DIY Network

Turning Pens, Part II Turning Pens, Part II From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-106

Dave Hout explains the processes for turning wood and plastic pens.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Wood Pens

1. Sand the cylinders with 150- and 220-grit sandpaper; finish the sanding process with a nonabrasive woven pad (figure A).

2. As the lathe turns, rub carnauba wax over the wood (figure B). Buff with a pad to add a lustrous shine to the turned wood.

Turning Plastic Pens

1. To turn plastic blanks, slow the speed of the lathe. For wood blanks the lathe turns at approximately 3000 rpm. For plastic, the lathe should turn at a rate between 1200 and 1400 rpm. A faster rate of turning will melt the blank.

2. As with wood, turn the blanks with a roughing gouge. The tool will bounce more because it's turning slowly, so take plenty of time with this step. Shape as desired; the pen shown is contoured more than the pen made of wood (figure C).

3. Sand, using the same process used on wood; with 150- and 220-grit sandpaper. Polish with a nonabrasive woven pad, apply carnauba wax and buff to a sheen.