Starting into penturning

Are you interested in making pens? We often get asked what it takes to start into the pen making hobby. Here are a few great resources that will answer many of your questions and get you on your way to making your first pen:

Penturning 101 info sheet - pen-making basics you need to know to get started

Our recommendations for tools - what's needed and what's nice to have

Below we offer a starter kit in the easy-to-make Slimline style. Each starter kit has everything you need to get started - five pen kits, five blanks, adjustable Morse Taper 1 or Morse Taper 2 mandrel, bushings, drill, premium pen mill pilot shaft and cutter head, glue, baseplate wax and finishing bars.

If you're not sure whether your lathe has a Morse Taper 1 or Morse Taper 2, this info sheet may help.

Common brands of lathes with Morse Taper 1: 

Wen, Model 3421, available at Amazon, approx. price $315 CAD
Craftex, Model CX815, available at Busy Bee, approx price $315 CAD
Mophorn, Model 8x12in., available at Vevor, approx. price $232.99 CAD
King, Model KWL-813VS, widely available, approx. price $299.99 CAD
Shop Fox, Model W1704, available at Amazon, approx price $321 CAD

Common brands of lathes with Morse Taper 2:

King, Model KWL-1218VS, widely available , approx. price $699.99 CAD
King, Model KWL-1016C, widely available, approx. price $539 CAD
Laguna, Model LAGMLAREVO1216EVS, available at Tegs Tools, approx. price $1299 CAD
Craftex, Model CX801, available at Busy Bee, approx. price $519 CAD
Craftex, Model CX814, available at Busy Bee, approx. price $929 CAD
Rikon, Model 70150VSR, available at Lee Valley, approx. price $850 CAD
Rikon, Model 70-100, available at Lee Valley, approx. price $499 CAD
Rikon, Model 70-220VST, available at Lee Valley, approx. price $949 CAD
Wen, Model WEN 34034, available at Amazon, approx. price $1265 CAD

NOTE: information current as of March 2022; lathes listed here are for information only and is not considered an endorsement.