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.

The woodshop is my sanctuary, of all the hobbies I have, building furniture really soothes my soul.  After a crazy week at work, to head to the shop and hear the roar of the tools or spend the time hand planning a board is heaven.  The smell of the wood as I cut and sand enhances the experience, the different aromas between tiger maple, African mahogany and cherry is like walking through the kitchen when someone is roasting garlic, pickling green beans and baking an apple tart. The time it takes to fit joints together with precision is peaceful.  I haven’t spent that much time in the shop lately because work has been out of control busy.  Today no blackberry, no interruptions, a cup of coffee and my faithful shop assistant Mr. Peabody.  We have a simple project ahead of us; we need to build two shelves for my upcoming trip to Aspen, Colorado for the Aspen Food & Wine Festival which I will be serving our food on these at the Sam Adams booth next Saturday, stop by and say hellow if your in Aspen!