Mail Order Pen Kits

[dale]

To date, the only pen hardware I've used has been from my local Rockler. I've seen a number of places on the 'net where I could buy in small quantities for much cheaper. For those of you with experience, is the quality from places like WoodTurningz.com or Pens of Color pretty decent?

Also, I've heard that even though different kits may look the same, they're not necessarily the same size and one should get bushings specific to each manufacturer. Has that been your experience?

[Tom Miller]

Also, I've heard that even though different kits may look the same, they're not necessarily the same size and one should get bushings specific to each manufacturer.

I've heard the same thing, but haven't experienced any trouble first hand.

Craft Supplies is another good place to check. I'm not sure how their prices compare, but I think they have the same supplier as Woodcraft, so parts from the two would be more likely interchangeable.

Regards,
Tom

[mudder]

Woodturningz and Pens of color sell tha Pen State kits at a cheaper price that Pen State does. I have done business with both of them and find them to have great prices and excellent customer service.

As mentioned above, Craft supplies is a good place as is Arizona Silhouette:

http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/

Give any of these folks a try and I think you will be plesantly surprised.

[leehljp]

Ditto on what Mudder said.

Berea: http://www.bereahardwoods.com/page3.htm

BTW: http://beartoothwoods.com/catalog/pr...products_id=30

AS: http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/

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Penn State: http://www.pennstateind.com/

POC: http://pocwoodworking.com/index.asp

WoodTurnings: http://www.woodturningz.com/SlimlinePenKits.aspx

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CSUSA: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cg...n&key=050-7048


The Above groupings are the three different groups. and generally, all of the above are cheaper in price than Rockler and Woodcraft.

I have ordered from all but Woodturningz and Berea. Mainly I have not ordered from them because what I wanted was offered at one of the other companies along with something else that those two did not have at the time I needed it.
I love ordering from AZ but he does not ship overseas; (Only order from him when in the States.)
Sheila at POC has been very helpful and shipps overseas to me, as does BTW and CSUSA.

Below are pens with different names from different companies with the same specs. It is in a post to the IAP Penturners forum by Airrat.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=13598

known kits with same bushings:
Jr Gents and Jr Statesmen

Polaris and Atlas

El Grande and Churchill

Cigar kits for CSUSA and Berea

Same kits different names:
BEREA:................WOODCRAFT:

Sierra...............Wallstreet II

Baron..................Navigator

El Presidente...........Robusto

Elegant American.....Hart Double Twist

Flat Top American.....Classic American

=========================
BEREA....................CSUSA

Atlast..................Patriot

El Grande...............Ligero
(Although CUSUA shows a different drill size for the Ligero, but I think it is only about .02 difference - Fangar)

Statesman and Gentlemens = Same bushings abd Bits.
El Grande and Churchill = Same Bushings and Bits.

[dale]

Thanks. You guys are awesome!