter Set with Turncrafter Commander 10†Multi Speed Midi Lathe from Penn State Industries. The other is the Excelsior mini-lathe from Rockler. If I get the Turncrafter lathe, I get some chisels, as well as supplies to turn a few pens. If I get the Excelsior, I have to purchase these separately, but am willing to do so for a decent lathe. If anyone owns either of these and can provide some feedback on their thoughts and experiences, that would be great. Thank you.

First off I would recommend taking a class or two at Woodcraft. I would look at craigs list for a good used Jet or a Delta Mini lathe. In today's economy you can pick up a better used lathe with tools, chucks mandrils and other turning accessories at a pretty good price as long as they've been well cared for. I wouldn't recommend Penn State Industries. Their customer support is not good and I have had problems with shipping and product quality. The Delta 46-460 is very well constructed and is one of the most accurate for alignment of the tailstock to head stock and has almost no lateral play between the taistock and the lathe bed. I have a Jet variable speed and I like mine but I would have to go with the Delta If I had the chance. If space isn't a problem you might also look at a larger used lathe that will allow larger turnings. Be careful turning is very addictive. Good luck with your search.

Thanks for the quick reply. I hadn't thought of craigslist and I'm glad you mentioned it. Penn State was a company I hadn't even heard until I found their lathe through Google. I appreciate the response on their customer service and quality because I don't want to waste money if I can help it. I will look into the Delta line of lathes and see what all they have to offer.

Scott,

I think Member Charles Nicholls has a Penn State lathe.

I agree with Mike about the classes and Craig's List. A quick pen turning class will tell you if you enjoy turning and what you need as far as equipment. It will also help identify the points you show check when buying a used lathe.

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

We are camping next to a gentleman who recently retired from rockler. I'll try to get his input for you Tuesday morn.

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Round Barn WoodCrafts, Plymouth WI
roundbarnwoodcrafts@hotmail.com

Sounds good.

John Hechel said:

We are camping next to a gentleman who recently retired from rockler. I'll try to get his input for you Tuesday morn.

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Round Barn WoodCrafts, Plymouth WI
roundbarnwoodcrafts@hotmail.com

Ok Hank says they are both the same casting along with the jet lathe. Check each for finish quality to choose as each would be ok for an entry level lathe.

For a permanent lathe he recommends a Delta with variable speed and reverse as it makes sanding and finishing easier.

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Round Barn WoodCrafts, Plymouth WI
roundbarnwoodcrafts@hotmail.com

Another thing to consider- after you find out how much fun turning is you will want a full size lathe.

For all things pen go to  http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/

they have stuff no one else has

Scott,

Thanks for the heads up on the website. Looks like they have nice stuff. Those rings ant the bottom of the home page are beautiful!!

scott velie said:

Another thing to consider- after you find out how much fun turning is you will want a full size lathe.

For all things pen go to  http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/

they have stuff no one else has

HOly Cow! There is a whole industry for pen turning! Good site Scott, thanks for informing us of its existence.

scott velie said:

Another thing to consider- after you find out how much fun turning is you will want a full size lathe.

For all things pen go to  http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/

they have stuff no one else has

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Lots of excellent pen related items. Thanks for the link.  To let everyone know, I decided against the Turncrafter Lathe as well as the Excelsior lathe, I purchased a Rikon Variable speed mini lathe. I have turned a few pens and really enjoy it.