Changes

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.

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 and Drilling the Blank ==

[[File:DrillingPenBlank.jpeg|thumb]]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:

[[File:DrillingPenBlank.jpeg|thumb]]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: