Turning a Pen

As a woodworker sometimes I need a fix but dont have the time to work on a large project, thats when turning pens and other small objects are the perfect solution.  To start you will need a lathe, small chisels, pen parts, a drill press and of course the pen blank which can be made from any wood or corian product you like.  Above you will see the pen blank and the 2 sets of pen parts, one together and one in pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My set of small chisels used for turning small pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step one is to cut the blank to length, next place it into a jig that will hold it flush.  Drill all the way through the blank using the proper size, each pen kit has a unique drill bit size.

 

 Next using a quick set epoxy or superglue, glue the brass tube into the blank.  it should be flush to the end of the blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now the pen blank is installed onto a mandrel and set inside the lathe.  Pen kits have bushings that hold the pen blank and serve as a guide to how much material to remove during turning. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to turn to the proper diameter, once you are close sand with 400-600 grit sandpaper and a polishing compound to bring the pen to life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remove the pen from the lather and put it together!  Write all you want, it;s a great feeling to write with something you have crafted yourself.

Apr 21, 2010 | Categories: Blades & Bits | Tags: Chisels, Corian, Pen, Pen Blanks, Pen Kits, Turning | Leave A Comment »