We use pens every day and generally take them for granted. After all, pens have been around for centuries. Early pens were feathers dipped into bottles of ink. (Pen comes from the Latin ‘penna’ for feather.) Quills were elegant when used at a desk, but pretty messy to carry around in your pocket. In 1884 Lewis Waterman patented the fountain pen, the first practical pen that carried its own supply of ink. Unfortunately, early fountain pen models were plagued by ink spills, so still messy. The ballpoint pen was invented in 1938 by two Hungarian inventors, Laszlo and George Biro. The variety of pens produced since is endless.
Once in a while, you come across a pen that grabs your attention; perhaps because of its size or comfortable feel or unusual materials. Did you know you could indulge your tastes and make your own custom pen? In recent years high-quality pen hardware kits have been introduced that make it possible for individual craftsman to produce beautiful pens. You choose the materials and shape the pen to suit you.
The choices are endless; there are pen kits for every shape and style imaginable from slimlines to cigar pens, even pens made from bullet cartridges. Then there are the materials used to form the body of the pen. You can use everything from found scraps to exotic hardwoods and burls. And not only wood; acrylic, Corian, laminates, composites, polymers, even metals can be used.
So what does it take to make a pen? First you’ll need a pen kit and a blank, which can be anything from free wood scraps to expensive exotic materials. A typical pen has $5.00 to $10.00 in materials in it including glue, sandpaper, finish, etc.
It does require some equipment to get started. You will need a lathe and turning tools, a pen turning mandrel with the appropriate bushings, a drill press and a saw. And don’t forget safety gear – good personal protection includes a face shield, respirator, and hearing protection. You can get started for under $500.00 and then expand your tools after you get into it.
Now you may be thinking that’s an awfully big investment just to make a pen. But there are so many reasons to make pens: Christmas, birthdays, graduations, client appreciation, anniversaries, thank you gifts, job promotions, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the list goes on and on. People value custom made pens far beyond the cost of the materials because they are unique and because you made them.
Not sure if you’ll like pen turning? Before you dive in, take a class. You can get expert instruction and hands-on practice that will have you comfortable making pens on your own. And the best part is that you make your first pen right there in class!
You can’t beat the warmth and good looks of a custom made pen, not to mention the satisfaction of holding a work of art you made with your own hands.
