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Getting Started with Pen Turning

It may seem daunting but we're making it simple. Start Pen Turning in 3 easy steps. Here is everything you need to know to start making pens now. Need a lathe? Click Here.

1. Essential Tools

You will need chisels, a pen mandrel, a barrel trimmer, a pen tube insertion tool, pen press and any tool that can drill (like this one) and any tool that can cut.

2. Essential Supplies

You will need pen kits. You may also need pen blanks, glue, sandpaper, and finishes. Together, you will have everything you need to make an operational pen. There are really endless possibilities!

3. The Lathe

You will want something great for pen turning, but also capable of turning candle sticks, bottle openers, and other awesome items that can be created with a versatile Mini/Midi Lathe.

Best Selling Starter Set

A good way to start making pens is with a pen making starter set which includes our best selling lathe as well as the the tools, pen kits and all the accessories you'll need to get started making beautiful projects.

Best Selling Lathe

Imagine the fun you'll have creating projects on this highly regarded lathe. Packed with features, this Turncrafter Commander midi lathe is the most advanced, powerful and easy to use lathe in its class. So you can easily, effectively and affordably tackle tons of turning projects.

View All Mini / Midi Lathes

Step by Step Video Guides

  • Things to Consider Before Buying a Mini Lathe
  • Whats a Pen Kit?
  • Pen Blank Basics
  • Cutting Pen Blank Basics
  • Pen Blank Drilling Basics
  • How to Glue Pen Tubes into Pen Blanks
  • How to Square Pen Blanks
  • Tips on Mounting Pen Blanks to a Lathe
  • Pen Turning Tool Basics
  • Tips for Sanding Pens
  • Pen Kit Finishing Basics
  • Pen Kit Finishing Basics


Free DVD - Beginner's Guide to Pen Turning

Free DVD

Get our Free DVD, "Hand-Crafted Pens - The Basics: A Beginner's Guide to Pen Turning on the Lathe.

Pen Kit Starter Packages

3 Bolt Action Pen Kit Starter Set

3 Bolt Action Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKCPBAPAK
Our Price: $36.95
4 Motorcycle Kickstart Action Pen Kit Starter Set

4 Motorcycle Kickstart Action Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKMOTSS
Our Price: $69.95
4  Football Twist Pen Kit Starter Set

4 Football Twist Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKFBALLSS
Our Price: $63.75
3 Fly Fishing Twist Pen Kit Starter Set

3 Fly Fishing Twist Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKFLYSS
Our Price: $45.80
View All Starter Pen Kits

Pen Turning Tools for Beginners

#2 MT Pen Mandrel Saver Package

#2 MT Pen Mandrel Saver Package

Item #: PKMS2SET
Our Price: $39.95
7pc Universal Barrel Trimming System: Steel Cutter

7pc Universal Barrel Trimming System: Steel Cutter

Item #: PKTRIMKIT
Our Price: $39.95
Abrasive Rolls: 5 Rolls for Sanding

Abrasive Rolls: 5 Rolls for Sanding

Item #: PKSPSET5
Our Price: $16.95
Assembly/Disassembly Pen Press

Assembly/Disassembly Pen Press

Item #: PENPRESSXL
Our Price: $74.95
1/2 in. Drill Chuck #2MT

1/2 in. Drill Chuck #2MT

Item #: TM32
Our Price: $32.95
View All Tools

Best Lathes for Starting and Mastering Pen Turning

PenPal Pen Making Lathe

PenPal Pen Making Lathe

Item #: PENPAL
Our Price: $259.95
PenPal Pen Making Lathe Starter Set

PenPal Pen Making Lathe Starter Set

Item #: PENPALSS
Our Price: $389.95
View All Lathes for the Beginner

FREE Penn State Industries Catalog

Free Catalog

Get our FREE Catalogs delivered to your door with all the new products available to create!

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