Pen Turning 101 with Rob Austin

Rob Austin takes the viewer through the steps he uses to prepare a pen blank for turning. This involves squaring a blank, cutting it to length, drilling it, and cementing the brass tube. He concludes by turning, finishing, and assembling the pen.
Recorded and presented in HD 8/10/2015
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[@wb_finewoodworking]

This is by far the most complete demonstration on pen turning that I’ve seen so far. It’s great when demonstrators show different tools that are available and explain the differences between them. I really like the sled for cutting the blanks on the band saw. I’ll definitely make one of those to use. Thanks to all involved in producing this video.

[@jviewerm]

Thanks! Turned my first pen today and liked it so much I did two more just to keep figuring things out. Now with this I'm ready to go back at it already with more sophisticated finishing techniques. Thanks!

[@billmoore1421]

I just got my granddaughters making pens. Thank you for a great step by step video. Very helpful & some important tips. We made 7 pens so far this week.

[@notsoberoveranalyzer8264]

Nice. There has been something so fulfilling about turning in this age of technology. My uncle did the same thing. Regretfully it took about 15 years to have gotten back into turning. But, having a severe genetic bone disease. It’s been wonderful to have found something I can physically do, that has a legitimate pathway to true independence. Plus, in this age of technology and with the threat of AI taking plenty of positions, there has been a massive resurgence of people wanting hand made things. Most importantly it’s just fun.

[@kennardlaviers5491]

Great video! I followed the steps exactly and have started turning beautiful pens. Thank you!

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

That's great news! Have fun with it!

[@JenShannon]

Thank you so much for showing your process. This is definitely the most helpful video out there. Very much appreciated!

[@toddcoy9520]

This is one video that I watched from beginning to end. Thank you.

[@ΚυριάκοςΑλβανίδης]

I have never seen such a detaled and informative video for pen turning. Thank you and Congradulations.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you!

[@wendybasell4193]

Thank you. Just what I needed. I have everything ready to make my very first pen. Just needed someone to show me . Very clear and helpful video. Well done xo

[@martymorgan9977]

Best tutorial I have seen. I bought a lathe and have ordered my pen blanks and parts. Thank you

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Have a good time and let us know how they turned out.

[@ajf41281]

Getting my lathe for Christmas from my father in law. Great tutorial. Helped me to know exactly what I'm getting into. God bless!

[@ajf41281]

@@bicyclesammi0757 From time to time. I make them as gifts, mostly.

[@SteveCarmichael]

This is a great video Rob! I was fortunate to have you teach me how to turn pens in person, so thanks for that! Well done!

[@Toonpish]

brilliant step by step guide. thank you for your time in making this and all the info i have gained.

[@MrEltapatio]

The best video on pen turning.

[@thecrazybushman]

Thank you for the step by step!

[@jamesduff6937]

Awesome video and very thorough and precise in your explanations. Was a real joy to watch. thank you.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you! If you make some feel free to post a picture of your work!

[@prsearls]

Interesting and informative demonstration. I've been turning for five years but never turned a pen. Our woodturning club makes pens for veterans. We're having a "pen turning-athon" in February and will mass produce several hundred from kits on a Saturday. One member will be instructing us with no experience; this is useful information to have some basic knowledge how this is done. Thanks.

[@richiethewles]

Thanks rob, appreciate your time, rich,from a wet and windy north east uk.

[@bluebow68]

Second time I've watched this,i really learn a lot from it..Thanks Rob..From the U.K.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

I'm happy every time someone enjoys or learns from my video. (Rob)

[@TheTricky38]

Great video Rob! thanks for the Very detailed instructions!!

[@stringmanipulator]

Excellent video I like the fact that you showed differrent solutions for each step. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Man that workshop .. really great :)

[@nazeem26]

Your videos are very educational and informative.. Thanks

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you! It's great to hear your comments

[@ExtremeMelodica]

Rewatched for an extra lesson. Thanks again for the video.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Refreshers are good! I hope I was able to make everything clear for you.

[@pastorlarrypotts8289]

You make that look so easy and the results are outstanding!!!

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you Pastor! I enjoy what I do and I'm happy it shows!

[@Imwright720]

The reason so many men love turning is because of the quick results. It doesn’t take weeks or even months to finish a project. I always wanted to try it. I did turn one pen in a class at woodcraft.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Give it a shot and let us know how you did!

[@tna2me197]

Great work! You have an absolutely beautiful shop!

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you very much. I enjoy it every day!

[@canaldos]

Had pleasure watching the whole video thank you

[@johncerillo1869]

That was awesome and thorough. Definitely at least Pen Turning 201 or more!

[@metnav87]

Thanks for this video Rob, very helpful and informative.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

I'm happy you liked it. Have you tried turning a pen?

[@metnav87]

I did a couple pens in my high school shop class (1994). This video was enough to confirm that I want to do them again. I've entered the research phase to figure out the balance between what gear I need and what gear I want.

[@shaunzie113]

Why did 136 dislike this video? Dude put a lot of time into making this. And he's got a cool shop.

[@andrewjackson4422]

Thank you, just what I needed a really useful video.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

You're welcome! Have you tried turning pens yet?

[@jameyburt1805]

Nice video very thanks for taking the time.

[@tedzukowski471]

Thanks for the video. Another beautiful pen.

[@mickmotly4083]

Excellent tutorial!! thanks for the step-by-step,makes it so easy!

[@brentnicol6391]

Great job and thank you very much sir. This is going to be my new hobby.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

That's good to hear, I hope you have a great time!

[@deanburrell5595]

You got the best kitchen I have ever seen. Cant wait to get mine looking like that all tools and machinery included

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you! I spend more time in my shop than I do in the house.

[@williammonahan8893]

Great educational and well produced tube!

[@JANDLWOODWORKING]

Loved the video ! thanks for the wonderful class!

[@deahnasdad]

New to this. So new my first lathe is still in the box. I appreciate this video.

[@martinwoodworking]

I’m putting together my shop in the spring and this will be my tutorial on pen turning

[@TeamProsperity]

That’s awesome. Never made pens before but I think I’ll try it. Great video, thanks

[@rsi1986]

Thanks for showing everything start to finish. I hope to get my first lathe soon.

[@robertivins6117]

I really appreciate your help 🙏 thank you very much...

[@ceddiesmallz]

O my great job I am getting ready to retire, but I am a tink tink add one more thing to keep me off of jobs. Yes thank sir. You are a true teacher!!

[@Cowboy-nu7ze]

Thank you for the instructional. Enjoyed the vid

[@CC-gv6us]

Great video. I did finish some pens with the described process and it is very beautiful

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

I'm very happy to hear it. Thank you!

[@terryduprie6313]

Great demonstration / lesson. Thank you!!!

[@scottsherfey1712]

Still love watching this video!

[@JimM4596]

Well done Rob!

[@surfit34]

Great informative video, been out of it for a few years and learned a couple of things I know I wasn't doing previously.

[@thtphatcat23]

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@charliewood4158]

Buddy I wish everyday my shop looked like yours Real nice job on the pens Never made one yet soon

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you, I love my shop. I call it my "Daycare for adults". It's more than just a place for woodwork it a social place for fellow woodworkers.

[@Justaskingquestionsforwisdom]

Good video mate, Just started and enjoying it.

[@JimE6243]

Nice job Rob. I picked up some nice tips and learned a few things I hadn't thought of. Thanks. JimE

[@glen3257]

thank you sir for this video. Like and new subscriber.

[@melissabarron1574]

Thank you great class. Clear teaching skills

[@catchmeifyoucan2815]

This evening I'll start my very first pen :-) thanks for the great explanation sir !

[@loiza59]

Thank you for your excellent video!

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

You're welcome, I enjoyed making it.

[@williamcurt2433]

Thank you! Can't wait to get started making my own pens!

[@StinsonBlueWagon]

Thank you!! Great information and detail

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Thank you!

[@daveboyt6810]

Nicely done! I'm just getting started, and look forward to viewing your other videos!

[@robausa1]

+Dave Boyt Nice to hear. I hope you enjoy them!

[@chriscarey6614]

Thank you for a very informative video great detail I feel i can go and make every thing you showed

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Nice to hear! Give it a try then let us know how you did!

[@cezarlorenzini]

Thank you for the lesionado!

[@stevehogg]

Thank you for the good instruction!

[@stevehogg]

I have now turned about 100 pens since watching this video. Gave about 50 away for Christmas last year. Thanks again!

[@jkrupp]

Nice video, Rob. One day I will start to make some pens. But I want do make fountain pens. By now I'm learning from skilled craftmen like you, Rob. ;) Greatings from Antofagasta, Chile (forgive my bad english, please)

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Your English looks great to be! Most pen kits for fountain pens are made the same way.

[@ve6but123]

Just simply the best thanks very much for details vid.

[@mrwallyspickles123salsamix8]

Thank you for this great video

[@juliocorpeno7255]

I like your clean shop. wow

[@vaughanza]

Excellent, should start this hobby, add it to my 3D printing & laser engraving. Awesome , thanks

[@cezarlorenzini]

Thanks for the lesson!

[@keirokeiro1976]

Very informative, thanks!

[@mtgentrysr]

I did just get the Wood River DV2 Drill Vise. This is one that can be used with a hand held drill. It's not too bad so far. Someone needed my Drill press vise more than I did apparently. I haven't tried a precise center drill yet. Here's to hoping.

[@artheen4713]

With a drill chuck or collet in the tail stock of the lathe, you don't need a drill press nor a drill vise. Nor a pen mandrel, as you can then drill the hole after mounting the blank in the lathe - it's being held in perfect centered position for the hole. Use an auger bit instead of a brad point, because you can't jig much with the tail stock screw.

[@mtgentrysr]

Art Heen that's what I had to go with. The DV2 did not have the precision I was looking for. I do it all on lathe now and much happier doing so! Thank you!

[@xweetc.1122]

Great video, I wish there were links to all the gadgets that are helpful...

[@412candle]

So much knowledge here

[@Drpepper7916]

20:27 I got distracted for a bit by the white and black makita drill - very nice, first time I`ve seen one

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

The white and black drills are more of their consumer line. I have 5 of them and have been using them for a few years. Our woodworking club went to the Makita factory and had a great tour where they answered questions. When we were done I ordered 5 drills.

[@Drpepper7916]

I`ll bet that was an interesting factory, I used to repair them so I`ve seen them from the inside and Makita are built very well

[@ronmiller682]

Very interesting thank you for sharing and teaching us.

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

very informative, thank you sir.

[@frankphillips7436]

I’ve watched several people make pens. I’m not new to woodworking. I’m not new to lathe work. Why would you rather use a drill press to make the center hole instead of a tail stock drill on the lathe? I have a chuck that will hold a 3/4 inch square. As long as I ensure the blank is level, isn’t that a better option? No one on KZbin seems to think so. I’m just wondering why. I’m assuming I’m missing something. I’m glad he addressed my question. I’m just doing entry level slimline pens. The lathe drill will do what I need.

[@TurningRound]

Thanks, I love turning pens, I am also uploading a free pen turning video series.

[@jonathanbuck5619]

very nice and detailed video.

[@brianbassett4379]

A thin wax plug, or potato if you're frugal, works very well at keeping any glue from entering the brass tube when gluing it into the drilled blank. When I have a special piece of wood that I want to look the same after years of use I apply a thin layer of CA glue and polish it to a super gloss that seals the wood from skin oils and discoloration.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

That makes a nice extra layer of protection. I don't care for the very shinny finish of the CA glue. It give some wood a plastic.

[@brianbassett4379]

@@gwinnettwoodworkers I agree and only hold waxed wood personally but the CA application allows the pen to be polished back to its original gloss luster for the life of the pen. Nice work.

[@terra0803]

Never knew you could use a handheld drill to flush the wood before, thx!

[@ColaDose52]

Your advice on the glove protection with epoxy was very good. Should you get epoxy on your hands, you can use vinegar or diluted acetic acid while the epoxy is still uncured for many epoxies. You should immediately wash thoroughly with soap and water after using the vinegar to remove residue.

[@masjabrikdiy8422]

hello friends greetings healthy and successful always. thank you for sharing knowledge and always faithfully watching your latest things @👏👏

[@Shaka_Vibe]

Thank you! Great tutorial.

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Rob

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

You welcome, happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@OriginalAxepack]

Great video! Can you compare the finishing steps you use for wood vs acrylic?

Thank you much

[@rajkumar-yt1me]

Great excellent pens of world levels and this pens writing things good perfection and good performance for good looking good comfortable with good quality and good writing

[@durk1980]

You're a great instructor Rob. I've scoured youtube prior to jumping into pens, and this is one of the best videos. Just bought a Harbor Freight 10"x18" lathe, and everything else from Penn State. I will tell you the mandrel saver is awesome. Also, just so you know, the folks at Woodcraft didn't agree with your sanding steps. They said to go 150, 240, 320, 10 coats CA thin, 400, 10 coats CA medium, 400, 600, 800. I carnuba buffed after. All that did was make my pen very hard and unnatural like. You couldn't press your thumbnail into it at all, but it also didn't feel like wood. Not impressed. I will make another one tonight with your method. Question, I see Mylands Friction Polish on Penn State, but sanding sealer is only on Woodcraft. Do you mind sharing where you purchase? Lastly, how do you recommend turning close/matching to the bushing on soft wood, without it chipping or getting too thin on a slimline? Hard wood isn't "spongy" and problematic as I'm learning, but some soft woods still look cool. Any advice? (sorry for huge post)

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

Mylands and Penn state both have sanding sealer and friction polish. I buy mine from Woodcraft. Sometimes they run out and I special order it. Turning on soft wood does take a more delicate touch and very sharp tools. I like using a skew for shaping the ends. You will have to sand either way so use your tools to get close then sand to the end. As far as the sanding grits when going from a course grit to a thin grit... you never use a grit that is more than half of the grit you are using. So if you use 150 grit - 1/2 would be 75 so the biggest jump would be to 225. In order to sand the larger scratches out you should use grits that are closer to what your using. I use Norton or Diablo Aluminum-Oxide sandpaper and I have not seen them make a 600 or 800 grit. Most of the 600 grit and above is a wet sand paper. The jump from 320 as Aluminum-Oxide to wet sand paper is not a normal progression. There are several ways of finishing your turnings so experiment and if you find something you really like let us know. Rob

[@durk1980]

@@gwinnettwoodworkers It's been 7 years since I left that comment. This video popped up in my feed today, and I saw my original comment. To be clear, Rob's method is still the best. I'm not a fan of a CA finish. Wooden pens are art you can use. Coating them in CA glue takes that authentic wooden feel away. It's like a leather bag to me: if it "fades" a bit, it's supposed to! I have turned a LOT of pens, and I just wanted to come back here and thank Rob again for all the help. I would add that I like Abranet. That sanding mesh doesn't deteriorate or clog as quickly. Keep up the great work!

[@pikeevans8559]

I use MEK to remove epoxy from me and other things. You can also use Acetone. Anything that is a solvent for lacquer based paints will work.

[@maxgarcia9512]

Nice video Rob. I am brand new to pen making. I never knew there was so many little things involved in Pen Making. However, a question comes to mind when you showed the kits. Once you make a pen, do you ever have a customer ask for pen ink insert replacements? Or are these inserts available at any staples store for example? Thanks!! I learned a lot.

[@Sagern234]

thanks for the demo. i currently do not have a lathe and not sure i want to make pens if i did. Was nice nice to see/learn how it could be done nonetheless

[@WillyD27]

Why so many doors behind you

[@wildbill23c]

I agree it is far cheaper to buy the board and cut your own blanks. I've done that many times. Actually have picked up larger pieces from the discount wood bin at Woodcraft and made many pen blanks that way. I got a piece of Yellow Heart last year for $8 it made me 27 full size pen blanks and 4 single tube size pen blanks. Really nice to get larger pieces and turn them into blanks. I also try and make my own acrylic blanks whenever I can as well. I'm like you I don't make them for profit...definitely not a profit where I live, people will go to the dollar store and buy a package of garbage pens and throw them away, they will never pay the price for a hand made pen that they will have forever. I make them for fun, and all sorts of different styles to make, and tons of blank types out there too. I have had good luck with regular super glue for wood blanks, but for acrylic I've found that super glue doesn't work very well, I've had brass tubes break away from the acrylic during turning, so I now use epoxy for all my acrylic pens....which is mostly what I do now, don't really make very many wood pens unless its a new pen style I've never done before, then I use wood, its easier to work with and don't waste an acrylic blank, I've actually screwed a few up and just turn the wood off back to the brass tubes and start over.

[@robausa1]

+William Todd (williamtodd) I found the CA glue can become brittle after time. I now use the epoxy of all my pen blanks. When I'm setting up the blanks I do 20 or 30 at a time so the epoxy works well. I can do around 4 sets of blanks before the epoxy starts to harden.

[@wildbill23c]

Rob Austin I've kind of stopped using the CA glue even on the wood blanks here this past weekend that I did, I had the epoxy right there already, and it seems to hold a lot better, have to wait a while before I can finish the pens, but I'd rather not have tubes coming lose during the turning process LOL. For the cost of epoxy I think I'm just going to stick (no pun intended) with the epoxy across the board now.

[@1mcclg1]

William can u make me a fountain pen ? I'm new to collecting fountain pens n would love to have a beautiful hand made one in my collection .

[@wildbill23c]

MC CLG send me an email [e-mail] with your color choice. I can make wood or acrylic. Just a note, most of the nibs for the hand made pens aren't as good as the commercial ones you find from Goulet Pens, or the like.

[@1mcclg1]

William Todd OK cool,i will dearly noted on the Nib

[@CC-gv6us]

Your finish method is so good for wood pens, I wonder what you do to finish acrylic?

[@liondirk]

Gave this video a Thomas up like just for nod to the patron saint of home woodworkers Norm Abrams at the start.

[@shkraus]

Amazing video and a great frame work for anyone getting into pen turn. What speed are you going up to when sanding? I've always been told to keep under 250 (I have the same lathe you are using). Thanks again!

[@Mr_Chuckles]

Interesting to see you don't use a CA finish like so many other penturners. So is the friction polish the primary protectant? How does it hold up over time with daily pen use?

[@Santamonicadrainco]

I’d really like to make a pen. I’ve got a bunch of fancy cut offs that would work great. My question is what do I need to get started. I have a one way talon chuck and a live center. I just never looked into this till your video.

[@gwinnettwoodworkers]

A pen mandrel is almost mandatory. Their not vey expensive and it make the process much easier.

[@geauxsavvydesignsbyShon]

Thank you so much for this. Do you mind sharing the epoxy you used for the pens?