i hit the local woodcraft (stoneham ma) where they were running a day long pen turning event.. you pick the wood from a box.. the style pen you wnat to make.. then they point you to one of about 8 lathes available and you turn away.. supplies are all there.. no cost to you.. just turn and finish.. they will assemble them and ship them to the troops..

no time at all .. two pens done.. and ready to go..


oh.. they also are giving away a delta midi lathe with extension bed for a door prize.. not a bad little incentive to go on over..

no pics.. but made an african blackwood pen and a birdseye maple pen .. not difficult at all..