Although the craft of turning wood pens has been around for several decades, it recently has experienced somewhat of a revival. This is perhaps primarily due to the increased choices within the category of smaller mini-lathe power tools.
Another reason for the popularity of turning pens is the low start up investment in tools. Not only is the investment low, the tools used have a very long life span and could even be passed down to the next generation.
Listed below are the items to consider investing in to start pen turning:
o Lathe: This one should be obvious and you will find several options to choose from. The price for a new lathe will range between $100 to about $500 (all prices shown are March '08), depending on brand and features. I suggest you reading more about lathes in my ezine article reviewing the Jet Mini-lathe. In the article, I explain the process of how I chose my lathe.
o Turning Tools: I think you will need at least a gouge, parting tool, and scraper. Others may have a different list. One set of turning tools often recommended for stating out is the Harbor Freight lathe tool set that sell for less than $40. You can buy much better if you like, but this set will be more than adequate.
o Pen Mandrel: Think of the pen mandrel as a metal bar that fits between the "centers" of the lathe. The pen mandrel holds the wood blanks so you can turn them. There are several types available. I suggest you start with a collet closure mandrel, they offer a lot of flexibility when turning different lengths of blanks. You will spend about $20 or less for a good mandrel.
o Bushings: The bushings are used as a guide when turning your blanks to size for the specific pen kit you are building. You will want to buy the bushings sized for the pen you are turning. Be aware that pen kits and bushing from different manufactures may not be interchangeable. Later, when you develop more skill, you can use dial calipers to turn to size and you may choose not to use bushings at all.
o Drill Bit(s): Each style of pen will use a specific size drill bit to drill the hole for the brass tube. The most common is a 7mm used in the Slimline style. You can buy the drill bits individually or in a set. A set that many people use is a set of number, letter, and fractional drill bits from Harbor Freight. With a conversion chart, you will be able to find almost any size bit needed in this set. They often are found on sale at Harbor Freight for less than $40.
o Drill press or hand drill: Not much to say here, you are going to need something to turn the drill bits you bought. I've used a small bench drill press (less than $50) before and it worked fine. A hand drill will do, you just have to have a steady hand!
o Saw: Either a table, band, or a miter saw will work. The table saw and band saw are especially useful if you choose to cut you own pen blanks. Plan on spending a few bucks here, you and your budget will be the guide on this one. For more information on cutting your own pen blanks, see my ezine article on the subject.
o Clamps or bench vise: You will need something to press or squeeze the pen kit together. I've also used the bench drill press for this step.
o Pen Mill: This is a specialized tool, used to square your blanks after drilling and gluing in your tubes. You most likely will purchase the pen mill from the same place you ordered your kits. It will run about $20. Be aware there are several sizes of pilots available for the different pen kits or consider a complete kit with cutters and pilot shafts of different sizes. Usually the complete kit will be less expensive that buying the individual pilot shafts.
o Miscellaneous items: From here, we could go on and on. For starters you will need pen kits, pen blanks, CA (super) glue, and various grits of sandpaper. Likely, you will find you need other small items as you go, but these won't usually cost a lot of money.
For many of the larger more expensive items check eBay or Craig's List. Often you will find tools listed for sale at good prices on those web sites.
With this list, you will be well on your way to an exciting and enjoyable hobby that will last a lifetime. In addition, don't forget that with these tools not only will you be turning pens, but also bowls and other craft items. Indeed, it could even turn into additional part time income.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get started.
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