Selecting pen kits for wood turning can be a little overwhelming. Not only are there hundreds of aesthetic styles, but there are technicalities to consider. Is a rollerball pen better than a ballpoint? Who uses fountain pens, and what for? We’ve broken down some information to make it easier for you to decide what kind of pen to choose when making handmade gifts or getting ready for craft show season.
Different styles of pens to make on a lathe
Fountain Pens. To answer the question above, yes people use fountain pens! Artists use them for drawing and sketching and some writers like them too. Fountain pens make a special statement in handwritten notes or cards. Fountain pens have ink cartridge refills so they can be used again and again. Some also have an ink pump, which you can fill with bottled ink. This type of pen has a reputation for being a little messy, but with practice, you can produce some beautiful work. Here’s a quick how-to video about refilling a reusable ink pump:
Rollerball pens. Rollerball pens are often confused with ballpoint pens, but there are differences. Rollerball pens use water-based ink. The ink coats the rollerball quickly and makes for a smooth and soft writing experience that requires very little hand pressure. Rollerball pens are great for formal writing such as invitations or important letters. The ink takes a little longer to dry than a ballpoint pen and is more likely to smudge or bleed through low-quality paper. They may also leak or dry out when left uncapped. However, rollerball pens give your writing a sophisticated look that can’t be imitated.
Ballpoint pens – Ballpoint pens use alcohol-based ink that dries quickly and doesn’t bleed. Although the ink flows more slowly than in rollerball pens, which makes the writing experience slightly less smooth, it is smudge-resistant. Some ballpoint pens use a hybrid or low-viscosity ink mixed with lubricants that make the pen tip roll smoothly. Ballpoint pens are a common go-to thanks to their durable, leak-free, smudge-free features. They’re perfect for everyday use.
Gel pens. Gel ink is a coloured, water-based gel. Gel pens are available in a wide range of colours and are popular among journalers and doodlers. They roll very smoothly while writing, but may not work on glossy paper or other unusual surfaces. Like other pens with water-based ink, they tend to run out faster than ballpoint pens. Gel pens might also skip a little more frequently because the thin ink sometimes doesn’t coat the ball evenly. However, the choice of colours available in gel pens can’t be beat.
Click vs. twist mechanisms in pen-making
Some people love a retractable pen they can click with their thumb, while others prefer a twist pen. Both kinds require an internal mechanism that engages the ink refill when you twist or click the pen, pushing the writing tip out of the casing.
A twist mechanism has fewer moving parts than a click mechanism, making it more durable and less prone to breaking than a click pen. The twist mechanism is also quite small, allowing for very slim wood-turned pens. A click pen generally needs to be larger, making it ideal for those with bigger hands.
Replacement mechanisms are available for both in the case of breakage, which is great for handmade custom pens that can’t be duplicated.
Ultimately, the choice between twist or click comes down to personal preference.
Turning handmade custom pens
Now that you’ve decided which type of nib, ink and refills you prefer, it’s time for the creative part: deciding on a kit plating and choosing a pen blank. William Wood-write has a huge selection of pen-making supplies including exotic and stabilized woods, acrylic, and polyresin as well as some truly unique artisan-created options. Visit our website or drop us a line!
