| Making pens from wood or acrylics can be a great | | | | will give you at least a 6" travel in the drilling motion. |
| pastime for someone who wants to make a unique | | | | Next will be some type of electric saw. I use a band |
| gift. What better way to say thank you than to | | | | saw I obtained new at a local home improvement |
| actually make a fine quality, hand crafted writing | | | | center for under $100.00. Next you will need a pen |
| implement for a family member or close friend. | | | | press to be able to press the pen components |
| In order to do this you will need several thing to get | | | | together. Once you have these basics you can begin |
| started. First is a wood lathe. Before you buy, why | | | | making your pens. Parts for pen mechanisms can be |
| not consider shopping a few yard and estate sales to | | | | found by looking under pen turning or pen blanks. |
| see if you can find a used one. Normally one can be | | | | Some suppliers offer a beginners kit that is |
| picked up for around $50.00 as opposed to buying | | | | acceptable with everything you need for around |
| one new that begins in price at around $200.00. Next | | | | $375.00 - $499.00. That would be your choice. |
| you will need a minimum of three lathe chisels. The | | | | Just remember that when beginning you exploration |
| first being a skew, the second a gouge and third a | | | | of pen turning you must use a very light touch with |
| parting tool. Next will be a drill press. Again, check | | | | your gouge and skew.....You will get better with |
| your local area for yard and estate sales. (Another | | | | practice. Also, patience will get you a long way with |
| option for obtaining locations of estate sales is to | | | | the woods. Double your patience for turning acrylics. |
| check with the tool counter of your local hardware | | | | Thought for the day... |
| or home improvement center-leave your name and | | | | "Everyone needs one GREAT PEN during their |
| contact information) | | | | lifetime.! |
| For the drill press I recommend a 17inch press that | | | | |