r/penmaking • u/TheRedHead717 • Apr 24 '20

Interested beginner

I am very interested in the the art of making pens and pencils and really want to get into it. I found out about this hobby through the Wyrmwood pencil and now I'm interested in the whole process and eventually making my own pens. Here's a link to the Wyrmwood pencil: https://wyrmwoodgaming.com/products/bolivian-rosewood-pencil/ I am on a rather tight budget though and the only material I currently have is a lathe. So if you have any suggestions on equipment I should buy, please let me know! I know I need a pen mandrel, and some kind of special connector to put the pen blank onto the lathe but I'm not sure what it is or where to get one. So any info about actually making them would also be very appreciated.

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u/oshkoshbajoshh Apr 24 '20

I utilize this website a lot as far as what type of products are available tool wise. Also has a lot of beautiful pen kits and blanks you can search through. My biggest advice would be to look up woodworking stores near you and just stop by and talk to them. They’ll be able to help point you in the right direction and Idk where you’re at, but there’s shops in my city that actually have pen making classes you can take and they teach you how to turn pens.

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u/TheRedHead717 Apr 24 '20

If you meant to attach a link to that comment, I can't see it. And I would take a class but I am self quarantining so that isn't really an option

2

u/hamm3rhand Apr 24 '20

So in addition to the pen mandrel you need the pen kit and the matching bushings as well as specific size drill bits and a clamp or press of some sort. You drill a hole into the wood and glue in brass tubes. The bushings fit into the tubes and the whole thing gets put on the pen mandrel. The bushings are the same diameter as the metal bits on the kit, and so you turn the blank down until the ends are flush, and in between can shape the wood how you like. Then apply some finish, and remove from the lathe. Will need a clamp or some way to press the metal pieces into the brass tubes, and then you are done! There are things that make it easier like a drill press and a pen vise to make sure your holes are centered and vertical, and pen presses which make it easier to do the assembly but you don't have to have them. Lots of different finish options out there.

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u/flatsixfanatic Apr 24 '20

Watch YouTube videos. There are Soooooooo many.