I got back to turning some pens recently. I’ve a hard time just sticking to one type of woodworking and am always wanting to try something new (see my Instagram and my projects). In the last couple months, I took a break from turning and took a shot at hand tools, carving, and making a coffee/train table for my son. A couple friends asked me to turn some pens for them and I was reminded why I enjoyed pen turning… it is a relatively quick project that can produce some beautiful results.

I turned some fountain pen nib holders from Cocobolo, Bolivian Rosewood, and Macadamian wood from a branch from my friend’s tree. I turned a Zebrawood pen (Jr Gent). I cast some wood and resin pen blanks (Silky Oak found while hiking) and made a Sierra twist pen. My favorite pen out of all of them also took the longest. I cast some Cherry burl in resin and then segmented it with Styrene and stabilized blue Maple burl and turned it to go on a Magnetic Crooked Mill rollerball pen kit.

I sold or gave away all of these pens and now I want to make some more so I can actually keep and use one.

In case anyone is curious… I use a Delta Midi Lathe, turn between centers, using HSS tools. I finished the pens with CA and wet sanded with micromesh. I cast the wood/resin blanks with Alumilite Amazing Clearcast (epoxy resin), Alumilite dye, Jacqaurd Pearl Ex powder. I did not use a vacuum or pressure pot. I used silicone ice molds (webake) purchased from Amazon. Let me know if you have any questions.

IAP, International Association of Penturners and the Pen Turning Group on FB were really helpful in getting me started and helping me to continue and learn

-- Steven, California, https://www.instagram.com/acts65_woodworks/