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Quality kits

crazylegs

Apprentice Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2017
Posts
39
Location
Wilshire
First Name
Kevin
Hi I am new to pen turning and have bought a few kits. I have found the Penn state one to be good quality but get stung with customs charges. Are there any UK or European suppliers that are as good?
?
 

AllenN

Fellow
Joined
May 20, 2013
Posts
2,242
Location
Lancaster, UK
First Name
Allen
Welcome Kevin. I second what Keith has said, if you go to Phil at Beaufort Ink and Dan at Taylors Mirfield you will not go far wrong. There are others referred to on this forum as well including those who distribute PSI.
Have fun.
 

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,455
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
Hi Kevin - welcome to the forum

I run Beaufort Ink - if I can be of any help, or you'd like to know anything, just get in touch. (Thanks for the recommendations gents).
 

Bammer

Fellow
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Posts
1,482
Location
Cambridge
First Name
Brad
Axminster Tools sell a lot of PSI kits
PenKits and Bitz
Penkits UK
Beaufort Ink
Taylors Mirfield

There are a few

Google should be able to help :tongue:
 

silver

General dogsbody
Executive Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2013
Posts
6,301
Location
Somewhere in Staffordshire,
First Name
Eamonn.
Welcome on board

Hi I am new to pen turning and have bought a few kits. I have found the Penn state one to be good quality but get stung with customs charges. Are there any UK or European suppliers that are as good?
?

Looks like you have s few ideas already sorted.

However. The word "quality" means so many thing to so few a people. Quality doesn't always follow high price means good quality either.

But in reality, it doesn't matter if you are importing from the states or another big uk supplier imports them the same costs apply to them. The only difference is that they get a discount which is greater than you can get and then they can offer a better price.

So being "stung" with import taxes and fees applies to everyone. Just buy in larger quantities to resolve that problem.

If you see a price that is $5 per kit, usually it will cost £5 per kit landed cost if you buy in big enough quantities.

However, there are allot of good UK suppliers that you have been directed too so the only need to go outside is when you want something different than they can offer.
 

crazylegs

Apprentice Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2017
Posts
39
Location
Wilshire
First Name
Kevin
Thanks, I am not at a stage of needing to buy lots so the extra cost of the import duty/vat is a factor. I have bought from some uk suppliers and have found they do not have the solid feel I am after. I guess it's trial and error to find suppliers you like. I agree price does not always equate to quality. Maybe I just need to find a supplier I like. I have ordered some more today so will wait and see. Trouble is I think I am now hooked. It a bit of a child in a sweet shop at the moment.
 

Unique

Registered
Joined
May 7, 2017
Posts
251
Location
Kent
First Name
Tony
Welcome to the forum - as you will already have gathered, there is a huge pool of knowledge and experience amongst the folks here and they are always willing to offer advice.

Tony
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Kevin buying from or in the UK is very different from where I live for example I received a shipment from the USA yesterday that enabled me to halve the cost from the UK for the same kits. Our Customs are relaxed compared with yours, by law I can import up to 1000 AU value Duty Free.

Peter.
 

crazylegs

Apprentice Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2017
Posts
39
Location
Wilshire
First Name
Kevin
Got my order today from beaufort inks and am impressed with them so far. Thanks for the drills Phil. I did try and order them so a welcome surprise.
 

Pastor of Muppets

Full Member
Joined
Dec 5, 2017
Posts
279
Location
Oxford (ish)
First Name
Andy
Kevin buying from or in the UK is very different from where I live for example I received a shipment from the USA yesterday that enabled me to halve the cost from the UK for the same kits. Our Customs are relaxed compared with yours, by law I can import up to 1000 AU value Duty Free.

Peter.

Australian customs relaxed??
last time I landed there I had hand luggage only and was asked if I'd brought any bee's or bee keeping equipment..... "err let me just look in my small holdall"
 
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