If you been to a craft show or some sort of marketplace, odds are you saw a beautiful pen created from wood or acryllic. These pens range from anywhere from $20-$35 depending on the style of pen and species of wood.  Here I will show you how to create one of these pens for only $5 for the materials.

Here is the equipment you will need to get started:

• Mini Wood Lathe: Menards has a good starter model for $100
• Wood Turning Tools: Don't skimp on these, get a good set for $50
• Drill Press: Required to drill the hole for the pen mechanics, Craftsman 10" for $99
• Pen Turning Mandrel: Holds your piece of wood/acryllic you're turning on the lathe $10
• Sandpaper: Get the mix of grits from 50 to 350 $5
• Pen/Acryllic blanks: I'd suggest exotic African woods for the best and fanciest finish $1-15 per blank
• Super Glue: To hold the tube inside the wood $2
• Pen Mechanics: You can buy a kit with everything you need at Woodcraft.com or in store $3-$10

That's all you need to get started! Obviously the startup of the project will be the most costly but you can make that capital investment back QUICK by selling your projects on Ebay or craft shows. You can also create candle stick holders on the lathe and other projects so don't think your lathe is JUST for making pens. Of course the best reward of making items is seeing the expression on your recipient's face.

Ok, I got the Equipment? Now What !?!?!?!?!

1. Measure length of tube for pen and cut pen blank to that length with a tablesaw/miter saw
2. Glue tube inside hole using superglue
3. Insert pen blank onto pen mandrel and then insert mandrel into wood lathe chuck
4. Start turning wood and shave down to desired width
5. Sand wood blank down using 50 grit, working way to 350
6. Polish wood blank using laqueer or any other material
7. Insert pen mechanics, tap gently with rubber mallet to ensure all pieces are tight and secure
8. There is no step 8!

With 8 steps and about $200 of capital you can make endless beautiful wooden pens for yourself, friends, family, or to make a profit!