How to Make a Wooden Pen: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Jul 6

If you've ever wanted to build something beautiful in a single afternoon, pen making is one of the best places to start. It doesn't require a large shop, expensive lumber, or weeks of work. With a small piece of wood, a pen kit, and a few basic tools, you can create something that's both functional and meaningful.

One of my favorite things about making pens is that every blank is different. Even two pieces cut from the same board can reveal completely different grain patterns once they're turned on the lathe. It's always satisfying to watch an ordinary block of wood transform into a writing instrument that someone will use for years.

Whether you're looking for a new woodworking hobby, a handmade gift idea, or even the start of a small business, this guide will walk you through the entire process.

Can a Beginner Make a Wooden Pen?

Absolutely.

Pen making is one of the most beginner-friendly woodworking projects you can tackle. While there are a few specialized tools involved, the learning curve is much smaller than building furniture or cabinetry.

A typical pen can be completed in one to two hours once you're familiar with the process, making it a great weekend project.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials.

Tools

Wood lathe
Pen mandrel
Turning tools (carbide or traditional gouges)
Drill press or hand drill
Pen vise or drilling jig
Barrel trimmer (pen mill)
Pen press or bench vise
Sandpaper (150–600 grit minimum)
Micro-mesh pads (optional but recommended)

Materials

Pen kit
Wooden pen blank
Brass tubes
CA glue or epoxy
Pen finish (CA finish, friction polish, or your preferred finish)

Step 1: Choose Your Pen Blank

The pen blank is where your project begins.

Most pen blanks are approximately 3/4" x 3/4" x 5", although sizes vary depending on the pen kit.

For your first few pens, I recommend using an easy-to-turn hardwood such as:

Walnut
Cherry
Maple
Padauk

These woods machine cleanly and produce excellent results without being overly difficult to work.

Avoid highly figured woods or brittle burls until you've gained some experience.

Step 2: Cut the Blank

Most pen kits require two sections.

Measure the brass tubes included with your kit and cut the blank slightly longer than each tube.

Leaving about 1/16" of extra material on each end gives you room to square everything up later.

A bandsaw works great for this step, but a miter saw or handsaw will also do the job.

Step 3: Drill the Blank

Accurate drilling is one of the most important steps in the process.

Mark the center of each blank and drill slowly using the drill bit recommended for your pen kit.

A drill press generally produces the most accurate hole, but a hand drill with a quality vise can also work well.

Take your time.

Backing the bit out every half inch helps clear chips and prevents excessive heat, which can cause cracks.

Step 4: Glue the Brass Tubes

Lightly scuff the outside of each brass tube with sandpaper.

This gives the adhesive more surface area to grip.

Apply a thin coat of CA glue or epoxy to the tube and insert it while slowly twisting.

The twisting motion spreads the glue evenly throughout the hole.

Be careful not to get glue inside the tube.

If excess glue does get inside, remove it before it cures.

Allow the adhesive to fully cure before moving on.

Step 5: Square the Ends

Once the glue has cured, use a barrel trimmer to remove excess wood and glue until the brass tube is perfectly flush with the end of the blank.

This step is more important than many beginners realize.

If the ends aren't square, small gaps can appear when the pen is assembled.

Step 6: Mount the Blank on the Mandrel

Install the bushings supplied with your pen kit and slide the blanks onto the mandrel in the proper order.

Tighten the mandrel just enough to hold everything securely.

Over-tightening can cause the mandrel to flex, resulting in a pen that's slightly out of round.

Step 7: Turn the Pen

Now comes the fun part.

Turn the blank until it's flush with the bushings.

Work slowly, taking light cuts as you shape the pen.

There isn't a single "correct" profile.

Some people prefer straight, modern lines, while others enjoy gentle curves that fit comfortably in the hand.

The beauty of handmade pens is that each one has its own personality.

Step 8: Sand the Pen

A great finish starts with careful sanding.

Begin around 150 or 220 grit, depending on your tool marks.

Progress through each grit without skipping.

For many wooden pens, a sequence like this works well:

Many turners continue with Micro-Mesh pads to achieve an even smoother surface before applying the finish.

Step 9: Apply the Finish

There are many finishing options, but CA glue remains one of the most popular because it's durable, glossy, and protects the wood from moisture.

Apply several thin coats instead of one heavy coat.

Allow each coat to cure before adding the next.

After the final coat has cured, polish the finish until it develops a deep, glass-like shine.

Step 10: Assemble the Pen

Using a pen press or bench vise, slowly press the components together according to your pen kit's instructions.

Take your time.

Pressing too quickly can crack the blank or damage the hardware.

Once assembled, test the pen to ensure everything operates smoothly.

Congratulations—you've built your first handmade pen.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Rushing Through Sanding

Most finish problems actually begin during sanding.

If scratches are still visible before finishing, they'll almost always become more noticeable afterward.

Drilling Too Quickly

Excessive speed creates heat.

Heat causes cracks.

Slow and steady almost always produces cleaner results.

Skipping the Barrel Trimmer

Even a slight gap between the wood and hardware is noticeable on a finished pen.

Properly squaring the ends makes a huge difference.

Overtightening the Mandrel

More pressure isn't better.

A bent mandrel often leads to barrels that aren't perfectly round.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a pen?

Once you're familiar with the process, most pens can be completed in one to two hours.

What's the best wood for beginners?

Walnut, cherry, and maple are excellent choices because they're stable, forgiving, and finish beautifully.

Do I need an expensive lathe?

No.

Many hobbyists make excellent pens using small benchtop lathes.

Good technique matters far more than owning the biggest machine.

Can I sell handmade pens?

Absolutely.

Many woodworkers sell pens through craft fairs, Etsy, local gift shops, and their own websites. With quality craftsmanship and good photography, handmade pens can become a rewarding side business.

Nick's Shop Notes

One piece of advice I'd give every new pen maker is to slow down. Almost every mistake I've made over the years happened because I was rushing to see the finished product. Taking an extra five minutes to drill carefully, sand thoroughly, or let the finish cure properly almost always results in a noticeably better pen.

Another tip is to keep your first few pens. It's tempting to give them away or sell them, but they're a great reminder of how much your skills improve over time.

Final Thoughts

Pen making is one of those hobbies that's hard to stop once you get started. Every species of wood looks different, every blank has its own character, and every finished pen is something you can be proud of.

If this is your first pen, don't worry about perfection. Focus on learning the process, improving with each project, and enjoying the satisfaction of creating something by hand.

Before long, you'll find yourself looking at every interesting piece of wood and wondering, "I bet that would make a beautiful pen."

Nick Harrison