Making Inlaid Pens

These designs are made from individual pieces of natural and dyed woods which have been cut by a laser to exacting specifications and then hand pieced together.  To create an inlaid pen, first a brass tube of the correct diameter is lightly sanded and painted.  The inlay pieces are initially dry fit and then glued together and also to the tube.  After the glue has cured the tube with the inlay now attached is milled to the correct length to ensure the ends are perfectly square and the length is correct for the pen’s operation. Mounted to the lathe it is now turned to the appropriate profile and dimensions.  It is important to obtain a smooth finish with sharp tools as sanding will create dust from the dyed woods that will carry over to other parts of the design causing streaks and dying portions of the inlay when the finish is applied.

While still on the lathe four to six or more coats of finish are applied, each coat drying before the next is applied.  The barrel is then lightly sanded with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper. The next step is wet sanding through 9 grades of progressively finer micromesh, finishing with 12000 grit.  After a thorough inspection to ensure there are no imperfections the inlay is buffed with buffing compounds and two different buffing wheels.  The pen is then assembled, coated with a museum quality wax and hand rubbed for the final finish.

Take the same care and precautions with your pen as you would with fine furniture or a musical instrument.  Do not expose your pen to extreme temperatures or clean with solvents or abrasive materials.   Periodically use a light coat of good furniture grade paste wax to protect your pen.  Enjoy your new pen.