Buying your first lathe is exciting. Imagine all the things you can make as gifts, for your home or even to sell, not to mention all the time you’re going to spend with the soothing, satisfying task of woodturning. Having your own lathe opens up new worlds for makers, but […]
wood turning
65 posts
As soon as you start woodturning, you quickly develop an appreciation for unusual wood with special features such as spalting, curl and burl. You’ll also notice that these unique wood types often have a slightly higher price tag. This is because they’re a little harder to come by than usual. […]
Lesson number one in pen turning: Precision is everything! You may have already learned this the hard way. Those tiny pen kit parts can be finicky. Something that seems like a small misstep in the beginning can become a big, glaring problem later, like unsightly gaps or even a pen […]
Woodturners love exotic wood for its huge range of colours and intriguing features. The problem is, sometimes it can be surprisingly difficult to finish. Many tropical woods in particular are oily, which can interfere with some of the most common finishing products. Unusual, interesting wood may be prized in pen […]
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 […]
If you’re a beginner woodturner or a pen maker ready to branch out into larger projects, you might have questions about chucks. A chuck is inserted into the headstock of a lathe to clamp things in place, whether that’s a blank or a tool. Different chucks do different jobs. So […]
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 […]
Every woodturner has different preferences when it comes to tools. One hotly debated subject is choosing between traditional chisels or carbide chisels. Which one is better? Well, there’s no simple answer for that! The fact is, they’re just different, each with pros and cons. Traditional chisels are usually made from […]
If you’re venturing into the world of casting your own resin pen blanks, it can seem like there’s an overwhelming amount of things to learn. You can experiment with almost any material and with practice, create some really unique, visually stunning pieces. One important element of resin casting is choosing […]
Whether you’re a beginner woodturner or a seasoned pro, you’re probably always on the lookout for new projects to try turning on your lathe. While there really are no limits to what you can experiment with, having some woodturning kits for practice and inspiration is always helpful. No matter your […]
Have you ever stopped to wonder what it is about woodturning that you love so much? Well, the answer is simple: it’s good for your brain! Studies have shown that creative hobbies such as woodturning can help ease anxiety, alleviate depression and improve memory. Working with your hands on a […]
One of the most common and well-loved materials in pen turning is CA glue, also known as cyanoacrylate. It’s not just that it is great for gluing pen tubes into wood blanks; it can also be used to stabilize weak wood, create a durable finish and even repair mistakes! So […]
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 […]
While browsing products for pen making and other wood turning projects, you’ll have seen references to MT1 and MT2. The letters stand for “Morse Taper”. A morse taper is a tool that fits into the headstock and tailstock of a lathe and has a hollow housing for inserting chucks, live […]
Have you ever wanted to repair a handmade pen, but weren’t sure how to safely disassemble it? Or maybe you’ve applied a glossy CA finish and ended up with your bushings covered in glue. These are common pen turner problems, and there are specialized tools to help deal with them. […]
If you’ve been selling your custom pens and other lathe projects at craft markets then you know that sometimes it’s hit or miss; what flies off the shelves at one event sits untouched at another. So how are you supposed to know what inventory to make, and who is going […]
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 […]
Usually, those drawn to woodturning have a special appreciation for wood and the trees it comes from. Trees are ancient and most of them have a lifespan much longer than our own. It only makes sense that they have accumulated quite a bit of folklore over time, some of which […]
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 […]
Exotic wood for turning is usually prized for its striking appearance, but there are other factors that come into play. Many have unusual figuring and colours, with an additional story or anecdote, making them top choices for custom pens and other lathe projects. Here are some popular exotic woods along […]
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 […]
If you’ve been turning pens for a while and are ready to expand your skill set, bottle stoppers are a fun next step. They also happen to be excellent handmade gifts, so if you’re selling your wood turnings at markets or online, they’re a great addition to your inventory. Turning […]
Many woodturners will tell you that their finish of choice for pen making is cyanoacrylate, commonly known as CA glue. CA glue creates a hard, durable and glossy finish while enhancing the grain and sheen of the wood. It’s accomplished by building up very thin layers of CA glue and […]
After you’ve been pen turning with for a while, you might want to try making your own unique blanks. This is where casting resin comes in. You can include colours, textures and objects in almost any combination. While the process may seem a little daunting at first, the right tools […]
Achieving a flawless finish on your wood turned pens and lathe projects can be a long process that requires patience, attention to detail and many stages of sanding. Wet sanding or using an abrasive paste are two ways to get your pen blanks to that satisfyingly smooth and flawless state. […]
There is an overwhelming number of choices when it comes to finishing your custom pens and other lathe projects. Some people swear by wax and oil products, while others always turn to shellac to get that deep, glossy look. When deciding what polish to choose when shopping for woodturning supplies, […]
Have you ever attended a craft market and noticed that other vendors are selling items similar to yours? Or if you sell handmade wood turned pens online, you may have noticed the market can be saturated. This is when it’s time to bring in something new and different to make […]
Stabilizing your own wood for pen turning can be a real trial-and-error process. There are so many variables that impact how your blanks will turn out, such as humidity and temperature. At William Wood-Write, we’ve been stabilizing our own pen blanks and project blocks for years and have learned a […]
Have you ever bought multiple pen blanks of the same wood and noticed varying colour, grain and density? This is probably because they came from different parts of the tree. Sapwood refers to the newer, outermost rings of a tree while heartwood is the older center. Then there is the […]
Have you ever seen those amazing wood turned projects that have multiple kinds of wood seamlessly pieced together? It’s impressive! Segmenting is a woodworking technique that combines various small pieces of wood, metal or acrylic to create a whole blank, which you can then turn on your lathe. It’s often […]
It’s a debate that can go on forever: Is stabilized wood better than natural wood when it comes to turning? Truthfully it comes down to what you’re making, what species you’re working with and personal preference. Stabilized wood has been thoroughly dried and then permeated with resin under vacuum. This […]
You’ve probably seen brightly coloured pen blanks, but did you know that you can make your own? While you can buy pre-dyed and stabilized wood for pen turning, alcohol based ink allows you create your own colour combinations and patterns that will make your custom pens stand out from the […]
Wood turners are always on the lookout for features in wood that make our projects stand out, whether that’s a unique grain, an unusual colour or the intricate patterns found in a nice piece of burl. One way to give meaning and value to a pen, bowl or other turning […]
Although tool preference will come down to the turners personal preference, not all chisels are made equal. For example, there are specialty chisels for projects like pen or bowl turning that will make your time on the lathe more enjoyable. We’re going to break down each type of chisel, what […]
When it comes to putting a top coat on your turning projects there are endless product choices, which can make it difficult to choose what finish is best for you. We’ll compare each of our wood finishes main ingredient, level of gloss and ease of application. Shellac Friction Polishes The […]
Written in collaboration with Clapham’s Beeswax Products Ltd Looking for a natural wood finish for your turning projects, while keeping your spending power in Canada? Clapham’s Beeswax Products are produced sustainably from Farm-to-Tub in British Columbia, offering a natural way to finish and preserve your wood turning projects with local […]
Have you ever come into possession of an absolutely stunning and unique piece of wood and thought of the perfect project to use it for, only to discover there is a crack, gap or hole in the worst possible place? Worry not! This is where inlaying comes to the rescue! […]
We, here at William Wood-Write are very excited to announce that we now offer monthly Woodturner’s Subscription Boxes for our loyal customers! Our subscription boxes are a monthly surprise chocked full of popular products, upgraded blanks and top-selling accessories we know you’ll love. No matter which you choose, you’ll receive […]
We know, here at Wood-Write, that a lot of our customers have a desire to get into knife-making, but just don’t know where to start! Between all of the different types of blades and handle materials we offer, we know knife-making can be a little daunting. Luckily, we’re here today […]
Mistake #1 : Improperly Squaring Up Pen Blanks Why is there a gap between my pen kit and barrel? One of the most common mistakes when it comes to turning pens is improperly squaring up the ends of your pen blanks. There are a few ways that a pen blank […]
Squaring up your pen blank can seem like one of the quicker, less important steps when it comes to turning a handcrafted pen. However, correctly squaring up the ends of your pen blank is one of the most important steps in ensuring your final pen works flawlessly. In this article, […]
Handcrafted knives remain an extremely popular woodworking project, and William Wood-Write is here to help you get the most out of your handcrafted pieces. We carry a variety of different knife making materials, each with their own advantages, so you’ll be able to find the perfect material for your project! […]
Wedding season is in overdrive this year with so many postponed couples finally getting a shot at their big day. But how does this relate to pen turning? We’ll tell you. This surge in event planning offers an opportunity for pen turners in Canada. Approaching popular wedding venues, wedding planners […]
It’s an easy transition from pen turning to ring making, with only a few differences between the two projects. Even those experienced in wood turning will notice similarities between past lathe projects when diving into ring turning. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have ring turning aced before you […]
Pen turners are makers at heart, so it’s not a surprise we also want to cast our own pen blanks. Creating a pen blank that’s one of a kind is alluring, offering unlimited possibilities when it comes to colour and material combinations. The process may seem intimidating, but the required […]
In the last 15 years, fountain pen turning kits have been regaining popularity as a very personal, elegant writing tool used for signatures, calligraphy, or special letters and notes. But, before turning your first fountain pen, there are a few things you need to know. 1) Basic Mechanics of a […]
Looking for your Cyanoacrylate glue to go the extra mile? We get it. CA glues are absolutely necessary when it comes to pen turning, but they aren’t always cheap. That’s why we’ve got the best tips to make those bottles of precious glue last as long as they can without […]
1. C-BOND CA Glue – Made in Canada! We’re very excited to offer a new, Canadian-made CA glue to our loyal customers! C-BOND is a general purpose instant/cyanoacrylate glue used to bond rubber, metal, plastics and wood, and is made in thick, thin, or EXTRA thin viscosities. If you’re looking […]
Turning your first pen is a simple and rewarding project, producing a finished pen kit in only a few hours.
You can buy confidently knowing the wood turner on your list won’t already have what you’ve wrapped up under the tree- with these 10 brand new products to Penblanks.ca
The time for Christmas gift shopping is upon us, and we here at William Wood-Write are excited to give you our top 10 best gifts for wood turners. Whether they are into technology, stationary, kitchen utensils or jewelry, William Wood-Write offers a huge variety of products to ensure that you […]
Do you ever find yourself in a fluster when you can’t find the tool or item you need? Do you find yourself ruining a project because you’re not organized? Leave that in the past by following these top tips to help you keep your shop organized. Storage for turning tools […]
Have you got a Christmas craft market fast approaching, or are you starting to stock up on handmade gifts with the holidays coming up? Taking photos of all the handmade pens you make will allow you to build an online inventory, whether they were intended for online sale or not. […]
Getting your finished pieces to their new owners can be daunting. Whether you’re shipping across the city or across the world, you want your handcrafted pieces to make it to their destination safely and in a timely manner. To help guide you in the process, William Wood-Write is here with […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to cancellation of many of our favourite craft shows, fairs and exhibitions this fall – events many of you count on to sell the items you make in your workshops. Although this is disappointing, all is not lost! There are still ways to reach customers […]
With endless styles of pen kits out there, a good way to narrow down your next project is deciding between a rollerball or ballpoint pen kit. Not sure what the difference is, or which is the best pen for your writing style? Here are a few easy ways to tell […]
If you’re comfortable with the basics, you can spend less time researching and more time turning. Often referred to by wood workers as their form of meditation, pen making is a satisfying hobby with limitless project possibilities. What you need to make a pen With endless kit styles, platings and […]
Pen turning can be a bit daunting when you’re first starting out, so we at William Wood-Write are here with 5 tips and tricks that will make sure you turning project comes out perfectly! While we could go on forever listing tips for a perfectly turned project, we’ve come up […]
Tips for Making Custom Pens Trying to pick the perfect pen blank for your project? Overwhelmed by the sheer variety of materials? Can’t decide if your calligraphy pen set should be in Amethyst Mine poly resin or Harley Flame acrylic? William Wood-Write is here to help! It can be tough […]
Craft shows are a beast of their own. They require hours of turning wood lathe projects weeks before to beef up inventory, booking tables, packing product in bubble wrap and often convincing a partner to put a weekend aside to help you at your booth – but are they ever […]
Pricing can make or break your wood turning business. So, determining how much you’ll charge your customers for your custom wood turned pens is very important. We’ve got some tips for you to start selling your wood lathe projects fast and increase your sales. Find Comparables To stay competitive, make […]
One positive outcome of the Pandemic is that it has brought our country together and urged so many to shop Canadian and support local. You’ll be happy to know that William Wood-Write is not only a Canadian wood turning supplier, but we also design and produce many of our pen […]
We get it, turning as a hobby can be a hit on the credit card. We find ourselves swiftly and mercilessly sucked into the addiction, wanting to spend allocated grocery money on pen blanks. But don’t fret! You can keep tooling investment low and turn to your hearts desire by […]