Customer Reviews

Turning Pens And Pencils

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3 star:		(1)
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Dick Sing is supposedly the guru of pen and pencil turners. He has written several widely read books on the subject. Until recently, Sing's only competition was author Mike Cripps. But all of Sing and Cripps books pale in comparison to Christensen and Burningham's "Turning Pens and Pencils". This book is so good that it's hard to begin describing its numerous attributes. It's an excellent book for the beginning wood turner and pen maker. But it goes way beyond anything that Sing or Cripps provide. Christensen and Burningham are creative designers and it shows in their pen making. The book is packed with useful suggestions on everything from cutting and boring pen blanks to pen assembly. These guys are pros with years of experience, and it shows. I was stunned by their creative ideas such as the use of polymer clay in lieu of wood. The quality of their pens is simply awesome. It would be impossible for me to commend this book too strongly. If you like to turn wood and you're interested in pen and pencil making, you owe it to yourself to get this book. You'll be glad you did.

This book is head and shoulders about anything else out there on pen turning. After reading the Sing and Cripps primers I ordered this. There is no question that this book should be the one you read. It is well organized, clearly written and gives multiple ways to perform each step in the pen making progress.
It starts with an historical discussion which may or may not suit your tastes, but then goes into very good detail about the equipment, supplies, wood selection, kit types, finishing products, glues etc that are available and what is required/suggested based on your needs.
Next it goes through the making of a basic pen in good detail with the minimalist type supplies etc. Each subsequent section details a new type of pen, but also adds different ways to do each of the basic procedures and details different equipment that can be used. Through this process, the reader gets a good understanding of what is out there and how to use it. There is then a section on alternate materials and how they differ in the treatment required to use them. Then a section on decorating and variation in styles. This is followed by a tips and tricks section, which will help solve some of the common problems, as well as, provide tricks to improve quality and speed. Finally there is a very good gallery with a multitude of styles from multiple contributors.
If you can only buy one book, it would be foolish to go with any other. You will find yourself refering back to it often and will save yourself a lot of money and headaches through the advise the authors give.

I had been considering getting into pen turning to expand my woodworking hobby so I got this book to see what the craft is about. After reading this book, it definitely is something I will pursue. This book does a great job of explaining all the different angles involved with the different types of products you can use. I feel that I am much better educated about the craft and look forward to turing my first pen.
Great book.

I have always wanted to get into pen turning to some degree because I build boxes. As usual when I am interested in learning something new I buy a book and try to learn as much as possible before I actually start producing the product. This book isn't a bad overview but I really didn't get much on the tips and tricks end of the craft. There really wasn't much content other than the straight bare bones about making a pen. Since the book was written in 1999 it is basically outdated material. Also there is minimal information on turning acrylic. Pass this by and get a more recent publication.

I now own four books on pen turning and this one has more information than the other three put together. I wish I had bought this one first. Its simply an outstanding introduction to the art of turning a pen on a lathe with lots of information, instruction and ideas.

I bought this book over three years ago when I first started getting into pen turning, and it saved me a lot of frustrating moments, answered a lot of questions I had (and many more I didn't even know enough to ask), and pointed me in the right direction. Now, with several hundred pens completed, I picked it back up to thumb through for the pictures, and realized it taught me even more.

If you are a beginning pen turner, or thinking of giving it a try (and I recommend you do!), then this book should be jsut as important as some of your pen turning tools and supplies. If your budget allows, they also have a video that takes you step-by-step which I also recommend and compliments this book.

This book takes the beginning pen turner step by step through the processes. They offer several alternatives for techniques, jigs, styles and materials. Overall this book is highly recommended.

This is one of the best Pen Turning books a pen turner can have. Rex & Kip are the best in teaching pen turner wannabees.

This book is a treasure chest of instruction & advice. You have to see the common sence that's put into the steps to make a fine pen or pencil..! G-G

Great book for starters. Good info, pictures and tips. Goes well with the DVD by the same authors.