Pen Press

[Bill in Buena Park]

Not a unique idea, but cheap. I didn't trust my spreader clamps to finesse pen assembly. This short pipe clamp bedded in a frame gives me just the right amount of control when assembling pen parts. Used Liquid Nails to secure the pipe to the bed, and I can clamp it to the workbench. Thanks for looking.

[lago]

Great idea...need to borrow it. I am getting started in pen turning and have been looking for something instead of having to buy a pen press.

Thanks

Ken

[Whaler]

Great idea Bill, that is one of the better looking homemade ones that I have seen.

[leehljp]

Hey, I can make that! I even have the components already!

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Thanks guys. Credit for idea goes to my neighbor, the period furniture guy. I was going to make one from a toggle clamp, but was concerned about controlling the pressure, and he said "why not a pipe clamp?" - and I knew it would need to rest in some kind of base. Its not for "fast" work - but I don't have "pressing" deadlines.

1/2 pipe clamp from HF, ~$5 I believe, and 12" segment of pipe from BORG, ~$3, base frame from scraps.

Not clear in the photo is the forstner mortise hole in frame (on left end in photo) to receive that end of the pipe, and a little riser strip under the fixed/screw end of the clamp (right side in photo) - both located just high enough off the base so the clamp clears the base (no drag) when tightening the clamp. Liquid nails in mortise and little riser strip hold it in place. Hot glued the rosewood scraps to the clamp faces for parts protection.