To prepare the blanks, cut the wood blank to the required length. Drill a hole through the center of each blank to accommodate the pen tubes. We recommend using a drill press or a drill chuck on the lathe for this. Next, scuff the brass tubes with sandpaper to improve adhesion. Glue the scuffed tubes into the drilled blanks. Once the glue is dry, use a barrel trimmer to square the ends of the blanks.

Turning:

Mount your pen blank and bushings on the pen mandrel in the lathe, and tighten the tailstock. At a moderate speed suitable for the wood or material you're working with, begin shaping the pen blank with your preferred turning tools. A gouge or skew should do the trick. Be sure to take light cuts to avoid chipping the wood. Pay close attention to the bushings, as they indicate the finished diameter of your pen.

Once you’ve achieved your desired pen shape, you can sand and finish the pen on the lathe. Sand the turned blanks, starting with a coarse grit and progressing to finer grits. This step is crucial for a smooth finish! Next, apply a finish of your choice, such as friction polish or lacquer. Buff the finish to a high shine, and apply wax for a final protective layer.

Assembling the Pen:

Press the pen components into the turned barrels. You can use a pen press or vise for precise assembly. Assemble the pen hardware according to the pen kit instructions.

Important Considerations:

• Safety: Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a lathe.
• Tool Control: Practice proper tool control to achieve smooth cuts and prevent accidents.
• Patience: Pen turning requires patience and attention to detail.
• Resources: Online video resources are a great way to visually learn how to perform each step. We will soon have our own pen turning tutorial video up on our YouTube channel, keep an eye open for it!