Is a Pen Press worth having?

[christopheralan]

Hey guys. Is buying or making a pen press worth the money or time to make? I have been using my vise so far, but I am thinking about getting or making one.

What do you say guys? Are they worth it?

thanks!

 

[zapdafish]

I considered a pen press till someone mentioned they use a vice clamp of some sort. When i was ready to press a pen I realized I didn't have one that would work so I just put on some heavy leather gloves and pressed them together . But, I have only done a few pens, if you do alot, that might be another story.

 

[FredP]

I gave mine [home grown] away. I now use my bench vise. you can use a quick-grip clamp or a dowel in the drill press works as well. I also use my arbor press if I am making more than a few at a time. I wouldn't spend a great deal of money for a pen press.:nah:

 

[boxxmaker]

I just started making pens a while back and LOML had already bought me one along with a bunch of other goodies,and I really like it.

 

[cmccarter]

I had a home made one but am now using just a squeeze clamp

 

[sawduster]

I have a little thinger I made for my drill press, basically a dowel for the press and a base with rubber and different sized dowels for holding the pens pieces straight ....works perfectly :icon_thum

 

[Glennbear]

IIRC ScottM made his own press, hopefully he will chime in. :wsmile:

 

[jcz]

I use a scrap piece of wood for the bottom of the pen to be pressed against and a bolt clamped down in my drill press. I sanded the bolt head smooth then it goes in the drill press just like a drill bit and press the pen together. Works like a charm.

 

[Mark Stewart]

I like the press I have cause its quick and easy. It goes back on the shael when Im done with it. but I guess the drill press thingy would work too.

Thanks MArk

 

[lottathought]

I have always used Bessy clamp.
Works great.

 

[RandyJ]

I shamelessly stole my idea from Gator! It is a nut cracker.

I think I paid $12 for it. Cut in half and remount at appropriate distance apart. I fashioned a couple of pieces of plastic for the cups to protect the finish on the nib/cap. Adjustable to accommodate different pen lengths. Works like a champ. Thanks Gator!

 

[navy1990]

I tried the drill press route for a while before getting a pen press. I like the pen press better, personally. But to each his own.

 

[zapdafish]

I like the nutcracker one

Found it at Northern tool, its up to 13 now.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200442219_200442219&issearch=304451

 

[Gotcha6]

I use the drill press. A piece of hardwood glued to the bolt head protects the pen trim. If I upgraded it would be to the nut cracker concept. It would enable me to set the transmissions to a consistent depth without a lot of trial & error.

 

[aplpickr]

I own a pen press. I like to put my pens together at the dining room table in good light and a clean, shaving-free floor. This also allows work after I have come in for the evening. I find certain kits to be a little intimidating, a little relaxation helps. If I drop something, I can find it. I can lay everything out with the instructions.

I use several 3/4" spacers, a 1/4", and a few thin others to speed up the process. My press does not have an adjustment set knob. The spacers go between the backside of the plastic pusher and the frame.

 

[TBone]

I have always used Bessy clamp.
Works great.

+1 I think it gives me better control than a press. A lot of people use a cheap arbor press from Enco.

 

[CaptnA]

Is a pen press worth having? For me, yes.
I didn't know better when I started making pens so I bought one.
I've also now used the drill press, clamps, bench vise, and a handmade press to do the job and they all did work. That said, I'll keep using my pen press. Should mine mysteriously fall apart or grow legs, I'll replace it.

 

[BKind2Anmls]

I used a press for a while but when the handle broke, I went back to using clamps and am very happy with them. I won't be buying another press.

 

[ScottM]

IIRC ScottM made his own press, hopefully he will chime in. :wsmile:

Yes I made one which worked out well for me.