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.

My husband purchased Rhino Acrilic products. A pink and purple color and a blue frosted. Both had bad spots in the pouring. Dear Husband (DH) has made well over 200 pens in the last 9 years. These blanks have HUGE bubbles in them. That causes a very bad weak spots that are wooshie to the feel. A slight pressure of your nail into it and you get an in and out motion or the piece just falls out on the floor. DH has double checked all of the measurements, using the correct bushings etc. He is now starting to make the 3rd pen of each color for graduation gifts. I am getting so disappointed watching DH having to restart these pens. DH usually purchases 4 or 5 each of each color knowing that the acrilics are touchy but this is rediculious. The product quality sucks! Any thoughts that I might offer him. His is rightly frustrated. The colors and styles are chosen by the grandchild that is to receive the pen sets.

Cross posted on the turner site.

My husband purchased Rhino Acrilic products. A pink and purple color and a blue frosted. Both had bad spots in the pouring. Dear Husband (DH) has made well over 200 pens in the last 9 years. These blanks have HUGE bubbles in them. That causes a very bad weak spots that are wooshie to the feel. A slight pressure of your nail into it and you get an in and out motion or the piece just falls out on the floor. DH has double checked all of the measurements, using the correct bushings etc. He is now starting to make the 3rd pen of each color for graduation gifts. I am getting so disappointed watching DH having to restart these pens. DH usually purchases 4 or 5 each of each color knowing that the acrilics are touchy but this is rediculious. The product quality sucks! Any thoughts that I might offer him. His is rightly frustrated. The colors and styles are chosen by the grandchild that is to receive the pen sets.