Pen Making Tools: Everything You Need to Get Started
One of the biggest misconceptions about pen making is that you need a shop full of expensive equipment before you can make your first pen. The truth is, getting started is much more approachable than many people think.
While there are a few specialized tools involved, you don't need a professional-grade workshop or thousands of dollars in equipment. Many successful pen makers started with a small benchtop lathe and gradually added tools as their skills and projects grew.
In this guide, I'll walk through the essential tools for pen making, explain what each one does, and point out which tools are worth investing in first.
Do You Need Special Tools to Make Pens?
Yes—but not as many as you might expect.
Unlike larger woodworking projects, pen making uses a handful of specialized tools designed for small, precise work. Fortunately, most of them last for years with proper care.
Think of your tools as an investment. Buying quality equipment from the beginning often saves money in the long run because you'll spend less time replacing worn-out or inaccurate tools.
The Essential Pen Making Tools
These are the tools I consider necessary for making quality pens.
The lathe is the heart of pen making.
It spins the blank while you shape it using turning tools.
Fortunately, pen turning doesn't require a massive machine. A small benchtop lathe is capable of producing beautiful pens and takes up very little shop space.
When choosing a lathe, pay attention to:
Variable speed
Solid construction
Easy speed adjustments
Good accessory availability
If your primary goal is pen making, almost any quality mini lathe will handle the job well.
A pen mandrel holds your pen blank while it's being turned.
The mandrel keeps everything aligned so you can shape the wood evenly and accurately.
Although it looks simple, it's one of the most important tools in your shop.
Avoid overtightening the mandrel, as this can cause it to flex slightly and create barrels that aren't perfectly round.
Bushings
Bushings act as guides during turning.
They match the diameter of the finished hardware and tell you when you've removed enough material.
Each pen kit uses its own bushing set, so you'll gradually build a collection as you experiment with different styles.
Before turning begins, the blank must be drilled to accept the brass tube.
A drill press produces the most accurate hole and keeps the tube centered inside the blank.
While a hand drill can work, a drill press generally leads to more consistent results, especially for beginners.
Holding a small pen blank by hand while drilling isn't safe or accurate.
A dedicated pen vise secures the blank and helps keep the hole centered.
If you plan to make pens regularly, this inexpensive tool quickly becomes worthwhile.
Once the brass tube has been glued into the blank, the ends need to be perfectly square.
A barrel trimmer removes excess wood and glue while trimming everything flush with the brass tube.
Skipping this step often leads to visible gaps between the wood and the pen hardware.
Once the turning and finishing are complete, the pen components need to be assembled.
A pen press applies even pressure and greatly reduces the risk of cracking the blank.
Many woodworkers successfully use a bench vise instead, but a dedicated press makes assembly faster and more controlled.
Turning Tools
There are two main approaches to pen turning.
Carbide tools are extremely beginner-friendly.
Advantages include:
Easy to learn
No sharpening required for a long time
Excellent control
Clean cuts
The downside is their higher initial cost.
Traditional High-Speed Steel Tools
Traditional gouges and skews require sharpening but offer tremendous versatility.
Many experienced turners prefer them because they allow for more refined cuts and greater control.
There's no right or wrong choice.
Both systems are capable of producing outstanding pens.
Sandpaper
Don't underestimate sanding.
Many people spend twenty minutes turning a pen and only five minutes sanding it.
I'd argue the opposite approach often produces better results.
I typically work through progressively finer grits before switching to Micro-Mesh pads for an ultra-smooth surface.
The smoother the wood before finishing, the better the final result.
Finishing Supplies
Several finishes work well for pens.
Popular options include:
Shellac-based finishes
Wax
Each produces a different appearance and level of durability.
For everyday use, CA finishes remain one of the most durable choices.
Helpful Accessories
As your hobby grows, you'll probably add a few convenience tools.
Some of my favorites include:
Magnifying light
Dust collection
Respirator
Shop vacuum
None are required for your first pen, but they certainly make the process easier.
Starter Tool Checklist
If you're building your first pen-making shop, here's what I'd buy first:
Mini lathe
Pen mandrel
Bushings
Turning tools
Drill press
Pen vise
Barrel trimmer
Pen press or bench vise
Sandpaper
CA glue
With those basics, you'll have everything needed to complete your first projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start making pens?
A beginner setup can range from a few hundred dollars if you're purchasing everything new. If you already own a lathe or drill press, your startup cost drops significantly.
Can I make pens without a lathe?
Not traditional turned pens. The lathe is what shapes the blank into its final form.
Are carbide tools better for beginners?
In my opinion, yes. They're easy to use, require very little maintenance, and help shorten the learning curve.
Do I need a pen press?
Not necessarily. Many woodworkers assemble pens using a standard bench vise with excellent results.
Nick's Shop Notes
One thing I've learned over the years is that buying quality tools once is usually less expensive than buying cheap tools twice. That doesn't mean you need the most expensive equipment on the market, but a reliable lathe, accurate drill press, and good mandrel will make pen making much more enjoyable.
I'd also encourage new pen makers not to feel pressured into buying every accessory they see online. Start with the essentials, make a few pens, and let your experience guide your next purchase. You'll quickly figure out which tools genuinely improve your workflow and which ones are simply nice to have.
Final Thoughts
Building a pen-making shop doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't have to.
Start with the tools that allow you to make quality pens safely and consistently. As your skills grow, you'll naturally discover which upgrades fit your style of turning.
Remember, beautiful pens aren't made by expensive tools alone—they're made by careful craftsmanship, patience, and practice.