Handmade woodturned bowls are a bestseller at craft markets and make excellent gifts, but we often hear from beginner woodturners that the process seems intimidating and possibly even dangerous. The most popular fear seems to be that it will crack or come flying off the lathe, which is definitely a […]
How To’s
10 posts
Sanding is an often unnoticed part of the turning process because the truth is, when it’s done well it doesn’t draw attention. When it’s done poorly, on the other hand, it’s the first thing that gets noticed. For many, it’s a chore and the least enjoyable part of turning. The […]
Something almost every woodturner can relate to is the struggle to keep all the smaller tools, bits and bobs organized. Bushings for pen turning in particular seem to go missing or get mixed up often, which is frustrating when all you want to do is get turning. Over the years […]
Woodturning is a fun, practical hobby, but any woodturner can tell you that it’s possible to get out of control while shopping! It isn’t easy to turn away from specialty pen blanks, new wood lathe tools and interesting project and pen kits. However, there are a few ways that you […]
One of the most common questions among beginner woodturners is how to sharpen chisels. There are lots of things to consider, such as the recommended angle for different chisels or what kind of grinding wheels and equipment is needed. Seasoned woodturners each have their own specific preferences for exactly how […]
If you’re an experienced pen turner looking for a more challenging lathe project, wooden rings are a great choice. Wooden jewelry is popular at craft markets or in an online shop, especially for customers who are searching for something custom made. Rings made from exotic wood also present an opportunity […]
Something we often hear customers say is that they’re overwhelmed by the choice of materials available for turning custom handmade pens on their lathe. Pen kits come in many platings and styles, and there are infinite blanks available. With all these options, how can you possibly decide what looks good […]
Not many people think about the inner workings of pens, but woodturners know better. If the parts of a pen aren’t assembled just so, the pen will not work properly. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending many hours turning and finishing a custom pen only to find that when you […]
Thanks to online shopping, there is a huge range of wood, resin and acrylic blanks for pen turning at your fingertips. The choices available for crafting custom pens are genuinely endless. But burl, exotic woods and synthetic materials each need to be approached differently to prevent blowout and get that […]
Wood-turned pens are much more than just a writing utensil. Often, they’re treasured gifts made from exotic wood and custom materials. Really, they’re works of art. That’s why there are some things you should do to ensure your special pen has a long life and continues to look beautiful. With […]