Pen turning is a hobby that can be done at home with little to no experience. Pen turning kits are available for purchase online, including all the necessary accessories to get started with this exciting hobby.
A pen turning kit can create many different types of pens, including ink pens, ballpoint pens, and fountain pens.
In this article, we will review 5 best pen turning kits in 2024!
What Is A Pen Turning Kit?
A pen turning kit includes everything you need to start making your own pens. A typical kit includes a cap, pen tube, clip, band, refill, tip, and twisting mechanism. Some of the components will vary depending on the pen style you choose.
Popular Pen Styles Include:
- ballpoint twist
- ballpoint click
- bolt action
- rollerball
- fountain pen
You can also find many different types of finishes like chrome, antique brass, black enamel, gunmetal, and more.
5 Best Pen Turning Kits We Recommend
| Product | Details | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Penn State Industries PKSP105A 7mm | Includes (8) 7mm Ballpoint Twist Pen Kits | CHECK PRICE |
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PKM 27 pc Slimline Pen Kit | 10 Assorted Slimline Pen Kits | CHECK PRICE |
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Penn State Industries PKBIGSS2 Big Ben Cigar Twist Ballpoint Pen Kit | Includes (5) Big Ben Cigar Twist Ballpoint Pen Woodturning Kits | CHECK PRICE |
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Penn State Industries PKGAFSS Gatsby Grande Twist Ballpoint Pen Kit | Includes (5) Gatsby Grande Twist Ballpoint Pen Woodturning Kits | CHECK PRICE |
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Jr Gentleman Fountain Pen Kit (3-Pack) | Includes three chrome pen kits, 1 set of bushings, and instructions | CHECK PRICE |
Now, let’s have a closer look at these 5 best pen turning kits in more details.
Penn State Industries PKSP105A 7mm
(Best Pen Turning Starter Kit)
The Penn State industries PKSP105A 7mm Pen Kit Bundle is perfect for any individual looking to get into pen turning. With this bundle, you will receive (8) 7mm ballpoint twist pen kits, (3) compatible bushing sets, and (10) 5/8″ x 5/8″ x 5″ cocobolo wood blanks (WX01-1). The supplied cocobolo wood blanks are of high quality.
Overall, this is our very first choice when it comes to the picking the best pen turning kits in 2024!
PKM 27 pc Slimline Pen Kit
(Best Beginner Pen Turning Kit)
To be honest, this is probably the best pen turning kit for beginners. This is because it comes with everything you need to start turning pens.
Every Slimline Pen Kit has 10 assorted pen blanks, a quality storage box, drill bits for bushing holes, and instructions.
This kit is easy to make using the Spectraply PCS, which come in different colors. The work has already been done, which saves you time!
The kit is straightforward to use and has excellent value for the money. You also get ten spectra-ply wood pen blanks which is a great deal!
The kit is for slimline pens only, so you will have to get a different kit if you need a different style.
Penn State Industries PKBIGSS2 Big Ben Cigar
There is always one pensmith who needs a new challenge and wants to try their hand turning wood. This kit may be just what you need to finally master the art of turning beautiful pens from start to finish.
Penn State Industries is one of the most widely used brands among cigar pen makers today.
The PKBIGSS2 Big Ben Cigar Kit comes with five blank pen kits like the popular Big Ben Twist Ballpoint Pen (1 each in Gold, Chrome, Gun Metal, 2-tone Gold & Gun Metal, and 2-tone Gold & Chrome). It also includes the necessary bushing set (PKBIG-BU) for making the pens.
The design features a 10mm dual tube, a twist mechanism, and a Parker-style black ballpoint refill. The minimum blank size required for turning is 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 4-1/2″.
These pens are big, bold, and expertly crafted, with thick barrels that showcase your turning skills and materials. If you make good progress on this novice-level making pen project, we can’t wait to see your next handcrafted creation!
Penn State Industries PKGAFSS Gatsby Grande Twist Ballpoint Pen Kit
Penn State Industries’ latest Gatsby Grande Twist Kit brings with it all of the qualities you’ve come to expect from these kits, only bigger.
That’s because Penn State Industries wanted their newest twist pen project kit to be distinguished by more than just its improved grip design. A bigger, thicker, and 10% wider pen meant room for more detail on each piece — all without sacrificing quality or diminishing function.
This pen has a 3/8″ single tube design. It twists open to reveal the pen’s inside. The refill is called a Parker-style ballpoint refill, which makes it write well on almost any surface. You need to have at least 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 2-1/2″ of material before you start to turn so be sure to check the minimum size requirement.
Jr Gentleman Fountain Pen Kit 3-Pack
(Best Fountain Pen Turning Kit)
Thinking you have outgrown your cheap, plastic ballpoint pens? Now you want something a little more sophisticated to match the man of class and style that you have become.
The Jr Gentleman Fountain Pen Kit has everything you need to let them know that sophistication is never too far from reach.
You’ll get three chrome pen kits, one set of bushings for each, and instructions on how to put it all together in no time at all. Pen blanks are not included.
This is a large, elegant fountain pen with a threaded cap. Requires 37/64″ and 15/32″ drill bits.
We all know that fountain pens are the pinnacle of writing culture. All diaries, field books, and leather folios need a fine steel nib to write on the pages. The Jr Gentleman Fountain Pen Kit combines handsome writing instruments with bushings and screws for an easy assembly.
How Do You Use A Pen Kit?
The components in a pen kit are not in a “ready to assemble” state. The blank is the raw material for a pen handle which will be turned on a lathe to become a beautiful writing instrument. The drill bit and bushing set are used to drill the hole where the refill will fit properly. And can also be used with a mandrel to create different shapes and sizes of pens.
Not all pen kits include pen blanks, so make sure to check before buying.
Pen kits can be used for many writing instruments, including ballpoint pens, fountain pens, rollerball pens, gel pens, mechanical pencils, calligraphy pens, etc.
Make sure that you are ready to purchase your first pen kit before you start making your own pen. The components must be compatible with each other, and you must have the right tools to assemble your pen.
Things To Look For When Buying A Pen Turning Kit
Here are some important things to look out for when buying a pen turning kit:
What is included in the package?
Check if the package includes all the components needed for producing several pens, like drill bits and bushings.
The quality of the pen kit
You should check who manufactured your kit and if they have a good reputation in the pen turning world. Look at the feedback from customers to see what their experiences with your kit were like. Read reviews on websites such as Amazon and eBay.
The amount of material required to make pens
Check how much material you need before starting work on a pen. Do this to avoid wasting time finishing a blank that is too small for your kit components.
Type of pen (ballpoint, rollerball, etc.)
Different types of pens require different parts in order to work together correctly. For example, a fountain pen requires an ink refill, while most ballpoint pens use standard ink refills which you probably already have at home. Make sure to buy the type of kit that fits your needs.
Brand of kit
Some pen-turning kits are available from specific websites or brands, while some are open for anyone to purchase on the internet. Different brands of kits can vary in quality.
Tools you need
Make sure that the kit you’re buying is compatible with your home tool collection. Make sure to check if you have all the necessary tools before purchasing a kit. Pen turning kits require you to drill/cut/sand/etc., so make sure that this will not be a problem.
After you purchase your pen turning kit, make sure to check the tools required for assembly before getting started with your new hobby!
Why Turn Pens?
Turning pens is a hobby that anyone can enjoy. With the best pen turning kits and a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful writing instruments with ease. Pen kits may look complicated but they are actually easy to use, manage, and assemble.
You can also sell them to other pen enthusiasts, or keep them as a collection.
Many people made a business out of turning pens and earned a decent amount of money from it. It can be quite a profitable business idea.
Turning pens may be the perfect beginner project to get started with woodworking, sharp tools, and using lathes. It’s a great way to learn about sharpening blades and how to use a mandrel. Without having too much risk since cheaper kits can be used.
Plus, turning pens is just plain satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There are many different pen-turning kits on the market. You can find them in a variety of price ranges, with varying degrees of complexity and quality.
By exploring the five best pen turning kits, we have showcased a range of options suitable for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a top-of-the-line kit, the end result is that there is an option for every person’s needs!
As you embark on your pen turning journey, you’ll discover the joy of transforming raw materials into elegant writing instruments. The process itself is an art form, allowing you to exercise your creativity and craftsmanship. With the right tools at your disposal, you can bring your vision to life and create personalized gifts that will be cherished by your loved ones.
So, why not give it a try? We encourage you to pick some of the best pen turning kits mentioned in this guide, set up your workshop, and let your imagination run wild. Happy pen turning!