by Walter Hall Here is a straightforward guide that details
everything you need to know to turn custom-made pens and
mechanical pencils on a lathe. It starts with a section on
choosing tools, equipment, materials (including alternatives to
wood such as acrylic, antler and soapstone), pen kits and
adhesives, discussing the relative merits of various options in
each category. An overview of tool techniques and safety
practices precedes in-depth instructions for making 15 different
kinds of pens and pencils, suitable for skill levels ranging
from beginner to expert. Complete with photographs of every
step, it shows how to work with laser-cut kits, segmented blanks
and inserted veneer inlay, as well as make pen barrels from
polymer clay or small objects encased in clear resin. Actions
repeated in each project, such as trimming the blank to the
tube, are presented in various ways so you can choose the method
you prefer. Though the book focuses on using relatively basic
tools for each project, it also suggests opti