steveswhite

I certainly think it warrants an article devoted to it. There is as much wood selection knowledge used in selecting a pen blank as there is in furniture or box making. Sure, you can buy off the shelf blanks pre-cut that are of great visual quality, but to hand select the piece of wood, determine whether to rip, cross, or angle cut it for the best grain pattern yields a much more satisfying finished project. Plus the variety of materials available now, from Antler, wood, acrylic, Trustone, Corian, Clay and even a product that is mostly metal and turned with lathe tools. Then you can begin to combine and laminate materials for a truly unique look.
Then you have your alternate turning techniques from standard Lathe tools, to using a custom turning machine for spirals, or even turning pens with a router.
It's an excellent woodworking project because it can be done by novice or skilled alike and you get instant gratification. Usually you can turn out a finished project in about an hour.
I could put together an article.

My 2 year old and all the kids in her play group would love me forever.

Just so happens I have a kitchen to gut and re-do. Timely.

Please enter me.

Please enter me. I need all the help I can get making things square.

Love Greene and Greene joinery. I would love to have this book.

Always looking for any tips to help setup and maintain my workhorse!