Learning Wood Lathes: Turn a pen!

Learn how to create a beautiful, handcrafted pen from start to finish using a wood lathe. In this hands-on class, you’ll turn a pen blank, shape it with turning tools, sand and finish the surface, and assemble a fully functional pen you can take home.

You’ll learn essential pen turning techniques including safe lathe operation, tool control, shaping, sanding, finishing, and final assembly. We’ll use core tools such as the wood lathe, pen mandrel, bushings, carbide or traditional turning tools, sanding materials, and a pen press.

No prior experience is necessary—this class is perfect for beginners and anyone curious about woodturning.

A handmade pen makes a meaningful and personal gift—especially with Father’s Day around the corner.

Please wear comfortable well-fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty!

• Introductions
• Overview of the process and finished example
• Lathe safety fundamentals:
• • Proper stance and body positioning
  • Tool rest adjustment
  • Safe speeds for pen turning
  • Eye protection and dust considerations
• Basic parts of the lathe

• Pen kit components (tube, tip, transmission, clip, cap)
• Pen blank and brass tube
• Mandrel, bushings, and how they work
• Turning tools:
• • Carbide rougher and finisher (or roughing gouge/spindle gouge if using traditional)
• Sandpaper grits and finishing materials
• Pen press for assembly

• Demonstrate mandrel setup
• Installing bushings and blank
• Tightening properly without over-tightening
• Adjusting tool rest correctly
• Selecting proper speed

• Demonstrate basic cutting technique
• Proper tool control and body movement
• Turning from square to round
• Shaping to bushing diameter
• Creating smooth, even profiles

Students turn their own pen with guidance.

• Proper sanding technique on the lathe
• Progressive grits (example: 150 → 220 → 320 → 400 → 600)
• Optional micro-mesh demonstration
• Applying finish (friction polish, CA finish, or oil/wax)
• Achieving a smooth, durable surface

• Overview of pen press
• Proper order of assembly
• Pressing components safely
• Ensuring proper alignment and function

Students assemble and complete their pen.

• Troubleshooting tips
• Basic tool recommendations for beginners
• Care and maintenance of their pen
• Questions and discussion

By profession, I am a software engineer, but woodworking has been a passion of mine for over 10 years. For the past four years, I’ve continued developing my skills by taking woodworking classes at Red Rocks Community College, with a focus on expanding both traditional techniques and modern tools.

I enjoy creating functional, handcrafted items and sharing the process with others. In addition to woodworking and woodturning, my creative interests include pyrography (wood burning), traditional art, 3D printing and design, and playing guitar and banjo. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, which often inspires my creative work.

I believe woodworking should be approachable, rewarding, and enjoyable for everyone, and I look forward to helping students create something they can be proud of.

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Host or Publisher Clear Creek Makerspace