Turning FREE Plastic Waste into $75 Pens

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In this video we revisit one of our first ever recycled plastic projects - pens! We figured it was time for a 2.0 version, since we've learnt a LOT about recycled plastic since then. And we also figured this would be a good opportunity to come up with a few other ways to make pens. So we've come up with 3 ways to tackle this, each with their own pros and cons. This video is a culmination of about 2 years of experience and research, so we really hope you gain something from this!
If you'd like to purchase the 'expert' pens we showed you how to make in this video, then check out our current stock of our 'Vita' pens at brothersmake.com/shop/p/pens. Please bear in mind that we only make these in small batches at a time so there may not always be colours in stock. Feel free to sign up to our mailing list using the link above to be notified of all pen drops.
The cheaper pen kits we used in this video came from Axminster, and the stainless steel Pratchett pen kit came from Taylors Mirfield. We will also be selling our pen blanks very soon, so you can have a go at making your own!
#BrothersMake #HDPE #PreciousPlastic #HDPERecycling #RecycledPlastic #RecycledPlasticBottles #PlasticShredding #InjectionMoulding #PlasticRecycling
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FAQ:
➡️ We sell 100% plastic products on our website! www.brothersmake.com/shop
➡️ We don't buy any of our plastic. It all comes from collection and donations. We have a video all about it: bit.ly/2RsbhKA
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Music by Epidemic Sound

[@davehanson2701]

I finally made my first HDPE block last weekend using a toaster oven from a second hand store and a basic mold made from reclaimed wood. You two have really helped me be conscience about generating waste. Thank you for sharing your experiences and encouraging us to start where we're at.

[@BrothersMake]

That sounds great Dave! Hope you continue recycling :)

[@TheWishDragon]

I'd be curious about a fountain pen that can be used with a reusable ink cartridge. Less waste (hopefully) and less stress on the hand when writing! :D

[@BrothersMake]

A fountain pen would be great, we'll see what we can do!

[@karma13612]

@@BrothersMakepeople pay $$$$$ for resin pens with beautiful mixed color designs. Look up “primary manipulation”. You guys could make them for a fraction of the price.🖋🙋‍♀️❤️

[@karma13612]

You can always design the FP to take standard converters. And if you can eliminate metal, you can make eye-dropper FP’s.

[@barbarahallowell2613]

I'm a fountain pen user, collector and restorer. I'd be interested in this but not cartridges as much as refillable converters /tanks. I like to switch out my inks often.😊

[@nitrohcr2-6969]

Why not 2 types- One with cartridges/converters and the other piston filling.@@BrothersMake

[@darrenosborne8252]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. I had an idea for a recycled plastic shipping box (your welcome to use the idea you're obviously the pros). I discovered your channel while looking for methods on how to do this. I had no idea recycled plastic could be so pretty. It reminds me of when I got into soap making. Have you considered using a rolling pin wrapped with a silicone sheet for pressing out the plastic. I never done it. I have no idea what you'll get but I do know that you can use hardware store 100% silicone to fuse silicone pieces together. Thank you guys, your my new favorite channel.

[@Mr_Wolfkin]

I went into this needing a panini press, and left needing a panini press, churro maker, lathe, heat gun, micro mesh pads, drill press, and whatever else I can't find in the garage, I'd be curious to see what the minimum materials needed would look like! Only using the most simple methods to get the lowest entry cost, good video either way!

[@hrc6628]

EXCELLENT video, I wish all KZbin content featured this level of thoughtfulness, skill and quality. My favorite things you showed (besides all of it) were the summarized pros and cons for each method. It is so instructive for those of us interested in trying this craft and looking to orient our expectations of the process. Truly awesome!!

[@BrothersMake]

What a lovely comment, thanks so much!

[@johngriffith744]

Stunning pens, great channel!

[@carr869]

I’ve been a wood turner for many years and I really enjoy turning pens. I use wood, epoxy, plastic acrylic. Anything that can be turned. I also use the micro sanding pads. They last longer if you wet sand with them. On plastic I sand up to 600 grit then use the pads. Thank you for the videos.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

I have an idea for you.. Why not make a larger slab of HDPE, like your recycled plastic stool.. Then slice off the blanks one at a time on your bandsaw? You would save some time and end up with numerous blanks all with the same colors. Cheers!

[@Navi26er]

Great Video and nice turning. I would love to buy a couple of your penblanks for turning them myself.

[@sharkattack1979]

Pens look super, looking forward to trying a couples of those blanks 🤙🤙

[@KrazeeKraftZ]

Love your work, I built a precious plastic shredder a few years ago but as I still need to work for a living it's pretty much still just sitting around. Hopefully I'll have time soon to do more with it!

[@martinagoricanec2543]

You guys are great, so glad I found your channel! The pens look beautiful, as do all your creations. I love how you take your time to make things as perfect as possible and experiment with everything, giving lots of usefull advice along the way. Really a great source of inspiration, thank you for putting out these videos!

[@2megalott358]

This is amazing and this video cheered me up. I was laughing so hard at the humor and love you both have for your work. I can't wait to own one of your creations. Thank you for being an inspiration to me.

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks so much for watching! We’re so pleased you enjoyed it :)

[@margimello7408]

Thank you for confirming there were actually 2 people. 😅 I thought it was some sort of weird editing choice to switch between long and short beard.........

[@nejoud95]

First of all i love your content and I just got started working on my own home recycling system inspired by your amazing easy methods, but can you guys please make a video melting material using a Heat press?

[@TheNITRO68]

love all the pens but the first two show more of the blank hence colour and vibrancy not to mention the work you put in to creating it got yourself a new sub all the way from down under keep up the great content wish i had you guys as teachers when I was in school : )

[@mendagy]

Wonderful video!!! Can't wait to try this - that is, if I can scrounge up all the "working parts"!! 😅

[@XxSchraeubchenxX]

I couldn't believe, that this is possible. Thanks for sharing this Idea and tutorial. Greetings from Germany

[@denistarasconi]

Speechless, absolutely amazing

[@burny1]

Have you thought about selling the injected pen blanks on your website? They look awesome

[@BrothersMake]

We have and we definitely will be!

[@adventureswithgrumpyjim1089]

I really liked this idea and have a question, if you shredded the plastic as you did for the 3rd one and for the first two would you not reduce the time and also might reduce the possibility of air pockets. just a thought. I did find the video informative and also thought that if you had a longer mold you could makes some wicked looking wizard wands

[@StechDoes]

I sure would like to see you guys figure out how to extrude pipe out of recycled plastic bottles. That's something I could actually use, and with the price of PVC these days, an affordable recycled alternative would be brilliant.

[@aprildegele1510]

FYI, having made a few pens... check the "fit" of the mechanism before you call it "good". The reason is that if you've not ground the blank perfectly to the tube, the fit will be different. Compress the twist mechanism, insert and screw in the ink, and then twist to be sure the ink comes out of the end of the nib sufficiently. If it barely shows, you need to push the mechanism in a little further (and I mean A LITTLE). If it won't contract fully when "un-twisted", then you'll have to pull the mechanism out a bit, which is a trick and usually requires special equipment. You can do it with pliers but that doesn't work out very well. I know. I've tried. Always try the twist mechanism before you continue on. Don't assume it's correct. The process could be way more efficient if you cut off most of the waste before turning. If you know the final dimension of the pen ends (because you have the bushings to go from), then you can cut accordingly. For making slimlines, I cut to within a quarter of an inch of the tube on all 4 sides on the bandsaw. Doesn't have to be perfect. it will round out on the lathe. You can refine further if you want to take the time to sand it round, but this just takes time and you get nothing out of it. A slimline pen bushing is about 9mm or so, with the exterior of the brass tube being 7mm. Cut the corners of the blank down to about 15 mm and that gives you plenty to work with. This also gives plenty of room for fancy stuff like bevels and inlays or whatever. If you cut off the waste in one big chunk, it's easier to recycle later. If your tools are catching and stop the blank, then you don't have the live edge part of the mandrel (or the right end) tight enough. Just take it a quarter of a turn and try again. Repeat until there's no catch.

[@richardokeeffe8375]

Fantastic make. Would love to see a vid of you reusing the shavings and hoover dregs

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks Richard! We actually did exactly that, if you search for our HDPE push stick video you can take a look ♻️🤙🏼

[@hexdef6423]

Drill with a metal plate with round hole works great and skips the lathe

[@staceynewby7504]

Candy makers use that twist and fold method for air bubbles I think so makes sense

[@MJamilHoque]

You brothers are awesome!!!!

[@rman8028]

Well, it looks like I may be in luck, since I acquired a pen lathe and a drill press from my father's estate 12 years ago, and I bought a mid-range panini press after seeing your video using a panini press. Unfortunately, my shop space is literally the size of your workbench. Sorry if my critique is a bit tedious, but doesn't CA glue set and epoxy cure? Just a minor pet peeve I have. Smashing video, Brothers; keep Making!

[@BrothersMake]

Sounds great! You’re all set up ready to go :) Set, cure, dry - all basically the same!

[@XxAvaxXroblox]

I know you guys from my school as you guys went there and i heard your story and it a miracle also i just sub to you guys

[@connor8292]

I like the pen kit for the beginner pen the most since it seems to allow the most colour.

[@BrothersMake]

It certainly came out nicely!

[@user-jy5xg2qe1o]

Beginner pens consist of single bodies/barrels.

[@peterburley2086]

Just for the benefit of those who do not have a drill press, you can use either the lathe or a vice as a pen press. Thanks for the update as it reminded me that I intended to recycle the panini machine in the back of the kitchen cabinet which was only destined for the graveyard in the loft. I am a user of Taylors Mirfield and can also highly endorse them. Keep up the good work.

[@ponyote]

Love this content. Thanks, bros.

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks so much!

[@CapedKong]

This is great! I made a board of orange and black HDPE using an old sandwich press, then made a slingshot from the board.

[@BrothersMake]

That's awesome! We'd love to try out a slingshot 🎯

[@tonyk680]

I need that shredder! Please let me know how to get one or make one

[@Omega11998822]

Yeeeeaaaaahh so fold and twist doesn't introduce any air at all does it... Kudos for keeping a straight face while saying that.

[@BrothersMake]

It depends on what scale of air pockets you’re talking about.. microscopic? Possibly. But for this process, the large air pockets are what you’re worried about, and this process removes all of those.

[@tongkes8039]

Can you make a toothbrush handle that can change the brush’s head?😅

[@BugHwi]

Would it be possible to make a fountain pen out of HDPE? Fountain pens are refillable, and one bottle of ink can last a while!

[@ashleeandrews4074]

The beginner and intermediate kits are more expensive in New Zealand they can be about $5 each. All the little bags can be annoying but my mum gets some of them as she's a sewer and puts buttons in them.

[@vicschapansky541]

Have you tried to heat the plastic with the brass tube inside. Would this glue the blank to the brass tube better. I used ca glue and it came loose while turning.

[@DrkNinja_]

I'm curious couldn't you use an epoxy resin in a small cylinder mold and stick the cylinder blanks (post lathe) to fill in any air bubbles and give it a protective coating?

[@kellymadigan9796]

I will have to look into this in the near future. My students would love it. The link to sustainable living is a great bonus.

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks! We speak to a lot of schools and Matt was a teacher previously and it has always gone down really well with the kids!

[@roberthousedorfii1743]

Hey folks, just FYI, catches occur even with crazy glued wood. The cause is the steel blocks are pressing against the brass tube, and NOT the material. If you put a couple spacers in there, nylon washers, rubber, whatever, the bushings will hold the material MUCH tighter. This is not me talking out my ass, I've made many pens. If this trick doesn't work for you, you're not getting pressure on the bushing pieces & the material. Or you've run out of thread on your mandrel? Or you don't have ENOUGH thread on your mandrel to add extra washer bits. If so, make your own mandrel from threaded rod. All these things can be done on a wood lathe or a drill press with enough IMAGINATION.....

[@Mriya6]

Huh, first time i've heard it called a "pillar drill". In Australia we call them a "pedestal drill" or a "drill press"

[@debovey]

What is the black sheet you wrap the plastic in when you melt it?

[@AskingSpot]

What kind of plastic is used for the end of bread bags? Can those clips be used?

[@stallundstrauch]

Awesome work! It was fun to watch and I can't wait to turn on my lathe! Is it possible to use PP or PET instead of HDPE? In germany plastic bottles are made of PET and the caps of PP?

[@twotone3070]

I believe PP needs a higher temperature, check some of their previous videos, so there is a risk of burning it... I think.

[@sasukeuchiha998]

And this is how those fountain pen companies can keep churning out new pens. Just whatever plastic/resin they got for cheap and just making w.e. So many pen bodies crack compared to the old antique ones.

[@profi2307]

Dear channel authors! Yesterday I was talking to you while broadcasting your video. Today at work, while watching your video again, I saw that, by an amazing coincidence, a video answer to my question was shown on the screen synchronously with my questions. I mean molding plastic into a mold with screw nuts, rod diameters of 13 and 18 mm. Thank you!

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks for joining the Premiere! And you're more than welcome 🤙🏼

[@jadeswrapsandbraids]

I am a new subscriber. I am so happy I came across your channel. I'll be telling anyone I can.. this being said, can you find simple ways the everyday person can do to help. Crafters such as we, will have things the general population will not and cannot access.I love the beach video. And making the paddles. Everything you're doing is amazing. But the general population cannot do the same as we do not have access to or the funds to get machines you are using. I'd love to see you find amazing ways the average person can craft using the plastic pollutants.

[@BrothersMake]

That’s awesome! Thanks for subscribing :) we have a few videos where we show lots of DIY options for recycling. Check out our beginners guide videos or maybe our 3 easy projects video 🤙🏽

[@luceddisjones9020]

I've been wondering if you could make sunglasses 😎 from recycled plastic. Could you guys do it?

[@BrothersMake]

It's actually on our list to do early next year!

[@Pebblesmas]

Wow, you guys are absolutely AMAZING! Makes me hopeful again, seeing enthousiastic people come uo with fab recycling ideas, LOVE your channel and ideas👍😘

[@Daph112]

how long did it take you to make 1 pen using the first and second method?

[@Mriya6]

Woodworkers would be absolutely fuming seeing how easy it is for you to patch air pockets with HDPE for an unnoticable smooth repair. If only it was that easy to fix internal holes and imperfections in wood!

[@JohnClark-tt2bl]

There is a fairly inexpensive injection molding kit from Buster Beagle 3D that would likely work for this. He's got a KZbin channel, check it out

[@uniquelylily1166]

So cool!

[@shannfranics8931]

make a mould using silicone some can be up to 230c n have seen some for 300c heat resistant, once emptied fill it up with Hdpe fragments (smaller the better mine are less then 1 mm x 1mm) pour it into the mould but just enough to create a layer and with a heat gun hit it on a top setting OUTSIDE with a fan blowing away from you but not gonna interfere with your hdpe fragments, then like a 3d printer whilst its still hot pour in the next layer of hdpe and blast with heat n do over n over till finished, or fill up the mould all the way and place in an ART only oven (easy bake). Although hard not impossible you can paint hdpe look up "plastic annealing" or kissed by flame then painted its not 100% but its damn close.

[@deanc6539]

Just a thought on an intermediate molding process rather than the churro maker; increase the size of the wooden mold from a single blank to 4 wide (or however many you want) and have the interior routed out with a bullnose bit to make the blanks round (or rounder at least). Increase of production speed and reduction of waste. I don't make pens, but I am lazy.

[@BrothersMake]

Nice ideas

[@BadgerRobot]

Best advice i have ever received on turning is to watch the top "shadow" of the work rather than where the tool meets the work.

[@BrothersMake]

Yes great tip!

[@MrConminer]

Hmmm I guess I'll try to shredd the plastic and then use a churro maker. Nice video guys!

[@Upcycled_plastic]

Awesome work Fellas

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks!

[@tloba4572]

How do you expect us to get those machines from

[@JoyceFields-en7ny]

Can your make Crochet hook and knitting needle out plastic.

[@alinejoyce77]

I wonder if you could just put the melted plastic into an old pen as the mould - rather than using the lathe.

[@GoodVibes-qg4ko]

Is it possible to make molds of car parts with your methods? And if so is it possible to paint this type of plastic?

[@BrothersMake]

For sure, it just depends on the size of the part. And no, you can’t paint HDPE easily

[@yousefgharaibeh7079]

What is the black thing you use to put it between panini and recycled plastic? In 0:58

[@candy-jf2rt]

Which machine use for make pen tell me the name of all things which use in make pen at home

[@barbarahallowell2613]

I just want to come and intern/create at your shop😊❤😊

[@JvdBos]

Even if I take nothing else away from this video, I'll take away the idea of using a drill press like that as a regular press 🙂

[@segawalker3302]

Any concerns w toxic off gases?

[@Opabinia-9]

I actually like the small plastic bags because I reuse them for a thousand different things

[@chrisburslem2779]

What is black stuff you put the plastic in.thanks

[@patsyettleman6998]

can you show us how to make bird houses and other bug habitats.

[@89Johneboy]

my favorite part is when he over drove the transmission lmao

[@FatChanceTheCouchDog]

@Brothers Make: simple improvement suggestions for your personal safety on the lathe. I assume you already know all the safety procedures and safety equipment. This suggestion is intended to make your work both easier and safer in the process. The suggestion: use a polycarbonate or other clear plastic capable of acting as a safety shield between the object you are lathing and your vision. I still recommend using safety goggles anyway. I also suggest making a vacuum tube and hose that sits directly behind your work area so as to collect as much of the debris as possible to reduce time spent cleaning and keep your work space clear. This should reduce waste due to dust accumulation on the plastic shavings. You could also just wash them before use but this suggestion is intended to remove that requirement entirely. I thought about using an empty clear soda bottle for this, but decided that wasn't safe enough for your application. Anyway, do with this whatever you want. I think it would be cool to use recycled plastic for the entire concept.

[@barry_t]

Couldn't you make a round blank mold for method one? therefofre less waste? I'd be amazed iof there wasn't a router bit for a half circle...

[@barry_t]

quick google: round nose router bit

[@richardhart7652]

I see you weighing the plastic before melting I assume that's to get a specific volume my question is what is the weight to volume ratio, as it will be frustrating to get halfway through a project to find that you need a lot more plastic

[@BrothersMake]

Check out out recycled plastic beam video where we give you the equation to work it out 🤙🏼

[@connienason1326]

Do you sale the pens you make I would love to have one

[@nl3kevin]

I have a question for you 2 when are you guys doing a q&a and my question is are you really brothers

[@jimmyholiday4670]

I have seen this work myself personally, in diesel vehicles and refined again to run a late model petrol vehicle. So to say busted is misleading.

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, I’d be interested in seeing a video on the energy requirements for all these recycled products you make. Heating th3 plastic must have a cost do you mitigate this in any way with solar or other ‘free’ energy?

[@aprildegele1510]

More jagged edges on the churro blanks? Huh. I'm not a turner (will be soon because ... obsessed), but I would think it would be easier to turn a multi-sided blank than a square one. Yes, there are more straight sides you need to round, but square wood is a whole lot chunkier. What say you? What if I made a jig to round the blank on a bandsaw first? Think that would save any time, or is turning faster no matter what? I'm guessing turning is faster on whole. Are you sure you had your bank chucked up tight? I mean, the blanks shouldn't get "stuck" no matter what shape. But I know little, so I want to learn.

[@BrothersMake]

Yep it was chucked up tight. But HDPE is a slippy material and will always loosen more so than wood. I’d say overall it’s still quicker on the lathe, it’s just something to be aware of as we found it slipped more that the cylindrical blank 👍🏽

[@margimello7408]

Do you need to worry about fumes when melting down the plastic?

[@BrothersMake]

Watch our most recent video 🤙🏽

[@iamonlyonepersonintheworld4109]

How much price for pen

[@LikeAboss168]

I pooped a little when you cut that blank in half and grabbed the other half it looked like you rammed your hand into the saw blade

[@pat_link_]

Very nice 👍🏻

[@BrothersMake]

Thank you Pat! #Brotherhood

[@JaredVonBaren]

Where is the iPhone Cases, iPhone Charger Housings (awaiting internals) & etc? Phones are a huge amount of our waste these days.

[@mikealnutt360]

Wonder how this would work with 3d printer waste

[@liih]

Hi, where I can buy teflon list?

[@BrothersMake]

Links in the description 😊

[@latheefview]

Very nice

[@dimsonz]

I'm from Malaysia , can you make a plastic aquarium?

[@sleepyhead5700]

hello i want to ask, does it smell when you melt the plastic? i wanna try it at home but afraid to disturb the neighbor

[@NigelTolley]

Make sure to wash the milk caps well, otherwise it all smells of cooked milk! The plastic itself doesn't smell. Unless it gets too hot.

[@_JALWA_HAI_HAMARA_]

can you give the pen set link

[@BrothersMake]

www.brothersmake.com/shop/p/pens

[@jamesrakestraw7125]

You did a good job and make money too.

[@ANDR701]

👍

[@graphixkillzzz]

how come this isn't called "Damascus plastic"? 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@HikingFeral]

Man I wish I had the space and money to have a workshop filled with tools but I can't even afford to fix the destroyed engine in our car that is Toyotas fault that they refuse to pay for.

[@LeonardGreenpaw]

Can someone please explain to me how a pen can be sold for so much money? I would very much like to get in on that XD but I cant justify for myself spending more than 5 dollars on a single pen

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

I enjoyed the video.

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks for watching Ramadin!

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@BrothersMakeYou're welcome guys! I always enjoy the videos you guys make while providing lots of information for the viewing public also. Blessings from Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹 🇹🇹

[@MFunkibut]

You take the hot plastic from the panini press and press it into a rectangular prism - even when you know you want a cylinder. Couldn't you use a long drill bit and create a cylindric mold? Even if it was slightly elliptical [due to saw blade kerf] you'd still be closer to your final shape and less wasteful. Building a cylinderic mold might be worth a quick video....

[@danstark3341]

You should sell me some of your injection blanks. Lol.

[@japanesecat188]

4:09 why does this look so much like pizza 💀