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To turn a kit pen, drill a blank to the size specified by the kit, glue in its brass tube, square the ends, mount it on a compatible mandrel with matching bushings, shape it on the lathe, then sand, finish, and assemble the hardware. The kit—not a universal standard—determines the drill bit, bushings, and other critical dimensions.
What you need to turn a kit pen
Gather the kit and its instructions before buying tooling or drilling a blank. A basic setup typically includes:
- A lathe, suitable turning tools, and a compatible pen mandrel.
- A pen kit and a blank of wood or another kit-compatible material.
- The drill bit specified for the kit, plus a drill press, lathe, or hand drill for making the hole.
- Glue, such as CA glue or epoxy, and a barrel trimmer or pen mill to clean the tube and square the blank ends.
- Bushings matched to the kit, finishing supplies, and a way to press the pen components together.
- A full face shield and equipment for controlling dust.
Some kits include instructions and hardware but not the wood or acrylic blank. Penn State Industries notes that blanks may be purchased pre-drilled; otherwise, the appropriate bit is needed. Confirm what your particular kit includes and requires at Penn State Industries.
How to choose the blank, bit, and mandrel
Start with a forgiving blank
Cherry, maple, and walnut are suggested beginner woods in the cited guides. A stable, easy-to-work blank makes an approachable first project. Plastic, metal, and bone are also used for pen turning, but their properties and working techniques differ; choose a material appropriate to your experience and the kit.
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#1 Best Overall
Colarr 10 Sets Woodturning Pen Kits Project Supplies Including 7mm Slimline Pen Kits with Refill and Pen Blanks Lumber for Lathe Turning Starter Package DIY Crafts
- Abundance in Quantity: the package includes 10 sets of pen making starter kits, including 10 sets pen kits in 5 colors (imitation gold, rose gold, bright chrome, gun black and matte black), 2 sets for each color, and comes with 10 pieces hardwood turning blanks in 5 styles (bubinga, purple heart, black walnut, cherry and merbau wood), offers an abundant supply for both enthusiasts and beginners, unitizing the craft of pen crafting
- Complete DIY Set: our pen making kits supplies with hard wood pieces are complete and delicate DIY sets; They come with the necessary components required for making a pen, ensuring that you won't run out of supplies fast, but can repeatedly enjoy the process of pen creation
- Reliable and Durable: the pen making starter kit is mainly made of iron and brass, solid and quality, serviceable and will not break, tear or deform easily; These pen blanks for woodturning adopt quality air dried wood, safe and smooth with beautiful surface pattern, sturdy and have an appropriate hardness, no cracks, providing you with a long term use
- Unleash Your Creativity: the pen making kit and hardwood pieces woodworking lets you customize and make pens to represent you and your taste, providing you with more possibilities for DIY; Turn your creative ideas into reality and design special pens that stand out and express your identity, and make your pen craft a simple and enjoyable process
- Warm Notes: this pen turning kit is convenient and practical, yet does not contain the lathe, axis and drill bit; So that you can prepare them ahead when making your pens, ensuring the process is more pleasant and avoiding the bad using demands
Use the kit’s specified drill bit
There is no single drill-bit size for all pen kits. One instructional lesson uses a 7 mm bit, while Grizzly’s instructions for a different kit call for a 10 mm bit. Those are examples, not interchangeable recommendations. Read the instructions for your exact kit before drilling.
Match the mandrel and bushings
The bushings fit on the mandrel alongside the blank and provide a guide to the barrel’s finished diameter. Use the bushings specified for the kit and verify that the mandrel fits your lathe’s configuration or Morse taper. The kit’s dimensions and instructions should guide how the blanks and bushings are arranged.
Rank #2
Colarr 20 Pcs 7mm Slimline Twist Pen Kit with Refill Wood, Assorted Color
- Package Includes: there are 20 sets of pen turning tools in the package, coming with 5 different colors, 4 sets per color, you can choose different color as you like, convenient and ample for you to DIY
- Light and Convenient to Use: the slimline pen kit is light and convenient for you to DIY as you want, and it is not too big and heavy for you to store, and you can get the detail size from the pictures
- Reliable and Solid: the pen turning kit is mainly made of iron and brass, which are solid and reliable to serve you for a long time, and you don't need to worry about they will break easily, and the smooth surface won't make your hands uncomfortable
- Convenient to DIY: the wood turning kits are matched and practical, you can use them to DIY your own pens as you want, which can bring you a lot of fun and happiness during the working time, also can improve your handmade skills
- Sweet Notice: the pen turning kits are practical and matched, you can use them to DIY your own pens, but you should take care of that the lathe, axis, drill bit, wood blank are not included in the package, you should prepare by yourself, in case of the bad using demands
How to turn a pen on a lathe
- Select and cut the blank. Choose a material compatible with the kit, then cut the blank to the length and arrangement specified in the kit instructions.
- Drill the blank. Use the kit-specific bit. A drill press, the lathe, or a hand drill can be used; Woodcraft describes the drill press as faster and more accurate, while also noting the other methods.
- Glue in the brass tube. Apply glue as directed and insert the tube into the drilled blank. Grizzly notes that epoxy offers more working time than CA glue, which can be helpful while learning to fit the tube; Woodcraft describes using thick CA glue. Follow the glue manufacturer’s directions and allow the adhesive to cure.
- Trim and square the ends. Use a pen mill or barrel trimmer to clean the tube and square the blank ends. This prepares the blank for mounting and assembly.
- Mount the blanks. Put the matching bushings and blanks on the mandrel in the order specified by the kit. Secure the assembly and support the mandrel at the tailstock as appropriate for your setup.
- Turn to the bushing dimensions. Shape the blank with suitable turning tools, working toward the bushing diameter. Avoid cutting into the bushings or brass tubes.
- Sand and finish. Use a sanding and finishing method suitable for the blank material and the products you choose. Follow product directions, including any ventilation and curing requirements.
- Press the pen together. Once the barrels are finished and ready, press the kit components together in the order given by the kit instructions.
Safety while turning, sanding, and gluing
The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) advises: “Wear a full face shield any time the lathe is on.” Follow that guidance and the lathe maker’s manual throughout the work.
- Tie back long hair. Do not wear gloves, loose clothing, or jewelry that could catch on rotating parts.
- Control wood dust at the source, use respiratory protection, and provide ventilation. Wood dust can harm health.
- Provide good ventilation when using CA glue or accelerator. A woodturning dust respirator does not filter chemical fumes.
Read the AAW’s full safety guidance and its woodturning safety articles.
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Rank #3
Barn Ridge Woodcraft 20 Pack Slimline Pen Kit – 7mm Wood Turning Twist Pen Kits with Refills, Brass Hardware & 5 Finishes for DIY Lathe Turning, Gifts for Teachers, Students & Woodworkers
- Complete 20 Pack Slimline Pen Kit – This set includes 20 full slimline twist pen kits with refills, giving you everything you need to turn professional-quality pens right from your lathe. A great option for hobbyists, classrooms, woodworking clubs, or anyone looking to stock up for multiple projects at once. Each kit is individually packaged for convenience and organized storage.
- Solid Brass Hardware for Smooth Performance – Our kits feature durable brass fittings that ensure a smooth, reliable twist mechanism and long-lasting performance. Unlike cheaper alternatives with thin or inconsistent parts, these components are engineered for precision so your finished pens feel balanced, sturdy, and professional in hand.
- Five Elegant Finishes Included – Each kit comes with five premium finishes: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Nickel, and Gunmetal. These versatile options allow you to match any project style — from modern and sleek to timeless and classic — making them ideal for gifts, personal use, or selling your handcrafted pens.
- Designed for Easy Lathe Turning – Compatible with standard 7mm mandrels and bushings (NOT INCLUDED), these pen kits are designed to make the turning process simple, even for beginners. Experienced woodworkers will also appreciate the consistency and reliability that makes every project come together seamlessly. A perfect balance between beginner-friendly and professional-grade.
- Create Meaningful Handmade Gifts – Turn your woodworking projects into personalized gifts that leave a lasting impression. Whether for teachers, students, friends, coworkers, or family, these pens make thoughtful presents for birthdays, graduations, promotions, or holidays. The quality materials and polished finishes ensure that your pens won’t just look great — they’ll be cherished for years to come.
What to check before you begin
- Does the kit specify the drill bit, bushings, trimming method, and assembly order?
- Does the mandrel fit your lathe’s taper or configuration?
- Are the blank material and glue suitable for the process you plan to use?
- Do you have a full face shield, dust control, and ventilation for the materials and products involved?
For kit-specific steps and dimensions, consult the instructions supplied with the kit. The guides from Woodcraft and Grizzly also illustrate how drilling, trimming, mounting, and finishing fit into the process.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Gisafai 6 Pcs Bolt Action Pen Kits for Woodturning, Silver, Gold, Black
- Cater to Your DIY Needs: our set includes 6 pen turning kits, each embedded with a black refill; These cater to your diverse crafting needs, providing endless possibilities for distinct designs; Bask in the satisfaction of making your pens, accentuating your creativity and craftsmanship
- Proper Size: Features a 3/8" single tube design,our pen sets for men gift are lightweight and compact, designed to meet your crafting needs nicely; You can easily keep them stored for future projects; The detailed dimensions, as seen in the product images, ensure they are the ideal fit for your craft making needs
- Reliable Material: we prioritize quality and durability in our gift pens; Made from a sturdy alloy of iron and brass, our kits are robust and resistant to fading, breaking or rusting; With smooth surfaces that are easy on your hands, these quality materials provide long term usage
- Enhance Imagination: our woodworking pen components empower you to explore numerous DIY possibilities, igniting your imagination; Crafting with our kits not only serves as a leisure pursuit but also helps develop your practical skills, adding a fun and fulfilling dimension to your hobbies
- Words of Caution: please take note that these slimline pen kits do not come with a pen lathe, mandrel, drill bit, or wooden blank; You'll need to prepare these additional items for a successful crafting journey
Rank #4
BRW 10-Pack 7mm Slimline Pen Kits for Woodturning & Pen Making, 5 Finishes
- Complete 10 Pack Slimline Pen Kit – This set includes 10 full slimline twist pen kits with refills, giving you everything you need to turn professional-quality pens right from your lathe. A great option for hobbyists, classrooms, woodworking clubs, or anyone looking to stock up for multiple projects at once. Each kit is individually packaged for convenience and organized storage.
- Five Finishes Included – Each kit comes with five premium finishes: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Nickel, and Gunmetal. These versatile options allow you to match any project style — from modern and sleek to timeless and classic — making them ideal for gifts, personal use, or selling your handcrafted pens.
- Solid Brass Hardware for Smooth Performance – Our kits feature durable brass fittings that ensure a smooth, reliable twist mechanism and long-lasting performance. Unlike cheaper alternatives with thin or inconsistent parts, these components are engineered for precision so your finished pens feel balanced, sturdy, and professional in hand.
- Designed for Easy Lathe Turning – Compatible with standard 7mm mandrels and bushings (NOT INCLUDED), these pen kits are designed to make the turning process simple, even for beginners. Experienced woodworkers will also appreciate the consistency and reliability that makes every project come together seamlessly. A perfect balance between beginner-friendly and professional-grade.
- Create Meaningful Handmade Gifts – Turn your woodworking projects into personalized gifts that leave a lasting impression. Whether for teachers, students, friends, coworkers, or family, these pens make thoughtful presents for birthdays, graduations, promotions, or holidays. The quality materials and polished finishes ensure that your pens won’t just look great — they’ll be cherished for years to come.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
