Putting pen to paper can be very difficult. But making a pen from scratch is pretty straightforward. Have you ever wondered about those beautiful, handmade pens you see offered for sale at art shows and galleries? All it takes is few small pieces of wood or acrylic, a suitable pen kit, the right tools and about an hour. Presto, you have a pen! The process of creating a pen may be easy to describe, but turning really excellent pens is another matter. It requires skill, practice and above all, artistry.
Using a hand-turned pen is a uniquely satisfying experience. It’s like driving a finely tuned race car; it strokes your ego and fires your imagination. As author Dale Dauten said; “It’s called a pen. It’s like a printer, hooked straight to my brain.” Using a fine writing instrument for your musings can have a very positive effect on you and on your writing.
If you’ve never tried pen turning, the process of turning a piece of wood into an elegant pen probably seems like magic. Here’s a peek behind the curtain- these are the steps you would follow to make a pen:
Step 1 – Prepare a blank. Whether using wood, acrylic, corian, deer antlers, or other exotic materials, you first cut a couple of pieces sized to match the pen kit and square up the ends. After marking the center on the end of each blank, drill through the blanks using a bit that matches the brass tubes included in the pen kit. Then using CA glue or epoxy, glue the tubes into the blanks.
Step 2 – Turn the blanks – When the glue has dried, assemble the blanks on a pen mandrel and mount it on a lathe. Next, put on your safety equipment and get ready to turn! This is the part where your creativity takes over and you shape the pen’s profile. Use lathe tools to carefully remove stock until your pen is revealed. Then sand it smooth and apply your finish.
Step 3 – Assemble the pen. Using a pen press, drill press or a clamp, carefully press the pen parts together per the kit’s instructions. Then step back, admire your handiwork and start writing.
Of course, this is a very simplified description. It implies that you have all the tools you need for these operations and know how to use them. If you have never turned, you may want to take a class or work with an experienced pen turner the first time you try it. Turning is easy and fun, but there some techniques you’ll need to know to do it safely.
Even if you never turn a pen yourself, appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that goes into creating this kind of functional art. According to Marty Feldman; “The pen is mightier than the sword, and considerably easier to write with.” In today’s digital world, there is still a place for the handwritten word. Choose a personal writing instrument worthy of your words.
