Beginner MT1 Pen Starter Kit

Beginner starter kit for pen turning – MT1 lathes

Ready to try pen turning? This beginner starter kit brings together the essential supplies and tooling you need to get started making your own pens. Designed for wood lathes with a Morse Taper 1 (MT1) spindle, it includes five Slimline pen kits, wood pen blanks, an adjustable pen mandrel, drilling and trimming tools, adhesive and finishing supplies.

Whether you're new to woodturning or looking to try a smaller project, this bundle is a convenient way to get started without having to purchase all the components separately.

What is included in this starter kit?

Each kit includes:

• 5 Slimline pen kits

• 5 wood pen blanks, each measuring 3/4" square × 5" (19 × 19 × 127 mm)

• 1 set of 1A bushings

• 1 adjustable pen mandrel A / 7 mm, MT1

• 1 7 mm brad point drill bit

• 1 bottle of E-Z Bond thick CA glue, 1 oz (30 ml)

• 1 premium 3/4" pen mill cutter head

• 1 premium 7 mm pen mill shaft

• 1 trial-size friction polish

• 1 sheet of baseplate wax

Sorry, no substitutions or deletions are available for this bundle.

Which lathes is this starter kit compatible with?

This starter kit is designed for wood lathes with a Morse Taper 1 (MT1) spindle. The included adjustable pen mandrel fits an MT1 spindle and is used with the supplied 1A bushings to turn the Slimline pen kits. If you're unsure whether your lathe uses Morse Taper 1 (MT1) or Morse Taper 2 (MT2), check the information sheet available under the Documents tab above before ordering.

What can I make with this starter kit?

The kit includes the components needed to make five Slimline pens. These classic 7 mm ballpoint pens are a popular starting point for learning the basics of pen turning. You'll gain experience drilling pen blanks, preparing the ends, mounting blanks on a mandrel, turning them to size and applying a finish. 

Note: with the tooling in this kit, you can also make other kits like Slimline pen kits, darts and key rings. Just keep an eye out for kits that call for 7 mm drill bits and pen mills and 1A bushing sets. Visit the How-to Guides & References section in our Learning Hub to find our bushing compatibility chart.

Is this kit suitable for someone who has never turned a pen before?

Yes! This bundle is intended for beginners who have access to a suitable MT1 wood lathe and the necessary basic workshop equipment. Our Pen Turning 101 information sheet is a helpful resource for learning more about the tools, materials and techniques involved in making your first pens. You'll find this guide, along with information about Morse Taper sizes, under the Documents tab above.

Are there any shipping restrictions?

Yes. Because this kit contains CA glue and finishing products, it cannot be shipped by air. For Canadian orders, please select Flat Rate Ground Shipping at checkout. 

Price per starter kit in Canadian dollars.