Making Pen Blanks From Cut Offs

[@MikeWaldt]

The finest example of why us turners rarely throw our wood waste away, now I'm into pen turning (yes I've got the bug, thanks to you and Tony Oakshot), you have given me even more reason to hoard my "scrap". Lovely looking pen Bob. Take care Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, Tony is an amazing turner! I Love his wedding pens. Regards, Bob

[@thereeds0612]

I do the same with both wood and acrylics. I also put mixed matched nibs, rings and clips on them. Kids love them. My wife calls them leftovers.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Good idea on the mix matched parts, I have a bunch of pens that can be disassembled and used for this. Regards, Bob

[@Trees2Pens]

Nice pen. The bolt is a great idea for gluing up pens segments. I sometimes square up the blank on the band saw so it fits in the drill clamp.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, That's a good idea. Regards, Bob

[@stevie406]

Another fine video Bob. Great idea, and a fab looking pen made from your scrap. I just goes to show, there is a good reason to keep our little scraps, Thanks.....Stevie

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome Stevie, Now when I buy a board, I make a large project like an Intarsia, then pens from those scraps and then I mix and match everything that's left. All I end up with in the end is saw dust. Maybe it's time to get into poly-resin and start casting the saw dust into pen blanks. Regards, Bob

[@stevie406]

Now that's one sure way of using ALL the wood, That would give you 100% value for money. Take care Bob Stevie

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Cool use of those cut offs. Thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I have a couple other ideas, let's see if they pan out. Regards,, Bob

[@NoeprobleminTN]

Pen from cut-offs - what a great idea! Reduce-Reuse-Recycle! Thank you for sharing your technique.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked the video. Regards, Bob

[@colinjenkins3654]

Great job will be spending a little time in my scraps box. Thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Colin Jenkins Thank you Colin. Regards, Bob

[@SterlingsWoodcrafts]

Great use of Scrap Blank pieces Bob, Pen Looks great, wonder if you can CA Glue Wood and Non Wood Materials for a different looking Pen, Thanks for Sharing

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Sterling, You sure can, I'm planning to attempt antler and wood as well as acrylic and wood. I may go with epoxy as I have had C/A fail on me a couple of times. Regards, Bob

[@roberthelveston2823]

Really nice work. And as like you I have a tone of wasted blanks.As soon as the weather gets cooler going out to the shop and try them . Really nice work Postalbob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob

[@geraldlipchik8034]

Good looking blanks Bob. I like to put a piece of wax paper on the workbench and lay the pieces flat on the bench paper to glue them. Then I clamp the glued pieces and try to square up as much as I can to end up with a glued up piece of wood about the size of a pen blank. Then after it dries, use the blank as I would usually do and drill the hole while holding it in the drill press vice.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

This is what I love about posting videos and meeting new turners. The ideas are endless and there's always opportunity for me to learn and try new things. Regards, Bob

[@secretagent3764]

I made a few of these a while back. Also the hugs and kisses, the dominos. I love inlays

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you very much. Regards, Bob

[@marttikoivumaki5049]

Very beatiful.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Martti. Regards, Bob

[@danield2582]

Very nice pen. I did the same concept but with acrylic cut offs. Turned out great.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Daniel D Thank you Daniel, I like this method for using up my scraps and for some reason, people love odd pens. The more random, the more popular. Regards, Bob

[@davidclauson6681]

Nice project, wait till you start gluing the acrylic. I've got a couple of pens done this way. If you have the pen blank drilling chuck for your lathe use that to drill your holes. Go ahead and get a 7 mm bolt that way only one time drilling. Thanks for sharing your videos and take care, David

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for the tips and Ideas David, I'll be experimenting more and I'll try them out. Regards, Bob

[@charlesreicks648]

That looks like you had a lot of fun turning that. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Charles, It was a blast to make. Regards, Bob

[@geraldlipchik8034]

Hi Bob, I have made laminated wood pieces also and have used small square pieces of an old credit card as my spacer to give a white line showing between. Then I expanded on that and used any thinner pieces of colored plastic that I could find. One was a temporary yellow plastic license plate advertising plate from a car dealer. Like you, I like to have fun experimenting. Jerry from the Ozarks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Those are great ideas Jerry, I never thought about using credit cards, license plates it other thin plastics. You just opened a whole new world to me. Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@ddaurer]

I like the way you utilized the cutoffs. I also have a box full. Thanks for the way to use them up. They are too nice to throw away.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Denis, I've been wanting to use them for a long time, I hate to see them go to waste. Regards, Bob

[@williamdonnelly8783]

I made a pen out off cuts 2 years ago which everybody loves, have to do some more as like yourself I have plenty of little bits.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello William, I do t know why they are so popular but people love them. Regards, Bob

[@trevsutton8185]

That turned out great Bob, it just goes to show that no scrap is ever to small to throw away!!! Like you I have loads of off cuts and scraps, I'm going to try this and maybe a few other glue up projects!!! Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work. Trev

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Trev, Send me some pictures when you get your made, is love to see them. Regards, Bob

[@edwardduhamel7535]

Bob, Something to consider...if you use a propane or butane torch to heat the purpleheart it becomes a fantastic bold purple color. Just something you might want to try. I have done it on many pens I have turned and those seem to be the ones that are bought first. Mike

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Edward, I did a video about that a while back. I was concerned about what it might do to the yellow heart and the oak laminate. Regards, Bob

[@rickwallace8810]

Thanks for a great video. I've also used scrap to turn pens.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I love piecing these blanks together. They always make the coolest pens. Regards, Bob

[@rickwallace8810]

I've used my belt sander to square off all 4 sides. It works well

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I’ve used the sander too. Only reason I used the bandsaw in this video was because have the jig. I say use what you have to remove those corners especially on the delicate blanks. Regards, Bob

[@NortelGeek]

Wow, that yellow heart is really vivid. Love this pen!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Perry, This was a fun little experiment that worked out well and gave a nice looking pen. I plan to glue up as many of my cutoffs as I can so I can piece together more unique looking pens like this one. I love how it turned out too. The cool thing is it starts out looking so ugly then as it turns, it transforms into a beautiful pen. Regards, Bob

[@BillSchimmer]

Great use of cut-offs. I'm building my collection of them and now know how to use them. I think I'll use threaded rod for my clamps and I might glue the whole pen so I can decide exactly where to separate the top and bottom. Thanks. Bill

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Bill? That's a great idea to make the whole blank at once. One thing about threaded rod, don't leave the blanks drying on it to long as the threads cake with glue and it's very difficult to remove from the blank. That's why I went with the smooth bolts. Regards, Bob

[@1972mexico]

Thanks for the video Bob I haven't been turning for a long time but I am gathering up off cuts from pens. Thanks for giving me a great idea for using them up. Thanks, Nigel, From Ireland

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Nigel Morrow Thank you for watching and for commenting. I appreciate it. Regards, Bob

[@DanielVilarino]

Hi Bob! Great idea! I also have a box of small pieces, with the most popular ones, cocobolo, bocote, I save them to do beads for a necklace, but the others, this might be their destiny! Thanks and good turning! Cheers! Daniel

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Daniel, This is a great outlet for those scraps. Regards, Bob

[@rdalnekoff570]

I just glued the pieces together and clamped them using a squeeze clamp. Once dried, I sanded them square one a belt sander. Then I drilled the 7mm hole, glued on the tube and turnedn

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Awesome! Please send photos or a link to the video. Regards, Bob

[@alanrodriguez3172]

hey bob, that's a great idea I am going to try and cut the scraps at angles to fit them together a little differently, but thanks again for the great video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome Alan, I was thinking about that the other day and I wasn't sure how to align the bolt holes with the angle cuts. I'd love to hear what you come up with as I am interested in trying that too. Regards, Bob

[@alanrodriguez3172]

I was thinking drill them first the cut them at 45 s and such then glue I will try tonight after work let you know how I made out

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Please keep me posted, I was worried if the hole wasn't perpendicular to the blank that the miter wouldn't properly line up causing a gap at the junction. Regards, Bob

[@PlaustrumWoodworking]

Great use of off-cuts. The bolt method is genius, pure genius. thanks for sharing with us. I want to try this. Cheers Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Bob, The bolts make really cheap clamps and the pens look cool. I like the laminate between the segments because I think it compresses to help eliminate and imperfections in the joint from the cut. I also like this because I can use every last bit of wood so I really get my monies worth. Regards, Bob Regards, Bob

[@mntbiker036]

Very nice use of scrap!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+mntbiker ohthreesix Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@WigWagWorkshop]

I truly love the segmented look, thank you for the inspiration, and helping me in my pen turning journey. -Steven

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+WigWagWorkshop Thank you Steven. Regards, Bob

[@davidaustin9893]

Love your videos, using bolts as a clamp is a great idea.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you David. Regards, Bob

[@Shadetreewoodworkerposts]

Very cool Bob. I know where my cut offs are going to be used now.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Dean, This is a great way to get rid of them and the pens look so cool and unique that I'll bet the sell well too. Regards, Bob

[@rayepps863]

Good idea, Bob. I have used my off-cuts in making pens, but the idea of using the bolt as a clamp is better than my method

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Ray, It works great and the laminate compresses to help too. Regards, Bob

[@Daryl185]

excellent idea like the 1/4 bolt will try this as I have cut offs galore

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Daryl W Hello Daryl, The bolt works great! Be sure to remove the bolt after the glue sets, about 20 minutes for Titebond. Otherwise it won't come out. Regards, Bob

[@rogerteaters5282]

Great video Bob!!! You know, I have soooo many cut-offs, that if I use this great idea, I will never have to get another Pen Blank for my entire life. hahaha... Loved this!!!! Regards, Roger

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Roger, I know what you mean, I keep em all too. I was thinking of other ideas to use them up so if some of them work out maybe it will help you use up a few more. Regards, Bob

[@walteryoung8354]

I enjoyed the video. Once again you came up with a great way to use scraps and make a unique blank. I tried making trim rings per a previous video and really enjoyed the results.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Walter Young a thank you Walter, I use up quite a few scraps this way and the pens are always popular at the shows. Regards, Bob

[@thebeardedcraftsman4849]

I'm definitely going to try this.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Be sure to remove the bolts after about 20 minutes, otherwise there glued into the blank. I used a mallet to tap them free if they were stubborn.

[@DragonGateDesign]

Looks awesome, close to Griffindor house colors. Great work

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Shaun Kennedy I never noticed that before about the colors. That's cool. Regards, Bob

[@slinday21]

I was literally thinking about this on the 5th, I went into woodcraft and thought to myself how I could use my left overs by gluing them together, but I didn't know how well it would hold up on the lathe.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Steven, These blanks were tough, I used a hammer to knock the bolt out of one of the blanks and it held fine. I used a lot of glue. Regards, Bob

[@oaksho]

Fantastic pen Bob I love it, I did try this a while ago but couldn't get good joints, the bolt clamp is a real gem of a tip. thanks for showing. All the best Tony

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tony, I purchased some clay last week and ordered some canes. I'm still waiting for the canes to arrive but I'm pretty excited to make some blanks. I liked the video you did and the pen you made and I think my daughter is going to love a pen with butterflies on it. Thank you for that video. Regards, Bob

[@rhilton1881]

Good video, Bob! I like your bolt idea, and I'm going to try it myself. I like to use my lathe as a horizontal drill because its so precise. I will probably use a sander to shape the blank so the blank will fit into the jaws of my lathe. Thanks!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Rick, I'm hoping to make a pen drilling chuck for my lathe because I think it would be more accurate than the drill press. Regards, Bob

[@rhilton1881]

RJBWoodTurner I recommend Nova chucks. I'm delighted with mine and use it exclusively over the imprecise drill press. Your lathe is the one sold by Harbor Freight, and I'm sure that Nova probably has one that will fit your hardware. You'll also need the optional "fingers" that allow you to insert a blank into the chuck. For your tail stock, you can purchase a chuck that will accept a drill bit. Now you can precisely drill your blanks. Cheers, Rick

[@davidmorgan7522]

Thanks to you and Carl! Great idea, really beats clamps! I've done a few pens like this using a clamp and it's a pain. Take care, Dave

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dave, I hope you give this a try because it's very easy to do and you get a tremendous amount of clamping pressure to help eliminate gaps. Regards, Bob

[@alfredwilliam1184]

PS, always wax the bolts to stop the glue sticking, glue them on a dowel sand them to a square and drill them in the lathe.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+alfred william I like the dowel idea, Dowels are cheap and will drill away with ease. Regards, Bob

[@Uncle_Buzz]

Hey Bob, really cool! I've thought about using all those cut-offs I've started accumulating to make an end-grain cutting board. I wouldn't have attempted gluing to the endgrain, seems to have worked. I might attempt gluing them side to side alternating grain direction and having end grain showing in the final turning. Might be something to try. Great video.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That is a cool idea Chris, Alternating grains would make one wicked looking cutting board. If you make it, please sent me a pic, I'd love to see it. Regards, Bob

[@Uncle_Buzz]

RJBWoodTurner I was actually inferring to do the alternating end grains for a pen blank, not a cutting board. I see how my comment might have been confusing. Maybe you or I could do a pen with the blanks glued up across grains as opposed to end grains. I hope this makes sense. If not, I can do a video describing what I mean.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks for the clarification Chris, I made a note in my ideas document to give this a try and see how it turns out. It sounds really interesting and I'll bet it will make a cool pen. Thank you for the idea and if you give it a try, I'd like to see your take on it. Regards, Bob

[@TroyRuby]

Cool idea using the bolt! My process in the past was much trickier and not as accurate.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank Troy, Best part about the bolt is you can really crank down on them and get a super clean joint. Regards, Bob

[@Robbievigil]

Can't believe I didn't think of doing this with my cutoffs!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I know what you mean Robbie, I thought the same thing when I saw Carl Jacobson make his ornament blank that way. It was a real light bulb moment. Regards, Bob

[@lucienjarreau5211]

If the bolt hole and the mandrel are the same size, try mounting the raw blank on the mandrel and true it up then drill to the barrel size using your pen vise.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Lucien, I have tried to true a blank without a brass tube and it can be difficult. There is nothing for the bushings to register against so they press into the wood and can damage the blank. The blank will also slip more easily without a tube. Regards, Bob

[@lucienjarreau5211]

What about a large diameter bushing or add small washers before the bushing. I am only suggesting this to allow truing the outside in order to be able to use it in the pen vise. Then bore the barrel diameter.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I'll have to do some experimenting, a couple washers may help hold the blank securely enough to true it. Now I just need to find a couple washers with 1/4" holes. Regards, Bob

[@clieb91]

Bob, Great tips and techniques. I started playing around with the scrap box the other day was really scratching my head as the best way to build them. I used a dowel and got a little too much space in between parts. I am going to be heading to HD for a bolt and some washers very shortly. I've subscribed and look forward to watching more.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I used a 4" X 1/4" bolt, the kind that is smooth except for the last 3/4" of threads. A bolt with all threads would have been tough to remove from the blank. I chose 1/4" because that's the diameter of my mandrel and I could ream it out to fit any pen kit. Good luck and have fun, these are a blast to make and the segmenting ideas are unlimited. Regards, Bob

[@TheRedhawke]

Beautiful pen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@lenshandcraftedwoodsigns6033]

Looking a to getting started and love your videos.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Len. I appreciate that. 😀 Regards, Bob

[@ronaldainaire7086]

Love the pen!!! I keep telling my wife that there is NO such thing as scrap. Need to get her to set down and see what can be done. Bad part is I probably have a couple of 5 gallon pails of similar scrap

[@RJBWoodTurner]

LOL, it adds up quickly. Regards, Bob

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

Turned out great Bob! I have done very similar things and it is so much fun! Great to see your videos keep them coming! :) Chris

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Chris, This was one of the more fun projects. It started out looking so ugly but really came together in the end. I loved making it and plan to make many more. Regards, Bob

[@AndysCornishCreations]

Nice job Bob I am hoping to try making pens You have obviously made a lot so what do you do with them all apart form giving them to family and friends Cheers.........Andy

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Andy, I trade some for supplies and I have done a couple craft shows. Regards, Bob

[@crjohanns]

Have you tried combining wood and acrylic cutoffs? I have done a few and they are amazing if they turn out. The difference in Turning wood and acrylic makes it very easy to blow them out on the lathe so you need to use very light pressure on your cuts.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Regina Johanns a have done a few. I need to film one, there really fun to make. Regards, Bob

[@Mitchiedean]

How about a simple whole punch for that thin laminate? And if you do many more of these glue ups, it might be worth your time to get a 7mm reamer. The flutes on a reamer are designed to use less force than a twist drill, so that they can't dig in and wander off course. This makes for a straighter hole. Will you be able to CA glue the acrylic cut offs together without any gaps?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for the idea on the reamer. I think Penn State has one listed in their catalog this month. Regards, Bob

[@st-germainreal2622]

thanks a lot for the trick i will try sure

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@frankperry4068]

Great video! Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Frank Perry Thank you Frank. Bob

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Very cool pen :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dema, I hope to make many more of them this winter for the summer shows. Regards, Bob

[@HuntingWolf82]

Yet another great video and it has endless possibilities for wood combinations. I tried sending you a message through KZbin about a tip I had in regards to you sanding jig, however I am not sure if it worked 8)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I'll take a look at my KZbin messages, maybe I just missed it. I'll let you lnow if it's not there. Regards, Bob

[@cooperhanson5199]

thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Cooper Hanson Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@stevebrown1132]

What is the black object at the back of the pen planks? Is it a "floor sweep tool" from a shop vac? Good idea on using the cut offs. Now I know what to do with mine! Thanks!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Yes Steve, It is the floor sweep off the shop vac. I use it to help with the the dust. It's not perfect but until I get better dust collection, it'll have to do. Thank you for watching and commenting. Regards, Bob

[@515bucko01]

I noticed on this video you have a vacuum floor nozzle inverted under your cutting area, and since I have the same type of lathe, how well does this "clean" and how do you attach it to the lathe?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Lee, It does fairly well with dust from sanding. The chips come off at such a high velocity they they are thrown everywhere. Regards, Bob

[@jeffoldham3466]

any thoughts other than a table saw for squaring up the ends,,,i have a table saw but that small of pieces I would not like to try on a table saw,,,,

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Jeff, Here is what I use on the table saw, it holds the pieces firmly and keeps your hands far from the blade. It works like a champ, I even use it to square deer antler. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWWVg6mXpKedetU Regards, Bob

[@stevehoppe497]

Nice pen RJB, wood like to know what the end pieces you use while sanding and polishing. looks like some sort of nylon.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Steve, They are HDPE non-stick bushings. Here's the video where I make set just like them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS7nYZubtagea8 Regards, Bob

[@artistwo]

thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you.

[@JoeRadose]

Hi Bob. Sorry for commenting on such an old video, but just a thought: Would it be easier to just use a 7mm bolt to begin with? Love the videos, and keep up the good work! Joe

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Joe Radosevich Hello Joe, That would certainly work. However I would recommend reaming the blanks with a 7mm bit to clear the glue squeeze out. Regards, Bob

[@gunterschone8402]

Schönes Video geworden. Bei der Anzahl an "Reststücke", kannst Du jede Menge Stifte Drechseln. :-)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Günter Schöne Thank you, I hope to show another idea if I can make it work.Regards,Bob

[@richardentwistle8980]

Great videos !Do you have a recommendation for a bit to drill 1 piece blanks on the lathe ? Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I use the PK-7MM from Penn State.

[@bekeeper1]

Excellent Video. One question, what are you using to hold the barrels when putting on the finish.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jim, Those are some non-stick bushings I made in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS7nYZubtagea8 They are pretty wore down and I need to make another set but I won't apply C/A glue without them. Regards, Bob

[@nickdispensa9762]

good job

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Nick. Regards, Bob

[@josephsm2412]

I've tried to find watches, pens, etc made from hazel wood but unable to. Is there something about the wood that makes it less used.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+American by Practice I've never seen Hazel wood. I'd have to test a piece before I could answer this question. Most woods can be made into pens. Regards, Bob

[@tommyschutz9008]

Excellent job. The pen looks great. I have a question though. Maybe I missed something. I have many pieces maybe 3/4 " or less, and how do you square up the ends so that they are smooth against the other pieces that you glue together. I know they have to be completely square and smooth. I'm just wondering how to do it, just on a sander?.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Tommy, I made this jug a while back and I use it to clamp down and square up up to four pieces at a time. The video is rather long but if you skip to the end and see the jig, I think you'll be able to figure it out. I also use it to square up antler for my antler pens. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWWVg6mXpKedetU Regards, Bob

[@AndrewMorrissette]

Hi Bob, That turned out nicely. Have you ever tried doing that with acrylic cut offs?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Andrew Morrissette Thank you Andrew, I haven't but I'm sure it would work. I have a bunch of acrylic cut offs, they just don't seem to look that good together. Regards, Bob

[@AndrewMorrissette]

+RJBWoodTurner I was thinking of trying to mix some acrylic cutoffs with some wood cutoffs.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Andrew Morrissette I've seen a few pens made that way and they always look amazing. Consider a separator between the wood and acrylic like aluminum, brass, or copper, it really makes the blank pop.

[@stevebrown1132]

Very good idea. I am going to try to make one for my lathe. How long is yours?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

The bolts are 4" because the average 7mm tube for a pen is just over 2". I bought them a little long for other things like styluses. Regards, Bob

[@valborchardt3596]

Aaah thanks Bob. You mentioned a guy called Karl who we should look at. Who is he and how do i find him on you tube....

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Val Borchardt Carl Jacobson. Just type his name in the search box. He's an excellent turner. Bob

[@donquinn4572]

hello question ,, can you use a microwave to dry out wet burl for penmaking

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Yes but I wouldn’t use you home MW. It will stink it up and ruin it for food use. You use a scale and measure the weight of the wood. MW it for maybe a minute, do not go longer and one min, then weigh it again. Repeat until the weight stabilized. It’s a slow nasty process. I have never done it but learned this info from Michael DeLawter.

[@jamesdouglas8471]

i loved that video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you James. Regards, Bob

[@susanlane7954]

Question only - why did you use plastic polish on your wooden pen? Never tried that before.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Good morning Susan. Excellent question! Any time I use a C/A glue finish, I'll polish with plastic polish. My thought is that C/A essentially is a plastic shell over the wood so the polish removes any small scratches and shines the outer shell up nicely. I hope this answer helps. Regards, Bob

[@michaelpotter8547]

Maybe it has already been answered, but for the Acrylic cut-offs, do you use a special adhesive to chemically bond them or just CA?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Michael, I primarily use a Medium thickness C/A glue. If there are any adhesion issues with a particular piece of acrylic, I use epoxy. It takes longer to dry but I've had good luck with it. Regards, Bob

[@ChoctawFlute]

What is a good way to square up the cut-offs if I don't have a table saw?

[@aprilthompson2853]

I use a hand miter saw when I cut my blanks. You can pick one up for about $10 it has a saw and guide so you make square cuts. You could also square up your blanks with a belt/disk sander.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you April, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob

[@KagedCreations08XX]

This turned out great. Have you tried it with the acrylic yet? What kind of glue would you us on acrylic ?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I have not done this with Acrylic although, it should work just fine. I would start with thick C/A and use an accelerator to set it. If I had any issues with adhesion, is use a quick set epoxy. Be careful with both as they will glue the blank to your bolt. Regards, Bob

[@oddnamera]

Hi. Quick question if I were to make one of these, how much do you think I should sell it for?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+oddnamera That's a tough question because people pay more in some areas then they do in others. I usually go back to my best customers / repeat customers and ask them what they would be willing to pay. They are a great sounding board for your local economy and many times I end up with pre orders from them. Regards, Bob

[@cooperhanson5199]

are there stores where you can get wood laminate?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Cooper Hanson Packard and Peachtree both sell laminate and so does woodcraft. Bob

[@wbarnett22]

Liked the video and it answered my question as to what to do with my leftovers. What did you say you wiped the blank with after sanding?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello, I use Denatured Alcohol to clean the blanks. Acetone is another solvent that will clean and cut the natural oils so the finish will stick. Regards, Bob

[@weswoods4814]

Very cool use for all those scraps Bob. It's nice to not waste those bits and pieces. Have you ever done a mechanical pencil? I would love to purchase one from you if you are ever in the mood to make one. I need a good so pencil:)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Wes's, I have made a few mechanical pencils but haven't found a kit that I'm satisfied with the quality of yet. I'll be attempting a few more as that's about all I write with and I want to make a nice one for me. If I find a good kit, I'd he honored to make you a pen. I will make a note in my book and follow up with you once I have a little more info. Regards, Bob

[@LittleBullseye]

Have you ever used the cut off pieces from the acrylic blanks? would you use the same method with the bolt and CA glue? I have learned a lot from watching your videos!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Matthew, If I were using Acrylic cut offs, I'd probably flatten the ends as much as possible and C/A them together. Then I'd drill them. I wouldn't use the bolt because because I'd be afraid that it would glue the acrylics to it. I want to try this method, I just haven't had time recently. Regards, Bob

[@LittleBullseye]

+RJBWoodTurner Thanks for the reply! I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Just shows ya, no such thing as scrap lumber. Every time I think I have it and throw it away I wish I had it back. Good project.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Lee, I believe I could easily be classified as a wood hoarder. At least now I have and excuse for hanging onto it. Regards, Bob

[@billsbasementworkshop1902]

Hi again from Britain, What glue did you use that did not stick to the bolts? Regards, Bill.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Bill, I used Tite Bond II and pulled it off the bolts after about 20 minutes. Otherwise it will stick, I had to knock a bolt out with a hammer. I learned the hard way. Regards, Bob

[@TirolerDrechsler]

Gutes Video Bob!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tiroler. Regards, Bob

[@jaytomes2856]

Nice pen Bob! No torch this time?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Jay, No fireworks on this one. Hope you had a good New Year. Regards, Bob

[@mfwoodshop]

Nice pen Bob, when i first seen it I though a clown theme pen.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Yeah Mike, It kinda does look that way. I'm hoping it catches someone's eye at a craft show and finds a good home. Regards, Bob

[@ceciliabrooks201]

Where do you get your pen kits?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Pen State Industries Classic Nib Turners warehouse There are hundreds of small companies that sell pen supplies. A Google search will give you a bunch of options.

[@dianetaylor9389]

Hi it is wayne taylor here i was wondering were you got the yellow heart from i wood like to get some please

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Diane Taylor I got the original piece as a pen blank, 3/4" x 3/4" x 5 1/4" from www.pennstateind.com. If you need something larger, eBay should have it. Regards, Bob

[@baconsoda]

I call those offcuts my 'jewels'...my wife says in just confirms my insanity. I was thinking it might be worthwhile drilling the pieces to 7mm and mounting them on a 7mm bolt but then I read your answer below where you said the 1/4" hole leave all your options open. That's good thinking. Great pen, now I can say "But Bob says I need to keep these little pieces when eyebrows are raised". Yes, I abuse my friendships for my own benefit. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Brendan, Feel free to put the blame on me. Those 1/4" bolts work out great. I can crank them down really tight and with the laminate, it really closes any possible gaps. I am going to make some ornament blanks too. They won't have tubes in them so the 1/4" hole will let me slide them right onto the mandrel. Regards, Bob

[@DragonDrive50682]

What does the denatured alcohol do for the blank? I've never used it after sanding should I?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I use the DNA to thoroughly clean the blank after sanding. It's especially useful on oily woods like Cocobolo & Olivewood because it cleans and dries the surface and allows the C/A finish to adhere and dry. Otherwise the oils can cause the glue to bubble and pop off. Other than that it just helps remove the dust which makes the blank look it's best. Some people use paint thinner but I like DNA. Regards, Bob

[@artistwo]

where do you buy your pen kits

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello, I purchase 95% of my kits from Penn State Industries, www.pennstateind.com. Regards, Bob

[@lawrencealdridge-yk6dm]

would this methed work with antler and wood

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It would work with Antler and wood. Things to be cognizant of. Epoxy may be a better choice for an adhesive with the two dissimilar materials. If you use a soft wood, it may sand away faster than the antler leaving a wavy effect on the blank. Other than that I think it would work just fine. Regards, Bob

[@lawrencealdridge-yk6dm]

@@RJBWoodTurner thanks bob

[@brianworrell6757]

What tool were you using to turn the pen?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I turned it with my roughing gouge. If I keep it really sharp, I like the control the longer tool gives me. I can get a finish cut comparable to what I can get with my skew and I eliminate the possibility of catches. Regards, Bob

[@brianworrell6757]

Thank you

[@blackemmons]

New subscriber. Just found your channel from seeing your name come up on Maritimewoodworker and doing a little search. I have been doing square cornered stuff for 40+ years and just bought a lathe a week ago. Took a pen turning class two days ago and did my first round thing. Normally i do not glue end grain to end grain because of the lack of strength. It looks like you use yellow glue. Is that correct and do you find any issues with holding power? Have you tried epoxy for this process? Thanks for the info. JimE

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Jim, Thank you for looking me up. Yes I use Tightbond II for all my wood glue ups. As long as my surfaces are clean and flat and I apply plenty of pressure, I get a great bond. Congratulations on the new lathe. If I can answer any questions for you please don't hesitate to ask. P.S. I was the featured guest on the Maritime Woodworkers show this weekend. It was a blast! Regards, Bob

[@sk13ppy]

Just wondering why you didn't line up the offcuts when you were glueing them and why didn't you put them in a scroll chuck and use a Jacobs chuck to drill them to 7mm?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That’s just the way I did it in the early days. I didn’t have a drill chuck. A lot has change since then.