Squaring Pen Blanks

Donating items to those in need can have a profound impact on their lives.

24 blanks were squared for turning 1 dozen 2-piece pens as my donation to a group of Special Needs Senior Citizens.

The pen blank shown is being squared to the tube (the thin gold band that you can barely see in the wood at the end of the drill bit) using a barrel trimmer & chuck to hold it in place.

Each side of the blank gets squared to the tube. Then the blank can be turned (or shaved) on the lathe into a pen barrel.

If the blank is not precisely squared, the pen barrel will not fit properly, thus leaving a gap at the end where the pen’s hardware is attached. (Yes, I’ve had this experience being new to turning. It is frustrating & you have to start over from the beginning.) However, when done correctly, you get a flawless, smooth-feeling pen barrel—the goal of every Pen Maker. ★