Introduction to Pen Turning
Turn a simple block of wood in a beautiful, functional, and unique work of art - your own handcrafted pen.
Get hands-on experience using a wood lathe and carbide turning tools to create a slimline ballpoint pen. Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of pen design, tool use, and finishing techniques and walk away with a polished, custom pen that’s ready to write.
Pens come in all shapes and styles — twist, click, fountain, dip, and more — and this class is your gateway to that creative world. What you’ll learn:
- Measuring and cutting your pen blank.
- Using a centering jig to drill the blank.
- Mounting your blank and setting up the lathe.
- Shaping your pen with carbide turning tools.
- Sanding and applying a durable wax finish (your choice of satin or glossy).
- Assembling your finished pen — and maybe even giving it a test write.
Details
Skill level: Beginner. No woodturning experience necessary.
Instructor
Mike’s pen-turning journey began in 2007, after inheriting his father’s woodworking tools, and a few pen kits. What started as a tribute became a passion. Since taking his first class, Mike has turned everything from wood and acrylic to bronze and ebonite. He has designed and 3D printed his own custom jigs for more accurate cuts and for building segmented pens. Now exploring the world of dip pens and handmade inks, he is creating his own ink from natural materials like walnuts, blueberries, and goldenrod in the Fabric Art Studio’s dye lab, as well as making custom nib organizers in the Print & Book Arts Studio. Mike has lived and traveled all over the world, most recently Scotland and Sweden before moving to Poulsbo and discovering BARN.
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