Changes

* [https://www.woodcraft.com/categories/pen-pencil-stylus-kits Woodcraft]

* [https://www.woodcraft.com/categories/pen-pencil-stylus-kits Woodcraft]

The "standard" for pen turning is a 7mm mandrel. One will need to purchase bushings specific to the type of pen, which adapt it so that the pen blank can fit on the 7mm mandrel and also provide a reference for the size one will need to turn the pen blank so it is flush with the metal pen hardware. Bushings can be damaged by turning, sanding, and finishing. As such, these are considered user-supplied consumables. One should watch the diameter of the bushing and try not to damage them when turning.

The "standard" for pen turning is a 7mm mandrel, which PS:One owns. One will need to purchase bushings specific to the type of pen, which adapt it so that the pen blank can fit on the 7mm mandrel and also provide a reference for the size one will need to turn the pen blank so it is flush with the metal pen hardware. Bushings can be damaged by turning, sanding, and finishing. As such, these are considered user-supplied consumables. One should watch the diameter of the bushing and try not to damage them when turning.

Kits frequently are classified by tube size. We currently have hardware to make pens with the following tube sizes:

Kits frequently are classified by tube size. PS:One currently has hardware to make pens with the following tube sizes:

* 7 mm

* 7 mm

* 10 mm

* 10 mm

Larger sizes are common for some larger fountain pens, and other less common sizes exist as well. Over time, we anticipate PS:One's tooling inventory for pen turning to grow.

Larger sizes are common for some larger fountain pens, and other less common sizes exist as well. Over time, we anticipate PS:One's tooling inventory for pen turning to grow. This tooling is stored in the blue plastic box under the Wen lathe, labeled Pen Turning. '''Please make sure all pen turning tooling is returned to this box!'''

Pen blanks typically come in sizes of around 3/4" x 3/4" x 5-6" which is suitable for most small pens. Larger fountain pens may need 1" x 1" blanks. Exotic hardwoods are popular, as are various engineered acrylics with color patterns.  

Pen blanks typically come in sizes of around 3/4" x 3/4" x 5-6" which is suitable for most small pens. Larger fountain pens may need 1" x 1" blanks. Exotic hardwoods are popular, as are various engineered acrylics with color patterns. These can be acquired from the suppliers, above, as well as many other sources. Several PS:One members use exotic hardwoods in their projects; it may be possible to recycle scrap for pen blanks. And it is possible to laminate woods together to make a multi-layered blank.

== Trimming, Drilling, and Squaring the Blank ==

== Trimming, Drilling, and Squaring the Blank ==

Most pens are made in two pieces, in which case the kit comes with two tubes. The pen blank needs to be cut to length, slightly larger than the length of each tube, respectively. Marks should be placed on the blank before cutting so orientation can be established later, which is an important consideration in making sure the grain matches. A mark should be placed at the center of each pen blank on one of the small ends. The opposite end can then be clamped in a 4-jaw chuck on the lathe. A 1 MT Jacobs chuck can be inserted in the tailstock of the lathe, and one of the following brad point drills can be used inserted in the Jacob's chuck. The Jacob's chuck is currently hanging on a wall rack. Drills are stored inside a blue "Pen Turning" bin. The brad point bits are designed not to "wander" and are substantially more expensive than traditional drill bits. As such, care must be taken so they remain in the blue Pen Turning toolbox under the lathe. The following sizes are available at present:

Most pens are made in two pieces, in which case the kit includes two tubes. The pen blank needs to be cut to length in pieces, each slightly larger than the length of the respective tube. Marks should be placed on the blank before cutting so orientation can be established later, which is an important consideration to ensure the grain matches. A mark should also be placed at the center of each pen blank on one of the small ends. The opposite end can then be clamped in a 4-jaw chuck on the lathe. A 1 MT Jacobs chuck can be inserted in the tailstock of the lathe, and one of the following brad point drills, based on the tube diameter as specified in the kit instructions, can be inserted in the Jacob's chuck. The Jacob's chuck is currently hanging on a wall rack next to the Wen lathe. Drills are stored inside the blue "Pen Turning" box. The brad point bits are designed to bore into the wood without wandering and are substantially more expensive than traditional drill bits. '''Please use these drills only for pen turning and make sure they are returned to the blue "Pen Turning" toolbox so that they do not get lost in the woodshop.''' The following drill sizes are available at present:

* 7 mm

* 7 mm