A mini lathe is great for Pen turning. I have a Jet mini lathe I use for all of my turning and woodworking. In addition to turning pens on my lathe I have also made the following projects.
1. Wine stoppers
2. Small bowls
3. Candle Holders
4. Tables legs for shaker tables (can be seen on mt web site)
5. Small birdhouses
6. Knobs for other woodworking projects
7. Tool handles
8. Duck call
9. Lidded boxes
10. Key rings
11. Small plates
12. Doll house furniture
I'm sure there are other items but this list may give you an idea of what a small lather can be used for. I have an extension for my lathe but rarely use it. In fact the only times I have used it, is in turning table legs and one time I made a cane. So an extension is not something I would buy right away. Be careful with a mini lathe, it can become addictive.
http://www.nokeswoodworks.com/
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
WOODWORKING, GLUE SPOT PROBLEM
Glue Spots, Ways to avoid when woodworking.
One of the problems most woodworkers have is glue spots which show up during the staining or finishing process. Once a project is stained and spots start to show up, it can be very difficult to correct or touch up...
There are a few things we can do to help with this problem.
Some woodworkers solve thee problems but pre staining there wood parts before assemble. This way any glue squeeze out is on top of the stain and can be wiped off with a wet rag. I don’t like to use this method. I always seem to do something to the finish during clamping or assemble that is almost as hard to touch up as the glue squeeze out or the spots.
The next helpful thing is to tape around joints before assemble, so that glue squeeze out goes on the tape and not the wood. Be careful not to get the tape into the joint. It makes for easier removal.
The last thing we can do is to let the glue squeeze out semi dry to a gel. Once this has happened, you can use a scrapper on a flat surface to scrape away the glue. If you are in a corner or at a joint, you can use a chisel to remove the glue.
One thing you do not want to do is use a dry rag to wipe away glue squeeze out. I do noe even like doing this with a wet rag. You still can have glue spread around on the wood which makes matters worst.
Please check out my web site http://nokeswoodworks.com
One of the problems most woodworkers have is glue spots which show up during the staining or finishing process. Once a project is stained and spots start to show up, it can be very difficult to correct or touch up...
There are a few things we can do to help with this problem.
Some woodworkers solve thee problems but pre staining there wood parts before assemble. This way any glue squeeze out is on top of the stain and can be wiped off with a wet rag. I don’t like to use this method. I always seem to do something to the finish during clamping or assemble that is almost as hard to touch up as the glue squeeze out or the spots.
The next helpful thing is to tape around joints before assemble, so that glue squeeze out goes on the tape and not the wood. Be careful not to get the tape into the joint. It makes for easier removal.
The last thing we can do is to let the glue squeeze out semi dry to a gel. Once this has happened, you can use a scrapper on a flat surface to scrape away the glue. If you are in a corner or at a joint, you can use a chisel to remove the glue.
One thing you do not want to do is use a dry rag to wipe away glue squeeze out. I do noe even like doing this with a wet rag. You still can have glue spread around on the wood which makes matters worst.
Please check out my web site http://nokeswoodworks.com
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Pen Making with plastic blanks
Plastic BlanksWhen drilling blanks made with acrylic plastic, you will need to go very slow or the plastic will melt and clog. This could cause the blank to split.The drill bit needs to be very sharp or you may tend to oval the top of the hole. I like to use a twist drill on plastic blanks. A brad point bit is my favorite on wood but on plastic the brad point seems to skate around a lot.
I have switched to epoxy for gluing the brass to the pen blank but gap filling CA glue will work as well.
I sometime use a sander to round the blanks prior to putting them on the lathe. It seems to help a little.
One again when on the lathe, you must use very sharp tools. The sharper the better.
Please visit my web site for more information.
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Drill Bits, A quick run down
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Drill Bits
There are several types of drill bits out on the market today. The drill bit on the left is a twist bit and comes in steel which is inexpensive but does not stay sharp very long. You can also get these in High speed steel (HSS) which will last much longer. You can also get them titanium coated and carbide tipped which will both last longer but cost alot more. The next bit is a brad point bit which prevents skating and has wide flutes keeping it cooler longer. These are my favorite bits for drilling in wood. Especially wood pen blanks. The third bit is a bullet point drill bit, the ones I have are from Dewalt. These are also very good bits for drilling in wood and I would highly recommend for all wood projects even pen blank drilling.
The 4th bit shown above is a forstner drill bit. Used for drilling plug holes, clock inserts or any where a flat bottom hole is needed. The last bit pictured is a spade bit, used for drilling wood. I don't use this type bit very often. It is something I use if I have to drill a hole in a 2x4 to pass wire through.
The most common drill bit is the twist bit, which is very versatile and when purchased in HSS is a good all round bit.
Please visit my web site under general for more information on drill bits.
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Monday, February 18, 2008
New Sharp Chisels
When you go to the store to buy chisels , the first thing you have to do when you get them home is to sharpen them. Looks like if you bought a new chisel they would come sharp. And the truth is I hate to sharpen chisels. So why don't they come sharp. Well my guess is cost. Well last week I was bought a couple of new chisels and guess what they were sharp! Yea right from the store they were sharp. I have been using PFEIL Swiss made carving gouges for years, now they have come out with a set of bench chisels and they are great. First they are sharp and ready to use. And IF they hold an edge like the carving gouges they will be a pleasure to work with. If you get a chance try one of these babies out, I'm sure you will like it.
Please visit my web site at http://nokeswoodworks.com
Please visit my web site at http://nokeswoodworks.com
Saturday, February 16, 2008
New Laptop Sony CR320 UPDATE
Update, 2 months later...this is the best laptop I have ever had.
Update 3 weeks later, I am still very happy with this computer. Works well, and looks good, very stylist. I have found one good/bad thing. The graphics board is a little light for game players. My son wanted to use it to play a new game and the graphics board would not handle it. So that is bad but it's good for me. I have the computer all to myself. It does handle all my graphic needs. I run corel draw and paint on my computer with no problems at all. I also tun google sketch up with no problems. So yes I still really like it. Visit the offical sony site to get more specs. There is a link to the right.
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Well I finally broke down and bought a new laptop. I really looked around before deciding on a Sony and now that I have it at home. WOW it is great. It did take a little while fr me to remove all of the unwanted software and install what I really needed and wanted but now that I have it in going, I couldn't be more excited about a computer. It seems to be study and well build has plenty of speed and disk storage. So now maybe I can get a few more blogs outs. I got a Sony camera for Christmas and this new laptop has a slot for the camera card, so maybe I'll get a few more pics on here as well. I know this is off the subject of woodworking but if you need a new computer, I would highly recommend this computer. I have placed an amazon ad in the section to the right, you can go there and see all the specs. In the next few weeks I will be adding a page to my website about building web sites and doing blogs.
So check out my web site. http://nokeswoodworks.com
Update 3 weeks later, I am still very happy with this computer. Works well, and looks good, very stylist. I have found one good/bad thing. The graphics board is a little light for game players. My son wanted to use it to play a new game and the graphics board would not handle it. So that is bad but it's good for me. I have the computer all to myself. It does handle all my graphic needs. I run corel draw and paint on my computer with no problems at all. I also tun google sketch up with no problems. So yes I still really like it. Visit the offical sony site to get more specs. There is a link to the right.
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Well I finally broke down and bought a new laptop. I really looked around before deciding on a Sony and now that I have it at home. WOW it is great. It did take a little while fr me to remove all of the unwanted software and install what I really needed and wanted but now that I have it in going, I couldn't be more excited about a computer. It seems to be study and well build has plenty of speed and disk storage. So now maybe I can get a few more blogs outs. I got a Sony camera for Christmas and this new laptop has a slot for the camera card, so maybe I'll get a few more pics on here as well. I know this is off the subject of woodworking but if you need a new computer, I would highly recommend this computer. I have placed an amazon ad in the section to the right, you can go there and see all the specs. In the next few weeks I will be adding a page to my website about building web sites and doing blogs.
So check out my web site. http://nokeswoodworks.com
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
PEN MAKING TIP
Sometimes when I turn an acrylic blank, the brass tube shows through on the finish turned pieces. If the blank is say black and white and the brass shows through the white, it does'nt look very good.
There is a way around this problem. You have to paint the brass tube before gluing it in place. Yes you can paint the brass tubes. You need to sand the outside of the tube with sandpaper. Make sure you sand the entire tube. I then use a wire inserted through the tube and bent at the end to hold the tube. I then use spray paint to paint the tube, then hang the other end of the wire up till it dries. Use a spray paint for metal like Rustoleum. Use a color of paint that matches the lighter color in the blank.
Once the paint has dried, you can glue it in normally. I use an expoy glue, seems to work better for me than CA.
Please see my website for information on pen making. http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
There is a way around this problem. You have to paint the brass tube before gluing it in place. Yes you can paint the brass tubes. You need to sand the outside of the tube with sandpaper. Make sure you sand the entire tube. I then use a wire inserted through the tube and bent at the end to hold the tube. I then use spray paint to paint the tube, then hang the other end of the wire up till it dries. Use a spray paint for metal like Rustoleum. Use a color of paint that matches the lighter color in the blank.
Once the paint has dried, you can glue it in normally. I use an expoy glue, seems to work better for me than CA.
Please see my website for information on pen making. http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
Monday, February 11, 2008
Milk Paint a child safe finish
I like to use old fashion Milk paint on any project that needs to have a non toxic finish such as a child's toy. I also use it on almost all of my early american country projects. It comes in a powder form and is easy to use. You just mix it 1 cup of water with 6oz of powder and stir. Best mixed at room temperature. On most projects you will need two coats. You will need to wait two hours before appling the 2nd coat. It is soap and water clean up. If the wood has been sealed or painted you will have to add extra bond to the mix or it will peel off. So best used on clean new wood projects.
After the 2nd coat has dried you will want to seal your project using Clear Coat another product from old fashion milk paint company. It is a water borne acrylic. It will protect your project from water spots, dirt and wear and tear. It will dry clear and leave no odor. It takes abour one hour to dry. It comes in several colors and colors can me mixed to come up with even more colors.
You can purchase Old Fashion Milk Paint at : Wood craft , see sidebar for a link.
Please visit my web site for more finishing information: http://nokeswoodworks.com/
After the 2nd coat has dried you will want to seal your project using Clear Coat another product from old fashion milk paint company. It is a water borne acrylic. It will protect your project from water spots, dirt and wear and tear. It will dry clear and leave no odor. It takes abour one hour to dry. It comes in several colors and colors can me mixed to come up with even more colors.
You can purchase Old Fashion Milk Paint at : Wood craft , see sidebar for a link.
Please visit my web site for more finishing information: http://nokeswoodworks.com/
Sunday, February 10, 2008
New Pens, pen making
Just wanted to share a couple of new pens I made. The
ones on the outside are made with Rosewood. The center Pen is made of acrylic plastic. These pens look great and have a nice feel to them when writing. These are one piece pens which require a longer blank but only one blank. These are a great starter pen even tho most people start out with a slim line pen.
I have added a lot of new links to my web site and will being adding alot more so feel free to stop in and see, as if grows. http://nokeswoodworks.com
Friday, February 8, 2008
Cast Iron Rust in this weather, WOODSHOP TIP
During this time of year, one of my shop concerns is rust, which may start forming on my cast iron table tops or tools. My shop is in the garage and there is alot more moisture than I would like in my shop. There are three things i use to try and keep my tools rust free. I like a spray on product sold at woodcraft called TOP-COTE. I use this on tools, that I my not use for a couple of weeks at a time. It is fast and works reasonably well. During normal times, when I'm in the shop alot, I like to use car wax on my tools. This is a good preventive measure. I use turtle wax.
There is one other product which will work in a pinch. That is baby powder. In fills in the small holes in the cast iron and prevents moisture. It will not affect wood finishing and it makes the surface very slick. So it is a good low cost choice as well.
If you do get rust on your table tops or tools, get a rust eraser. These work great, they come in fine, medium and corse grit. Just use it like an eraser on the rust. Use only when light rust occurs. You can pick these up from Lee Valley, Woodcraft or Rockler.
Visit my website for more infromation http://nokeswoodworks.com
There is one other product which will work in a pinch. That is baby powder. In fills in the small holes in the cast iron and prevents moisture. It will not affect wood finishing and it makes the surface very slick. So it is a good low cost choice as well.
If you do get rust on your table tops or tools, get a rust eraser. These work great, they come in fine, medium and corse grit. Just use it like an eraser on the rust. Use only when light rust occurs. You can pick these up from Lee Valley, Woodcraft or Rockler.
Visit my website for more infromation http://nokeswoodworks.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Do I need a plan for woodworking project?
Well, I always start out with a plan. Somehow my plans always seems to change before , during or after I get into a new project. Sometimes I have to make adjustments to the plan based on the wood I have, I may only have enough matching wood to make a 34 inch table top instead of a 36 inch top. I sometimes change plans based on a mistakes. I sometimes change plans to make it fit where I want it to go. Somehow it seems I always change the plan. But yes I need a plan. It tells me how to buy my wood. It tells me how to layout and do a cut plan. It's what I use to make sense of what order Im going to cut pieces and assemble pieces. Could I make a project without a plan, maybe but it would be much more dificult. Like the time I made a glider rocker for my wife. Well I mounted the feet wrong and she hit her toe everytime she came near it. It looked great but she hated it.
Next time I'll use a plan. There are alot of good plans out there. I some times get free plans from the internet. I sometimes get plans from books I have bought. I have even bought a few plans. I do make my own plans, which I find the most enjoyable. Check out my links page on my website for a place to get your plans or to get google sketchup to draw your own plans.
www.nokeswoodworks.com
Next time I'll use a plan. There are alot of good plans out there. I some times get free plans from the internet. I sometimes get plans from books I have bought. I have even bought a few plans. I do make my own plans, which I find the most enjoyable. Check out my links page on my website for a place to get your plans or to get google sketchup to draw your own plans.
www.nokeswoodworks.com
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
New Woodworking Web Site
Well, I am now starting my own web site in addition to doing a blog. In my new web site, I will try to cover alot about woodworking, furniture making, pen making, toy making, carving, scroll saw and home repair. As well as the home shop. Please let me know if there are pages you would like to see or information you would like to have. I am just starting so I have alot of pages to built and a lot of work to do on the site. So keep checking back. I will be updating it as often as I can.
The address for my new site is www.nokeswoodworks.com
I'd love to hear from you.
The address for my new site is www.nokeswoodworks.com
I'd love to hear from you.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Jet Tool 50th Anniversary
Jet Tool Is having there 50th Anniversary this year. As a result if you go to there web site, you can enter to win a prize every month. This month is a jointer, next month a lathe. It may be worth the few minutes it takes. http://www.jettool.com/
Please visit my web site http://nokeswoodworks.com
Please visit my web site http://nokeswoodworks.com
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Buying wood cheap for projects or Pens
If you havn't noticed wood is expensive. Here are a few tips on buying wood that have helped save me money.
1. Shorts - I buy from a company on the web called Wall lumber. They sell usp bundles which are 20bf feet and include shipping to my home. They also sell what they call shorts. They sell shorts in cherry, walnut, oak and maple. The shorts are boeard which range from 36" to 52" in lenght of random width. These are great for small projects and the cost is half the price of regular lumber.
2. Lumber grade - I sometimes buy number 2 grade instead of number one. The big difference is that number 2 will have a few knots ot sap wood. On some projects I can cut around that or may even built it into my project.
3. While shopping on ebay for lumber, which is the best place to buy reclaimed chestnut, one of my favorite woods. I can across a local cabinet shop selling cherry, at great prices. I bought some and now when in need of wood, i drive by the cabinet shop and see what they have to offer. Wood can be 60 % od regular pricing.
4. As you can tell , I do shop the internet for wood also. I use ebay, and other wood sources on the internet will offer deals from time to time.
5. Use a lower grade of lumber for hidden parts such as drawers or backs or framework. I often use popular for these parts instead of cherry or oak.
6. A local saw mill can be a source for cheap lumber also. Since you are buying wholesale and not retail. I even found one who through out the spalted lumber because it was no good for the flooring he was producing.
7. Pen makers can save a ton buy cutting there own blanks. Larger boards or scarps from your last project can be cut into pen blanks saving a lot or even getting them free.
BEWARE shopping at the local home store will cost you and is not the place to shop for lumber used in furniture or pen making. It is great for 2x4's buy try buying an oak board..wow
I do buy some ply wood there, which I use in the drawer bottoms.
One place I had yet to find saving is the pen blank market for stabilized woods. These are my favorite to turn but also are very expensive. If any one has a cheap source please let me know.
Please visit my website for more information http://nokeswoodworks.com
1. Shorts - I buy from a company on the web called Wall lumber. They sell usp bundles which are 20bf feet and include shipping to my home. They also sell what they call shorts. They sell shorts in cherry, walnut, oak and maple. The shorts are boeard which range from 36" to 52" in lenght of random width. These are great for small projects and the cost is half the price of regular lumber.
2. Lumber grade - I sometimes buy number 2 grade instead of number one. The big difference is that number 2 will have a few knots ot sap wood. On some projects I can cut around that or may even built it into my project.
3. While shopping on ebay for lumber, which is the best place to buy reclaimed chestnut, one of my favorite woods. I can across a local cabinet shop selling cherry, at great prices. I bought some and now when in need of wood, i drive by the cabinet shop and see what they have to offer. Wood can be 60 % od regular pricing.
4. As you can tell , I do shop the internet for wood also. I use ebay, and other wood sources on the internet will offer deals from time to time.
5. Use a lower grade of lumber for hidden parts such as drawers or backs or framework. I often use popular for these parts instead of cherry or oak.
6. A local saw mill can be a source for cheap lumber also. Since you are buying wholesale and not retail. I even found one who through out the spalted lumber because it was no good for the flooring he was producing.
7. Pen makers can save a ton buy cutting there own blanks. Larger boards or scarps from your last project can be cut into pen blanks saving a lot or even getting them free.
BEWARE shopping at the local home store will cost you and is not the place to shop for lumber used in furniture or pen making. It is great for 2x4's buy try buying an oak board..wow
I do buy some ply wood there, which I use in the drawer bottoms.
One place I had yet to find saving is the pen blank market for stabilized woods. These are my favorite to turn but also are very expensive. If any one has a cheap source please let me know.
Please visit my website for more information http://nokeswoodworks.com
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