here2
x
Free Shipping on Online Orders Over $49 Offer available online only. Receive FREE ground shipping on your merchandise order of $49 or more on qualifying, in-stock products (excluding taxes) made at pennstateind.com. Ends December 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM EST only. Offer redeemable for online purchases only. Offer not valid for prior purchases, mail orders, or phone orders. Offer only applies to ground shipping in the contiguous 48 states. Offer not valid for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or for international orders including Canada and Mexico. Additional shipping charges apply for express shipping. Offer not valid for oversized or special delivery items containing weight and/or size restrictions. These are the Item #'s of products that do not qualify for free shipping: BARR4FJ3, CLTEZSETC, CLTSET1, CMG3C, CML-DUP8,CML-DUPJ,CML-DUPJ1,CML-DUPL,CML-DUPMAX,CML-DUPU, CSC3500SE, CSC500K, CSCBARR4, CSCBARR52, CUG3418CCX, CYFN26,CYFN36, DC31M,DC3XX,DC725,DRILLCENT3,DRILLCENTE, HVT9661, HVT9765,KWL-0SSA, KWLXBED10, KWLXBED12, LBUFFSE, LBUFFSEA ,LBUFFSESS, LBUFFSEW,, LBUFFSEY, LBUFFSEZ, LBUFFSYS, LCCRT3, LCDOWEL, LCGRIND4, LCSIXW, LLMAGL,LSAND1012,LSR3,LX099,LX189,LX298,LX399,LX499,LXWM1007,ML9664SJ,ML9664X,MLCUTOFF, PENPAL,PENPALSS, PENPRESSXL,PK096FLSP,PKCASTAS, PKDISET, PKDISP105, PKDISP60, PKDISXX, PKSTART1A2, PKSTART1D, PRESSCOMBO, PROBUFF, TCLC10XB,TCLC12XB2, TCLT10TS, TCLT12TS, TCLVSKIT2, TSGUARD, WXBSPEC,DC250SEMB,PKSTART1A1, CASTEV, CASTEVB, CASTEVMR, MYPOL, NCFQUICK, PKCASTART4, PKCASTAS, PKFRICT1, PKFRICT2, PKFRICT3, PKSHDSH, PKSTART1A, PKSTART1B1, PKSWAUS, PKSWAUS2,PKSWAX250, PKSWAXL1, PKSWAXL2, PKSWAXLX, KSWEEE, PKSWGLOW, PKSWHSH, PKSWREM, SUPERSOL, PKCASTRF2
Home > Getting Started

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
FREE Shipping with $49 Minimum Order! For a limited time only

3 Bolt Action Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKCPBAPAK
Our Price: $36.95
Reg Price: $50.75
You Save: $13.80 (27%)
7mm Pen Kit Bundle: 8 Pen Kits and 3 sets of FREE Bushings and one 10 pack of Cocobolo Blanks
FREE Shipping for a Limited Time Only!

7mm Pen Kit Bundle: 8 Pen Kits and 3 sets of FREE Bushings and one 10 pack of Cocobolo Blanks

Item #: PKSP105A
Our Price: $49.95
Reg Price: $58.7
You Save: $8.75 (15%)
4 Motorcycle Kickstart Action Pen Kit Starter Set

4 Motorcycle Kickstart Action Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKMOTSS
Our Price: $69.95
Reg Price: $107.7
You Save: $37.75 (35%)
4  Football Twist Pen Kit Starter Set
FREE Shipping for a Limited Time Only!

4 Football Twist Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKFBALLSS
Our Price: $63.75
Reg Price: $91.6
You Save: $27.85 (30%)
3 Fly Fishing Twist Pen Kit Starter Set
FREE Shipping with $49 Minimum Order! For a limited time only

3 Fly Fishing Twist Pen Kit Starter Set

Item #: PKFLYSS
Our Price: $45.80
Reg Price: $54.75
You Save: $8.95 (16%)
View All Starter Pen Kits

Pen Turning Tools for Beginners

#2 MT Pen Mandrel Saver Package
FREE Shipping with $49 Minimum Order! For a limited time only

#2 MT Pen Mandrel Saver Package

Item #: PKMS2SET
Our Price: $39.95
7pc Universal Barrel Trimming System: Steel Cutter
FREE Shipping with $49 Minimum Order! For a limited time only

7pc Universal Barrel Trimming System: Steel Cutter

Item #: PKTRIMKIT
Our Price: $39.95
Abrasive Rolls: 5 Rolls for Sanding
FREE Shipping with $49 Minimum Order! For a limited time only

Abrasive Rolls: 5 Rolls for Sanding

Item #: PKSPSET5
Our Price: $16.95
Reg Price: $22.95
You Save: $6.00 (26%)
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
Reg Price: $39.95
You Save: $7.00 (18%)
View All Tools

Best Lathes for Starting and Mastering Pen Turning

Basic Pen Making Starter Set with Turncrafter Commander 10 in. Variable Speed Midi Lathe

Basic Pen Making Starter Set with Turncrafter Commander 10 in. Variable Speed Midi Lathe

Item #: KWL-10SSB
Our Price: $589.95
Reg Price: $632
You Save: $42.05 (7%)
Super Pen Making Starter Set with Turncrafter Commander 10in. Variable speed Midi Lathe

Super Pen Making Starter Set with Turncrafter Commander 10in. Variable speed Midi Lathe

Item #: PKPMSPEC
Our Price: $939.95
Reg Price: $1148
You Save: $208.05 (18%)
PenPal Pen Making Lathe

PenPal Pen Making Lathe

Item #: PENPAL
Our Price: $259.95
Reg Price: $299.95
You Save: $40.00 (13%)
PenPal Pen Making Lathe Starter Set

PenPal Pen Making Lathe Starter Set

Item #: PENPALSS
Our Price: $389.95
Reg Price: $465
You Save: $75.05 (16%)
Super Pen Making Starter Set with Turncrafter Commander 12in. Variable speed Midi Lathe

Super Pen Making Starter Set with Turncrafter Commander 12in. Variable speed Midi Lathe

Item #: PKPMSPEC12
Our Price: $999.95
Reg Price: $1208
You Save: $208.05 (17%)
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!

This page uses the Invisible reCAPTCHA from Google. Your use of the Invisible reCAPTCHA is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.