I've been sawing like crazy. got a job cutting some blow down for a guy with a huge building project. So far I've cut over 7000bdf log scale for the guy. Biggest log so far was only 22" but he built me a roll on deck from two smaller logs and feeds the deck with his tractor. Takes almost as long to line up the logs as it does to cut them. I bid the job too cheap considering the number of logs around 12".
And just for you Scot I bought a pen lathe. It came with tools, a pen mandrel, and 7mm drill bit and about 20 pen/pencil kits. It's an older (no longer sold) 8" Craftsman that cost $140 about 10 years ago. Got the original shipping receipt. Five of the slim line pen kits are still sold on line for $5.99 each. I paid $50 for the whole set up.
The guy I bought it from has moved on and now makes "native" flutes the he can get up to $400 a copy for. God it's a strange world in what people will pay for something.
I've turned three thing-a-ma-bobs for my daughter as handles for crochet hooks. Trying to find the right form and fit for her hand. Seems carpel tunnel is a real problem for crocheters. Turning is a real kick. Haven't tried a pen yet. The directions I have are real scant. Do you round the "corners" on a saw before you put a blank on the lathe?
This AM I help the neighbor wood carver load a 18' totem pole for delivery that he carved for a customer. His "commission" was in the $10,000 range. Not a bad price for one medium size western red cedar log. Lots of work and travel involved though.