How To Make Denim Pen Blank

[@malcolmmarks7374]

I’ve been watching your videos for a short time Bob and previously not been interested in turning at all. But I’m now converted. Going to get me a lathe and whatever I need to get me started in pen turning. You are an inspiration my friend and also the reason my bank balance is going to take a massive hit. Must go now as I’ve got more of your videos to watch. 👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Malcolm, I’m happy that I was able to introduce you to a new hobby. Sorry about that bank account. Regards, Bob

[@robertevans6481]

That came out way better then I was thinking it would. Looks great like the contrast in the the wood and denim ...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Robert Evans Thank you Robert, You can even see the pattern in the denim, it looks amazing. Regards, Bob

[@cigarsmoka9741]

Clever idea, and it turned out far better than I would have expected. Nice work once again Bob.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Cigar Smoka Thank you, It turned out better than I expected too. Regards, Bob

[@ericmilligan3]

What a great idea Bob, it looks really cool, as you say " blue you away" pun intended.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Eric Milligan Thank you Eric, I just sold it. Regards, Bob

[@johnshaw7107]

Another great idea... the fun never ends...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Shaw Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@smeefamily54]

As your wife says " no wait I gave you the wrong pants !". Little one at school with one pant leg shorter. Very nice turning. I am going to try the pop can insert today and then some cloth next. Thanks for the ideas. take care and stay safe.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Please switch from C/A to Epoxy. It takes longer to cure but will hold together better, especially for the pop can. Regards, Bob

[@smeefamily54]

@@RJBWoodTurner Bob: Tried the pop can on a small key fob. Came out really nice. I finished with teal oil, to bring out the grain on mixed wood, and then used bees wax for the buffed finish. Looks good. Thanks again for all the info.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That sounds amazing! I’ll bet it looks incredible

[@rgoodleaf]

Cool idea Bob, the pen came out looking great! Cheers, Rich

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+rgoodleaf Thank you Rich. Regards, Bob

[@opasworkshop8373]

heck of a build Bob especially for just an idea. it turned out great. that has 2 b in the top 5 best pens you've made bravo

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Opa's Workshop Thank you, I'm very happy with it. Regards, Bob

[@dkongul]

Give this man a cookie. Great pen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+sanka Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@barbmulle9863]

Bob that was a great idea! We will be trying one as soon as we get the scroll saw fixed. My daughter cast a blank with Michigan cherry coffee beans the other night, and even though it was midnight when we were making it, the urge to go brew a cup was overwhelming LOL.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Barb Mulle LOL, I know what you mean, I love the smell of fresh brewed coffee. Regards, Bob

[@johnbittner8964]

That is an awesome pen and one heck of an idea Bob!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Bittner Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@blackemmons]

I think that is one of your best Bob. Cool. Really like it. JimE

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+blackemmons Thank you Jim. Regards, Bob

[@kenzpenz]

I have turned hundreds of pens, but this is a first for me. Great idea and great looking pen....Ken Kenzpenz

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Kenneth Bartlett Thank you Ken. Regards, Bob

[@mikeyow4206]

I was inspired to try one of these denim pens. I did it a little different. I made double cuts on each side. Came out really good. Keep those ideas coming.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mike Yow That sounds pretty cool Mike, I like the idea of the extra denim on each side. Regards, Bob

[@mhaz49]

Bob, I really like all the things you find to stick in your pen blanks. Very creative. They've added several choices to my pen production.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mark Hazlewood Thank you Mark, I have another one in glue up right now, hopefully it turns out and I'll have a video soon. Regards, Bob

[@paul2389]

How are you not getting more likes??? This was awesome!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Paul. Regards, Bob

[@wdeverna]

Very nice Bob. You come up with some really neat ideas.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+William DeVerna Thank you William. Regards, Bob

[@walshjp17]

Levi Straus never new the heights to which his denim would climb. From lowly work pants to designer jeans and now fine writing instruments. Well done, Bob.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Walsh Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@jerrybell4362]

Me too, Tom P, and thanks Bob. Great idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Jerry Bell Thank you Jerry. Regards, Bob

[@cejkwo100]

That turned out great, gonna have to steal this idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+cejkwo Mass Steal away my friend, Everyone I showed this pen to loved it. Regards, Bob

[@LeahDay]

I’m a quilter and a wood turner and I love this combo! Thank you for sharing this wild idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Leah, my mother is a quilter and I was inspired by her to make this pen blank. Regards, Bob

[@binnsbrian]

Best pen yet.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Brian Binns Thank you Brian. Regards, Bob

[@fonzwalmat]

Enjoyed this video a lot and made similar pens from Dad's old denim bib overalls. Turned out really cool and want to give pens to my nieces and nephew.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+fonzwalmat That's a great idea, they'll love that they came from Dads old overalls. What an awesome keep sake. Regards, Bob

[@timraubinger7616]

I am relatively new to pen turning and have become addicted. This is amazing and I will definitely be trying this and some other segmented blanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tim. Regards, Bob

[@TheSkera]

He is an inspiration! Im myself freshling woodturner. Only just starting, in the process of making a cyclone vac setup before i tirn too much, as its in a small room. But have a gas mask with p3 filter in, and saftey gear of course :p

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Sounds like you’re well on your way, keep up the great work. Regards, Bob

[@MelbourneAlan]

great job bob . great to see you turningI would like to see this done on a blank with 8 cuts instead of 2. I think the difference between wide and narrow looks great.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+MelbourneAlan Thank you Alan, I may give an 8 cut blank a try. Regards, Bob

[@sjbl1962]

Bob, that is a nice looking pen. After bugging you several times about pen turning, I've ordered everything I need to get started and it should be here by the weekend.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Scott L That is awesome Scott, If you have any questions once you get everything, let me know. Regards, Bob

[@sjbl1962]

Thanks Bob, I appreciate all your help and advice, as well as the videos.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Scott L Any time, I really enjoy this hobby and helping others. Regards, Bob

[@joeharney3802]

Awesome job and great looking pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you so much Joe. Regards, Bob

[@virgilgipson9086]

You have great ideas really enjoy watching your videos

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Virgil Gipson Thank you Virgil. Regards, Bob

[@mickwilton7750]

Really clever Bob nice work

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mick Wilton Thank you Mick. Regards, Bob

[@weswoods4814]

Thats crazy Bob, awesome work!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Wes Woods Thank you Wes, I'm very happy with it. Regards, Bob

[@seantonnesen1636]

Very cool looking pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Sean Tonnesen Thank you Sean. Regards, Bob

[@thedreadpirateroberts3435]

that has got to be the coolest pen I have seen you make so far

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Humma Kavula Thank you. I really like it too. Regards, Bob

[@petrusscott3038]

What a great idea. It looks great.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@DragonGateDesign]

😂 I remember watching this one when you posted it. So fitting it pops up on my suggestion being the first day of school today. It's awesome to see how the shop has evolved over the years. Best regards.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Shaun. Regards Bob

[@marykedykhuizen6902]

Very good at recycling jeans, Thanks for the video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Maryke Dykhuizen Thank You. Regards, Bob

[@tedspens]

2016... how have I missed this till now?? That pen looks amazing. I'll definitely be making some of these.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ted. Regards, Bob

[@radryan505]

This is simple incredible! I absolutely love the white that shows through the blue. that is just too cool!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Ryan Sanders Thank you Ryan. Regards, Bob

[@johnagorman]

unexpected. stunning. thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+john a. gorman Thank you John. Regards, Bob

[@colincroft4540]

I’m a new turner here and a new subscriber. I really appreciate all of the videos that I’ve watched so far on your channel here and I can’t wait to try out some of these things you have done for myself. The denim is incredible and I think this is a project that I will definitely be undertaking here soon. Keep up the fantastic work. Thank you so much for the inspiration too. God bless.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Colin, I really appreciate the note. Regards, Bob

[@farmlender1]

Absolutely beautiful

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Scott Regards, Bob

[@bonenfant96]

One of the most beautiful pen I've seen. Just have to make one, if you don't mind me using your idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Robert Lavoie Thank you Robert. Be my guest. Regards, Bob

[@eddyerodriguez8259]

That's one nice looking pen my friend gunna try this one.soon

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Eddye. Regards, Bob

[@dwaine515]

This was excellent. Your comment about slathering on the CA, and how the Denim stiffened up. Maybe with enough CA between denim layers, you could make a pen blank using only denim. Now that would be cool!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Dwaine Haskins Thank you Dwaine, I have that on my list. We'll see how it goes. Regards, Bob

[@johnbass9896]

Very cool opens up other options.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Bass Thank you John, I know what you mean, my mind has been swarming with ideas. Regards, Bob

[@seanchem1]

Great pen!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Sean Butler Thank you Sean, Regards, Bob

[@BobDaniel]

Another awesome idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Bob Daniel Thank you Bob. Regards, Bob

[@jerlip1]

I love the idea and thanks Bob. My wife is always cutting someone's jeans off and I am looking for the cutoffs now....great idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Gerald Lipchik Thank you Gerald. Regards, Bob

[@kevinhatch77]

I had my doubts but you proved my wrong, Awesome Pen!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Kevin Hatch Thank you Kevin, I was worried up until I couldn't cut the denim with a razor blade. At that point, I new it was solid. Regards, Bob

[@scottie1769]

Great idea Bob. The SL looks great. I have made a lot of blanks but not with denim. Gonna have to try it now. Thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+TexasScott Thank you Scott, These blanks have been very popular as just about everyone identifies with denim. Bob

[@kitdaniel9186]

I love watching you turn stuff mate. it's just so relaxing🙂

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mad Miner Thank you, I really appreciate your comment. Regards, Bob

[@warrenvannuil8401]

Another great video thanks for all the ideas

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Warren. Regards, Bob

[@slhasebroock]

What a cool idea and neat looking pen!!! Awesome!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Steve Hasebroock Thank you Steve. Regards, Bob

[@blwoods21]

Thought you were going to roll the denim around a brass tube and make a blank fully from denim. Your pen turned out really cool.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Brian Woods Thank you, I may try that yet. We'll see. Regards, Bob

[@johnrose1684]

nice , I will have to try this, thinking on cutting all 4 sides , get in more denem, love your ideas

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Rose Thank you John, That would be very cool. Regards, Bob

[@Shutyourjibbs]

Cool idea!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@tracyheaton7995]

Really beautiful

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Tracy Heaton Thank you very much. Bob

[@littlebullseye901]

This was an awesome idea! I will be putting this on my "things to turn" list. Outstanding!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Matthew Wilson Thank you, You'll love turning it. You can't even tell the denim is I. The wood. Regards, Bob

[@chriswalters1014]

RJBWoodTurner I’m gonna try this thanks bob

[@williampeak8851]

Awesome congratulations your are a genius 👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@glenmckelvey5952]

Very cool Bob ,I like that a lot . I wonder what some red or what ever color flannelette shirt would look like . Great vid Bob take care.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+glen mckelvey Thank you. Flannel would probably work and look pretty neat. Regards, Bob

[@chootrain57]

really cool pen Bob, I have cut strips and put CA on one end of the strip and rolled it onto the tube CA gluing as you go, makes a solid denim pen, your contrast is way better. Thanks for the idea

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+lionel wainford Thank you Lionel. Il like to try a rolled up denim pen one of these days. Regards, Bob

[@johnebeck8899]

Nice technique on the spindle gouge. Nice work.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Beck Thank you John, Regards, Bob

[@johnt120]

Nice work!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Touchard Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@rodjaworski93]

WOW thats an awesome pen Bob, man you come up with the best ideas thank you so much my friend. Rod

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Rod Jaworski Thank you Rod. Regards, Bob

[@robevans8555]

that turned out really cool, well done

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Rob Evans Thank you Rob. Regards, Bob

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

Great idea Bob - I've got some old black jeans that may go this route. Thanks for the video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Lynn Lacey Thank you Lynn. The jeans king of have a carbon fiber look when there in a pen like this. It's very cool. Regards, Bob

[@dynapig]

Very cool idea Bob!! I am for sure going to try this. I intend to try it with tight bond then epoxy, far less expensive then ca... Lol the ca manufactures hopefully send you a thank you card every once and a wile. Jim

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+dynapig Thank you Jim, I like C/A for its speed but epoxy will do a great job too. I feel I should at least be on their Christmas list. Regards, Bob

[@cobaltace62]

I have made a few. Turned out nice. I used CA but will try epoxy next time. Suggestion: use the CA in an open area with a fan or the CA fumes can be overwhelming

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Many times I leave my chip collector running to pull the fumes away. Regards, Bob

[@ianallen2]

I like this pen. Thanks for the video. I thought the pen was going to be made entirely from denim. After watching the vid, I was wondering if a long strip of denim as wide as the pen is long, glued with CA to the tubeand wrapped around it by rolling it around the tubes and soaking with thin CA and leaving to set. This is the way I thought the vid was going. I am learning a lot from your turning. Well done.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Ian Allen Thank you, I think a solid denim pen is possible. I was wondering if covering denim in epoxy and rolling it onto a tube would work. I need to test this theory. Regards, Bob

[@IronOxcide]

awesome pen, gave me an idea. What about thick construction paper, 4 colors, also cutting a wave down the corners. blue, black, green and purple would look amazing on a real white wood like birch.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+IronOxcide I love it! Go for it, if I can get some construction paper I may try this idea too. Regards, Bob

[@davidm1984]

Really great idea and it turned out fantastic, I'll be trying it myself soon!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+David Marshall Thank you David. Regards, Bob

[@daletprescott3458]

That is one nice looking pen. Now I'm going to cut a pair of my jeans to try it. ha The wife may put a stop to that!!! Put I did like the way it turn out.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Dale T Prescott Thank you Dale, I just sold it. Time to make some more. Regards, Bob

[@stellabelikiewicz1523]

Okay, this is just ridiculously nifty! I'm definitely experiencing some serious lathe envy right now! (I live in an apartment, so no lathe for me!). Keep having fun, and I look forward to all kinds of fun experiments!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Stella Belikiewicz Thank you Stella. Regards, Bob

[@helenakoutroupis821]

Groovy pen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Helena. Regards, Bob

[@SethWeidner]

That pen turned out great! Thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Seth Weidner Thank you Seth. Regards, Bob

[@davidjohnson8208]

as soon as I saw a pen made b y another man, near Identical to yours I knew I had to buiy his. I do pens tho also. he told me of this video. I have since made 4. but one of which I used Cocobolo and white Canvas, my wife/quilter gave/suggested. turned out equally well

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+David Johnson I like your wife's suggestion, I also thought about using colored denim from the thrift store. It's cheap and could really add some pop to the pen. Regards, Bob

[@davidjohnson8208]

Colored denim? well here is this. at JoAnn Fabrics or Hobby Lobby either one, a person can buy scads of colors of FELT ! My "Quilter" showed me some she had. can be bought in 12" squares. I have now done one with 2 cuts in one side RED, and just one cut in the opposite side denim. symbolizng RED,White, N Blue. turned out equally well.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+David Johnson I need to stop by JoAnn Fabrics. Thank you for the information. Regards, Bob

[@bobevans5534]

makes sense. thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bob

[@sofiadragon1979]

O.o That is gorgeous!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+JR Lenard Thank you JR. Regards, Bob

[@BusyBeeCompany]

A great looking pen, ill give it a shot, i wonder what a shallow segmenting with denim would look like...the blue has that carbon fiber style to it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+BusyBeeCompany Thank you, It does look a bit like CF. I say go for it on the shallow segmenting. Regards, Bob

[@RayVanDerMei]

Very cool pen! I think if you stacked that denim with some veneer that would look cool as well. Or if you could manage to just stack a bunch of denim together to make a solid denim blank.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Ray VanDerMei Thank you Ray, I like the denim + veneer idea, that sounds promising. Regards, Bob

[@toddcottengim7457]

I thought the same thing - a stack of denim strips soaked in epoxy. For more effect, interlace with veneer (as you suggested) or flannel as suggested in another comment..

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Todd Cottengim I'd like to try that and I just might. The more I think about it the more I like the idea. Regards, Bob

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

Very cool idea!~! Love how the denim glows!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+McGinn's WoodShop Thank you Jason, It kind of looks like carbon fiber. Regards, Bob

[@MarikaIomaLantz]

Thats so cool!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@greenbarngermanshepards4308]

that's awesome I'm going to have to try this as soon as I can get a hold of a pen mandrel. great idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Biggs Thank you John, I like it because it's really easy to make and looks amazing. Regards, Bob

[@johnh621]

That is really cool. I'm going to have to try this. Great job.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+John Hendricks Thank you John, It looks great and is so simple to do. Regards, Bob

[@barryfields2964]

There was a spot on the top that was about to break out like that cool spot on the bottom maybe one or two more little cut would have been good

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Barry Fields Thank you Barry, You never know with these glued up blanks. Regards, Bob

[@Ken.norwood2]

My wife is a Quilt maker and we watched this and would like to see something for that

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It’s really the same process. Regards, Bob

[@christianjensen9216]

Impressive, I may just have to give this one a try.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Christian Jensen Thank you Christian, It's very easy to make and looks amazing. Regards, Bob

[@marcycooper6930]

hmm I might have to get a few for Christmas

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Marcy Cooper The sooner you can let me know the better. The closer I get to the holidays the crazier everything gets and the more difficult it is to make stuff. Regards, Bob

[@alaricmedlock6833]

Cool!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Alaric Medlock Thank you Alaric. Regards, Bob

[@tam_ryan1036]

Can't believe how well that came out! :-) I thought you'd have fibres all over...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Armonici Ritmi Thank you, I didn't know what to expect when I started. Regards, Bob

[@mfwoodshop]

Very cool I'm going to give this one a shot

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Mike Fulton Thank you Mike, This one is really fun and looks amazing. Regards, Bob

[@Lutzboater]

Definitely like this,,gonna give it a try also. Thanks for sharing!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Tom P Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@curtladner88]

Really nice work Bob keep it up.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+CURT LADNER Thank you Curt. Regards, Bob

[@GargamelGoest]

Hey! Remember that HDPE rod you inspired me to buy to make finishing bushings? I know you should have a few pieces left, so cut off some small discs of it, and use those as clamping pads when clamping CA. It doesn't stick!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+GargamelGoest Great idea! I need to order another rod because I made bushings for some of the guys in my club. Regards, Bob

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

I like it very nice my friend :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+TJ'S WOODWORKING SHOP Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

You welcome my friend :)

[@BlackCat_2]

Great idea and they came out looking amazing. :) - Heidi

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+BlackCat2 Thank you Heidi. Regards, Bob

[@who4535]

thanks for this I will try to make one

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, send me a photo, I'd love to see your pen.Regards,Bob

[@frankingram3382]

Man that's one idea that really paid off and it looks cool too. Bob what does that CA glue do to your turning tools. I heard you say that it was real hard. Thanks for sharing your work with us. God Bless my friend.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Frank Ingram Hello Frank, For something like this I don' t even notice the C/A. If I do a heavy repair with it, it's hard to remove and really dulls the tool. Regards, Bob

[@williamdenkins2593]

That is a neat idea I would of never thaught to use fabric to put in between the wood blank. I was wondering did you ever find out if the accelerator would effect the latex pen blanks I have finally got every thing in to start making pens and the latex blanks you sent me are going to be turned very soon. Thank you William

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+William Denkins Hello William, The accelerator had a small effect on the latex blanks. After applying it, it was like the paint was tacky on the surface. Other than that, I didn't notice anything else. Regards, Bob

[@adamquincey4371]

Excellent, defiantly is cool... Cheers...

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Adam Quincey Thank you Adam. Regards, Bob