#penmaker

[somethingofwood]

[rsarts]

guys I think I might be addicted to making pens and engraving. I love this one so so much. it's got plant engravings on the side and you twist to reveal the nib c:

[gemsondisplay]

The Elegant Art of Crafting Pens

There is something uniquely satisfying about putting pen to paper. Today, everything has been digitized to the point where interacting with a physical media offers a unique delight to the senses. Therefore, what better way to enhance that experience than by using a pen that you’ve crafted yourself or perhaps purchased from a local artisan? Handmade pens not only serve as functional writing tools but also offer a personal touch and an expression of creativity. So whether you are giving a gift OR just making something small for yourself, pen turning (or lathe turning) is a great hobby to get into. But, where to start? How to get into this at all? Well, let’s look at the practice step-by-step. Or you could check out the following video to assist with your lathing journey.

Materials Needed: Before we dive into the process, let’s gather the materials required for making a pen:

Pen Kit: This typically includes the pen components, such as the pen body, refill, clip, and end cap. These can be found at your local hobby store.

Pen Blank: Let’s dive a little into the term “Blank”. A blank is a block of material (wood, acrylic, epoxy resin, or metal) that will for the main body of the pen. So, select a material that reflects your likes.

Lathe: A machine used to shape and turn the pen blank. This practice is also called “Turning”. This machine is VERY versatile in it’s use, but commonly used for pens, bowls, and candle stick holders (amongst other things)

Sandpaper and Finishing Materials: Various grits of sandpaper for smoothing and polishing the pen, along with a suitable finish, such as wax or varnish. Here’s where a bit of creativity in your medium can flow. You can choose different finishing that produce different effects. I would recommend Googling and planning out your desired end result.

Adhesive: Usually, cyanoacrylate glue (also known as CA glue) is used for securing the pen components. This is VITAL to your project. Don’t skimp and don’t rush the gluing process.

Step-by-Step:

Prepare the Pen Blank: Select the desired material for your pen blank and cut it to the appropriate length. Ensure that it is slightly longer than the pen kit to allow for trimming. Many of these pen kits recommend certain sizes to start with, so make sure you read the instructions provided by your pen kit.

Drill the Blank: Mark the center of the pen blank and use a drill press to create a hole that matches the diameter of the pen kit’s tube. Be cautious and wear appropriate safety gear during this step. Go slowly, take your time measuring your materials. Remember, measure twice, cut once.

Mount the Blank on the Lathe: Secure the drilled blank onto the lathe using a pen mandrel. Make sure it is aligned properly to prevent wobbling during turning.

Shape the Pen: Switch on the lathe and use appropriate turning tools to shape the blank. This will depend on the type of shape you would like your pen to take. Many different textures and shapes can be achieved in this portion of the project. So plan ahead. A sketch of the desired shape wouldn’t hurt. Begin by roughing out the basic design and gradually refine it to your desired shape. Take your time and pay attention to detail, ensuring a smooth and symmetrical finish.

Sanding and Finishing: Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and progress to finer grits, gradually smoothing the pen’s surface. Use a sanding block or lathe-mounted sandpaper for even results. Once satisfied with the smoothness, apply a suitable finish to enhance the pen’s appearance and protect the material.

Assemble the Pen: Following the pen kit’s instructions, carefully insert the pen components into the blank. This typically involves attaching the refill, clip, and end cap using the provided mechanisms. Use CA glue sparingly and avoid getting it on the visible surfaces of the pen.

Final Touches: Check the pen for any rough edges or imperfections. If necessary, use sandpaper or a file to make small adjustments. Clean the pen to remove any dust or debris.

One extra step you could explore is the use of a lovely pen box. This will provide protection, and a finishing touch to your project. We recommend our Gems On Display exclusive pen boxes. Please see the pen box below.

Matte Black Single Pen Boxes, Holds 1 Pen – SKU#: 80B-1

Crafting your own pen is an immensely rewarding experience that allows you to create a functional work of art. Whether you choose to work with wood, acrylic, or other materials, each pen becomes a unique expression of your creativity. With practice and patience, you can refine your pen-making skills and even experiment with different designs and techniques. So, why not embark on this journey and discover the joy of making pens by hand? Let your creativity flow and enjoy the elegant simplicity of writing with a pen that you’ve crafted with your own hands.

[dave0616]

Fountain pen friday..... #fountain #fountainpen #pen #penmaking #red #black #redandblack https://www.instagram.com/p/CpECOz1OkMw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[newtonpens]

2023 DC Pen Show

2023 DC Pen Show I started to film a bit on Friday morning, but as soon as it got a little busy I set the camera down and forgot all about it.  I wanted to say hi to everybody! My table: And the penmakers I met!! Sean Allott – London Pen Co (London, Ontario, Canada) Me and JC the Nib Tailor! And here is a video where I started work on the nib testers he had at his table. Ben – Mayfair…

[tamenuristudio]

Tamenuri Studio - I should make a tamenuri pen from time to time, shouldn’t I? So here it is, ki-tamenuri string wrapped (silk thread as a cap band). Available. No 2A26 . —— Pens I show here are for sale. Contact me through direct message here or email: michal@tamenuri.com if you want it. I add pens on my website (link in bio : http://tamenuri.com/stock ) usually same day as shown here, but please ask to be sure. I accept meny different ways of payment and ship worldwide with DHL Express. —— . #japaneselacquer #urushilacquer #japanart #蒔絵 #漆 #fountainpen #calligraphy #urushi #nakaya #danitrio #namiki #urushifountainpen #japanlacquer #tamenuri #tamenuristudio #vulpen #styloplume #万年筆 #estilográfica⁣ #handmade #penmaking #handwriting #pencollector #penmaker #penshow #penforsale #pensforsale (at Warsaw, Poland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmuUNPSDUYB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thesplintersmith]

Ready-made items by The Splintersmith are now available for purchase at @farmersandmakers in Uptown Greenville, NC! Please stop in and pick up a pen, knife, beard bead, or coffee scoop!⁣ ⁣ I'm trying this out for now with the smallest available space, but I'll upgrade to something larger if it ends up going well, which will mean I can have cutting boards, dice boxes, and maybe even wands and swords!⁣ ⁣ I'm hella excited, y'all! Get hype!⁣ ▪▪▪⁣ ⁣ Thanks for checking out The Splintersmith! Comment with what kind of work you want to see next!⁣ ⁣ If you like this and want to see more stuff like it, click the link in my bio and follow The Splintersmith across all your Social Medias.⁣ ⁣ ▪▪▪⁣ ⁣ #splintersmith #artisan #weapons #wands #whatsits #wood #wooden #woodart #woodcraft #woodcarving #woodcarver #woodwork #woodturning #penmaker #penmaking #makersgonnamake #brickandmortar #realworld #shopping #GreenvilleNC #UptownGreenville (at Farmers and Makers Market) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCMXHB_DlC-/?igshid=1opv8d61rr2um

[whirlwoodworks]

Glow in the dark pen for writing in the dark? #pen #penmaker #penturning #acrylic #resin #casting #lathe #woodworking #smallshop #smallbusiness #garage #tools #maker #makersgonnamake #glowinthedark #luminescence #glow #whirlwoodworks https://www.instagram.com/p/B6cCBGSAWSh/?igshid=k6r5q40j8307

[somethingofwood]

Coolibah burl fountain pen

[woodcraft-delights-blog]

It’s almost Christmas time come check out Www.woodcraftdelights.etsy.com Free shipping still going on #acrylic #woodcraft #handmadepens #woodpens #acrylicpen #penmaker #penturning #penaddict #awesomepens #instants https://www.instagram.com/p/B6TMbk4AKrj/?igshid=fyc83xnrwosa

[themadmaker]

Pleased to show off a pen commissioned by a good friend of mine @odysseyresincraft for her husband also a good friend and my usual DM. This is lightly spalted maple with an @axminstertools dragon kit. The box is cherry with glass/resin lid and yes I’ll put a video out at some point soon! #penmaker #penturning #woodworking #makersofyoutube #makersgonnamake #dragons #herebedragons https://www.instagram.com/p/B23-z92AlNH/?igshid=1wmgxk5dlny8n

[dave0616]

Sapphire paua abalone shell fountain pen. #fountainpen #fountain #pen #penmaking #lathe #lathework #sapphire #paua #abalone #shell https://www.instagram.com/p/Co3P-nvOfK2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[pensunique]

Lab Opal used to enhance this Maple veneer ballpoint. Truly unique. Lab opal from Roy@syntheticopal. #pen #pens #penturner #penturners #penturning #lathework #latheworkers #latheworking #latheworks #handmadepens #pocketpen #pocketpens #custompen #fpaddict #penporn #pencommunity #luxurypen #luxurypens #penmaker #penmakers #penaddict #penaddicts #penaddiction #writinginstruments #writingtools #custompens #edlefüller #füllerliebhaber #synthetischeropal #artificialopal https://www.instagram.com/p/CgkKMV_D2K8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[howlerscreations]

I call it Slimline Saturday, didn't get everything done that I wanted to, but I like what I got done look last picture. #slimline #pen #penturner #penmaker #woodpen #turnedpens (at Amarillo, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWPMG7Yr-ua/?utm_medium=tumblr

[tamenuristudio]

Layered gold leaf urushi. Available with #6 nib of your choice ;) . —— Pens I show here are for sale. Contact me through direct message here or email: michal@tamenuri.com if you want it. I add pens on my website (link in bio : http://tamenuri.com/stock ) usually same day as shown here, but please ask to be sure. I accept meny different ways of payment and ship worldwide with DHL Express. —— . #japaneselacquer #urushilacquer #japanart #蒔絵 #漆 #fountainpen #calligraphy #urushi #nakaya #danitrio #namiki #urushifountainpen #japanlacquer #tamenuri #tamenuristudio #vulpen #styloplume #万年筆 #estilográfica⁣ #handmade #penmaking #handwriting #pencollector #penmaker #penshow #penforsale #pensforsale #goldpen (at Warsaw, Poland) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmr6hlxjMNZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[joycecustomdesignsllc-blog]

Jcd click pen with titanium clip This pen is available now on my website link in my profile #joycecustomdesigns #fountainpen #rollerballpen #penmaking #penmaker #jellpen #nib #edcgear #edcpen #machinedpen #woodpen #carbonfiber #woodworking #metalwork #art #make #madeincolorado #maker #titaniumpen #brasspen #aluminumpen #fountainpen #titanium #tactical #tacticalpen #knives #tools #machining #fabricate #turning (at Evergreen, Colorado)