A pen lathe is one of the smallest types of wood-turning lathe designs. These units are smaller than the mini-lathe, and are primarily used by hobbyists and those new to woodwoorking. The pen lathe sits on a table or workbench, and is designed to rotate a piece of wood as craftsmen shape or sculpt the wood into a pen.
Each pen lathe unit consists of a steel base with a mandrel at either end. A chuck on each mandrel holds one end of the pen in place as it rotates. By applying woodworking tools to the wood, craftsmen can create different designs and finishes.
Pen lathe users rely on wooden blocks, or stock material. These blocks are designed to fit between the mandrels on a standard pen lathe. Some craftsmen may also create their own stock by cutting lumber down to the required size. These stock materials also come in the form of plastic or acrylic blocks and rods, which allow users to make plastic or composite pens.
These lathes are so named because they are typically used to make pens and pencils. They may also be used to shape small toys, furniture components, and other custom parts. The pen lathe serves as a learning tool for those new to wood lathes. It provides users with an economical and easy-to-use alternative to larger and more expensive lathes. Many craftsmen use a pen lathe to create custom pens and other crafts for sale.
As the lathe rotates wood or plastic stock, workers shape the stock by hand using special bits and tools. They may use routers and drill bits to carve unique profiles in a pen, or apply sandpaper to refine or texturize the surface. When the wood has reached the desired shape and profile, the user may polish or buff the pen to give it a smooth finish.
Pen lathe manufacturers produce many types of units to meet the needs of different users. Buyers should select a lathe that's the correct length to accommodate the desired range of materials, as these units cannot be extended like larger lathes. It's also important to choose one that offers sufficient power and turning speed to create the desired finish. Both fixed and variable-speed models are available, and these power settings can have a significant impact on power and operation. Finally, each lathe should be chosen based on its weight, size, and portability according to the needs of the user.