Woodworking
Try It! Pen Turning for Beginners
Turn a simple block of wood in a beautiful, functional, and unique work of art — your own handcrafted pen.
Member$146.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$179.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Tue, 11/25/2025 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tue, 11/25/2025
About
Get hands-on experience using a wood lathe and carbide turning tools to create a slimline ballpoint pen. Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of pen design, tool use, and finishing techniques and walk away with a polished, custom pen that’s ready to write.
Pens come in all shapes and styles — twist, click, fountain, dip, and more — and this class is your gateway to that creative world.
What you’ll learn:
Measuring and cutting your pen blank.
Using a centering jig to drill the blank.
Mounting your blank and setting up the lathe.
Shaping your pen with carbide turning tools.
Sanding and applying a durable wax finish (your choice of satin or glossy).
Assembling your finished pen — and maybe even giving it a test write.
Details:
Skill level: Beginner. No woodturning experience necessary.
Pens come in all shapes and styles — twist, click, fountain, dip, and more — and this class is your gateway to that creative world.
What you’ll learn:
Measuring and cutting your pen blank.
Using a centering jig to drill the blank.
Mounting your blank and setting up the lathe.
Shaping your pen with carbide turning tools.
Sanding and applying a durable wax finish (your choice of satin or glossy).
Assembling your finished pen — and maybe even giving it a test write.
Details:
Skill level: Beginner. No woodturning experience necessary.
Materials
A $15 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers everything you need to make and finish one slimline pen.
Class Policies
- You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Michael Brown
Mike’s pen-turning journey began in 2007, after inheriting his father’s woodworking tools, and a few pen kits. What started as a tribute became a passion. Since taking his first class, Mike has turned everything from wood and acrylic to bronze and ebonite. He has designed and 3D printed his own custom jigs for more accurate cuts and for building segmented pens.
Now exploring the world of dip pens and handmade inks, he is creating his own ink from natural materials like walnuts, blueberries, and goldenrod in the Fabric Art Studio’s dye lab, as well as making custom nib organizers in the Print & Book Arts Studio.
Mike has lived and traveled all over the world, most recently Scotland and Sweden before moving to Poulsbo and discovering BARN.
Now exploring the world of dip pens and handmade inks, he is creating his own ink from natural materials like walnuts, blueberries, and goldenrod in the Fabric Art Studio’s dye lab, as well as making custom nib organizers in the Print & Book Arts Studio.
Mike has lived and traveled all over the world, most recently Scotland and Sweden before moving to Poulsbo and discovering BARN.
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