Becoming a Penmaker

The idea to hand craft high quality pens started when I learned that the Parker Pen Co. was unable to repair my Parker Duofold ball-point pen under its lifetime unconditional warranty (because they ran out of parts). Unable to have my pen repaired or find a suitable replacement, I decided to make my own pen.  Now that I have the lathe, tools, parts, and skills to make pens, I am happy to be able to make one for you!
PenCREATION
​There are many steps involved in handcrafting a pen, but here are some of the major ones:  
  • The starting point is selecting a special block of acrylic or wood (called a blank) to make the pen body from.  
  • The blank is cut to approximate length, placed on the lathe, and turned to make it cylindrical. 
  • It is then placed in a special holder on the lathe and a hole of the appropriate diameter is drilled through its length.  
  • Next, a brass tube is secured to the inside of the hollowed-out blank.
  • The blank is then trimmed to its exact length;  the ends of the blank are trimmed to be flush with, and perpendicular to, the ends of the tube. 
  • The blank is then turned on the lathe to the desired shape.  This is the most exciting step, because the unique patterns and/or colors of the acrylic or wood will emerge.  
  • Next, multiple sanding and polishing steps are performed to bring the pen body to a luster.​
  • ​​For most wood pens, after sanding, they are sealed with cyanoacrylate, and then polished.​
  • Finally, the pen body is carefully fitted to the complementary metal parts, the pen mechanics are installed, and the pen is tried for the first time! 
PenCARE
If you are considering buying a pen, or have already done so, and are interested in learning how to keep it looking as nice as new, please read on. 

Like all precision instruments and things of beauty, a quality pen has to be properly cared for.  When transporting or storing your pen, it should be housed in a safe place, such as a shirt pocket, pen case, or the sheath that it was shipped in.  The metal platings, and acrylic or wood pen bodies are very durable, but can be damaged if dropped, scratched if abraded against hard materials, or permanently altered if exposed to harsh chemicals.  

Here are some care tips that are specific to the material that the pen body is made from:

ACRYLIC -
Acrylics are susceptible to cracking or chipping if dropped onto hard surfaces, and may also be scratched.  Scratches can be removed with a high-quality rubbing compound.  Light scratches and dull surfaces can be restored with a plastic polish.

WOOD -
All woods have been stabilized with a casting resin, kiln dried, or seasoned for a reasonable amount of time and should not crack or split under normal use. 

​However, like fine furniture, some special care is required to ensure the longevity of a wood pen. It is best to avoid subjecting your pen to extremes of temperature and/or humidity (e.g., never leave your pen in the car).  Also, keep your pen out of direct sunlight, which can negatively affect the finish of the pen.

The finish of a bare wood pen should be cared for with a light wax or coat of furniture polish, followed by light buffing to restore the finish.  How often this will be necessary will be determined by the type of wood, how often it is used, and the manner in which it is stored.  With time, the natural oils in your hands may affect the finish coat, and  bring the wood to a natural patina.

The finish of wood pens that are sealed in cyanoacrylate can be cared for as if acrylic (see above).