Hand crafted Pen and Pencil Set

[KevinG]

So my boss comes up and says - I remember a few years ago you made some pens and pencils for everyone for Christmas. Here's a bucket of wood I got from my property, some White Oak that I had made into tables, but took apart parts of it to make some changes.


Not sure if that was a hint that he wanted another pen and pencil set or not, so I figured I'd better oblige. So I took the wood and made him a pair.


I think FreePas is rubbing off.  ;D

[classicrockgriller]

That is nice!

Very nice! I am inpressed.

[KevinG]

Thanks, that wood was tough to work with, it kept splitting on me. I could've made about 6 pens from the wasted stock. I think next time I'll do some wood filling with epoxy to help hold it together better. At least I still have a whole bucket to play with.

[classicrockgriller]

How long did it take to make that set?

[KevinG]

Should've taken about 1/2 hour, but turned out to be an all day project. I didn't have the pen/pencil inserts, glue, sandpaper, and polish. Then the wood didn't want to play, kept splitting on me.

[Quarlow]

Very nice Kevin. One day I will get around to make some sets also.

[bears fan]

Wow, well done!  Some day I want to be able to do that.

[KevinG]

Thanks guys, it's really not that hard. Just a big outlay of cash for the toys.

[Quarlow]

Yeah I got a lathe already. Not an expensive one but it's a Delta. Got it with a motor and tools for $50. off craigslist.

[KevinG]

Can't beat that. Wish they had Craigslist when I bought mine.

[Quarlow]

Do you have a mini lathe. Mine is a full size with no bells or whistles, but you can still use it for pens.

[KevinG]

I've got two, a mini and a full size. The mini is really cool, it's a Sherline and can also do metals. I made a really cool steam engine with it.

[Gizmo]

Then the wood didn't want to play, kept splitting on me.

Kevin,
What kind of glue are you using?  If you are using CA glue, it is to hard.  Try using gorilla glue.  Moisture activates it so you will need a little watter.  This is a softer glue and will fill the cracks inside and help prevent splitting.

When turning the pens, prior to getting to the finished size, you can use a piece of sheet batting (like inside quilts, fiber type not cotton), put blue painters tape on one side, and then apply CA glue to the fiber.  Coat the pen with the CA glue by hand turning the lath around to coat entire surface.  Then finish turning to the proper sized.  You may need to repeat as necessary to get the final size.  For the CA glue, use the medium viscosity type, not the thin or thick.
The last coating or two you will sand off.  

Oak is very porous so it is not a real good choice for turning small items.  Bowls are a better choice as they are bigger but I realize you are limited to what you were given.


If you need additional information on turning, PM me and I can get you in touch with my brother.  He is a woodworking master and has offered to help you out with any techniques or questions you may have.  He provided the information above as I have seen him use this technique before.  He mentioned how soft deer antlers are and that you use almost a whole bottle glue.  He laughed and said you almost end up with nothing but CA in the final product but the results are stunning.

[classicrockgriller]

I've got two, a mini and a full size. The mini is really cool, it's a Sherline and can also do metals. I made a really cool steam engine with it.

Post a picture of that bad boy! Would love to see.

The only things I can make with my hands are a mess! ;D

[Habanero Smoker]

Very nice work.