Changes

== 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 the tube. 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.

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: