How to Make a Celtic Knot Pen Blank - Woodworking Wisdom

Join Ben as he takes you step by step through the preparation of this decorative Celtic Knot pen blank. Before turning, he will mark out, cut and glue this simple, but effective, patterned pen.
#woodturning #celticknot #projectideas
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[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

I've seen the pen kits on the website but have never seen one being made. What a fantastic method! That Celtic Knot pattern could be used for all sorts of things; thanks for the video.

[@ZeroOneInfinity]

I made my first celtic knot pens today, a fountain pen and rollerball and they turned out great using Amazique blanks and Maple veneer. I cut the slots at 45° so that when you look at one of the loops of the knot straight on they appear circular. I'm really pleased with how they turned out. Woodturning has become my medicine for over coming the depression and anxiety I suffer at times being diagnosed bipolar. Thank you for this awesome video!

[@axminster]

I am glad you have enjoyed this project, thanks for sharing

[@norm5785]

Lolks great, wonderful project. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@axminster]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching

[@alsaffarstudios]

Amazingly beautiful pen turning, great useful detailed instructions. The best as always and thanks for spreading wood working knowledge. 🙏🏼

[@axminster]

Thank you very much! We always appreciate reading lovely comments from our viewers.

[@michaelogden5958]

Looks like a great project for a rainy day! Thanks for sharing!

[@alanhill769]

Very nice. I have saved your video so I can refer to it later. So far I have only made 2 slimline pens. I plan to make many more. They will make lovely gifts for friends and family.

[@axminster]

Hi there, glad to hear you found our video useful. And yes they'd make great gifts. Thanks for sharing.

[@dawnrowan7351]

Greetings from Western Canada. Thank you for the lesson. Always wondered how the celtic knot was done and now I know and can try it. My Dad may get the first one, but first I have to get my other projects finished. I only have three on the go.

[@axminster]

Hi Dawn, you can never have too many projects on the go! Good luck with the pen blank. Hope it turns out well.

[@lorrainebayford177]

Fantastic demo today Ben. 👏👏👏

[@wardwilson3216]

very nice, Ben. Thanks for the premiere.

[@Mckmake]

Ben a very useful video a nice finished job too

[@AlienLeader4]

Wow this one looks to be interesting. Can not wait. I have been wanting to make these for some time now.

[@sixgunlover274]

Brilliant. Thanks for this guys!

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video thank you

[@jackleather2812]

Thank you so very much for such a delightful video . I am looking for a laminate that is aluminum/acrylic (a variety of colors) /aluminum (3 layers) that totals 3/64-1/16 thick. That would fit the bandsaw cut in my pen blank and give a Celtic Knot that is not really thick. The different colors is so that I can have contrasting colors in the variety of woods i.e. Walnut, Maple, Cherry and Ebony.

[@markduggan3451]

Very nice.

[@josephharwood1370]

A long way around but never mind, A s long as you get the job done.

[@ZeroOneInfinity]

What's the easier way to achieve this if you don't mind me asking? I've just made my first few Celtic knot pens and followed basically this method, however I used a band saw with a 45° jig which sped up cutting time. Most of the time lost is waiting for epoxy to cure I found.

[@MelkeinMaalla]

Is there a reason why not to split the blank into two? I don't have a scroll saw. Obviously glueing would be easier, but clamping more difficult as the parts might move along the diagonal. Thanks for a great lesson. it amazes that the blank is so simple yet the celtic knot looks so complex!

[@axminster]

Hi there, Yes, it's so the parts don't slip when clamping. You could reduce the angle which will allow you to clamp across the width and the length. This will give you a tighter knot but the same effect. It's important to clamp when gluing to expel any air bubbles as the pen blanks get turned down very thin. Hope that helps!

[@chrissharpe566]

I notice the numbered sides did not appear after the second cut was glued up, any reason they are numbered? Or just go to the opposite side for the next cut? I have used my band saw on my first few but I like the idea of scroll sawing, going to your technique a try, many thanks

[@axminster]

Hi there, a step by step guide to this project can be found here for more information www.axminstertools.com/ideas-advice/make-a-celtic-knot-pen-blank/

[@davidharding5971]

I missed what the name of the pen kit was. Enjoyed the demo.

[@axminster]

Hi David, Ben used the Venetian Twist pen kit - bit.ly/3lm2MUb this is available in gold, chrome or platinum

[@pjenslin1]

Thnks for this tutorial. Going to try this. Does the veneer have to be wood?

[@axminster]

Hi PhilipJ, not at all, you can use different materials. There are some great videos on KZbin where people use aluminium drink cans for a metallic look. Always worth checking the label on the adhesive to see if the glue will work for both types of material you are trying to glue together. Hope that helps.

[@peterhkoller]

Great, do you only use the Friction Polish to finish the pen blank?

[@ZeroOneInfinity]

Friction polish gives a great finish though it can be quite tricky to apply to a high standard, i often find lines left by any texture in the cloth used to apply it. However these can be cleaned up by applying a little Yorkshire grit microfine once it has cured, you may need to repeat both the friction polish and Yorkshire grit a couple of times for a high gloss finish. Finally a coat of Carnauba wax gently buffed will add an extra layer of protection to the gloss due to pens being expected to endure heavy wear.

[@axminster]

Not at all, you can use many different finishes such as acrylic or melamine.

[@brucerussen7271]

What was the size of the initial blank you started with, please?

[@axminster]

Hi Bruce, please read our blog for full info on this demo - www.axminstertools.com/ideas-advice/make-a-celtic-knot-pen-blank/

[@chrissharpe566]

I notice the numbered sides did not appear after the second cut was glued up, any reason they are numbered? Or just go to the opposite side for the next cut? I have used my band saw on my first few but I like the idea of scroll sawing, going to your technique a try, many thanks