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Woodturning pen kits are the fastest way to go from a block of wood to something you can give away the same afternoon. A kit supplies the metal parts: brass tubes, the nib, the mechanism, the clip and the ink refill. You supply the wood (or acrylic) barrel, turned on a mandrel between bushings that set the final diameter.
The details that matter are the mechanism, the drill bit and bushings each kit needs, and the plating. Get those right and every kit goes together cleanly. Below are six picks from PSI Woodworking (Penn State Industries), a long-running US pen kit supplier, with the specs PSI publishes, plus an Amazon-sold alternative to PSI's starter set. If you are still choosing a lathe, see our best mini wood lathes.
Our top picks at a glance
Penn State Industries PK-PENA2BT Premium Slimline Twist Ballpoint Pen Kit (10, Gun Metal)Check priceBest for Practice
Penn State Industries PK-PEN Premium Slimline Twist Ballpoint Pen Kit (10, Gold)Check priceBest Gift Pen
PSI Woodworking 3 Bolt Action Pen Kit Starter Set (PKCPBAPAK)Check priceQuick picks
- Best Starter Set: PSI "Everything Except the Lathe" (PKSTARTHL). Best for starting from zero with kits, pre-drilled blanks, a mandrel and a press. Sold by PSI directly; the PKM 27-piece bundle is the Amazon alternative.
- Best Slimline Kit: PSI Premium Slimline Gun Metal 10-pack (PK-PENA2BT). Best for a darker finish on gift Slimlines.
- Best for Practice: PSI Premium Slimline Gold 10-pack (PK-PEN). Best for low-cost kits to learn on.
- Best Gift Pen: PSI 3 Bolt Action Pen Kit Starter Set (PKCPBAPAK). Best for a click pen with a rifle-bolt mechanism.
- Best Cigar-Style Pen: PSI Big Ben Gold (PKBIG). Best for a thicker, more comfortable twist pen.
- Essential Bushings: PSI 7mm Slimline Kit Bushing Set (PKM-BUSH3). Best for turning any 7mm Slimline kit to size.
Comparison table
| Kit | Best for | Mechanism | Drill bit | Bushings | What's included | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSI PKSTARTHL | Starter set | Slimline (7mm) | 7mm (included) | Included with mandrel | 5 kits, 10 pre-drilled blanks with tubes, MT2 mandrel, squaring jig, deburring tool, friction polish, lathe-mounted press | Check price |
| PSI PK-PENA2BT | Gift Slimline | Twist | 7mm | PKM-BUSH3 | 10 kits, gun metal, Cross-style refills | Check price |
| PSI PK-PEN | Practice | Twist (Slimline) | 7mm | PKM-BUSH3 | 10 kits, gold | Check price |
| PSI PKCPBAPAK | Gift click pen | Bolt action click | 3/8 in. | 2-piece PKCP3000BU (included) | 3 kits (chrome, gun metal, 24k gold), Parker-style refills | Check price |
| PSI PKBIG | Thicker twist pen | Twist (cigar style) | 10mm | PKBIG-BU (3-piece) | One kit | Check price |
| PSI PKM-BUSH3 | Slimline bushings | n/a | n/a | Set of 3, 7mm | Bushings only | Check price |
The best woodturning pen kits, reviewed
1. PSI "Everything Except the Lathe" Pen Turning Starter Set: Best Starter Set
Who it's for: first-time pen turners who already have a lathe, a couple of small turning tools and sandpaper.
PSI built this set around the step where beginners most often go wrong: drilling the blank and gluing in the tube. It includes ten pre-drilled blanks with 7mm Slimline tubes already installed, so your first pens skip straight to turning. You also get five pen kits, an MT2 mandrel set with bushings and a 7mm drill bit, a squaring jig and a deburring tool, a 1 oz bottle of friction polish and a pen press that mounts on the lathe.
Once the pre-drilled blanks are gone, you have everything you need to drill and glue your own using the included bit. The mandrel is #2 Morse taper, so check that your headstock is MT2.
Pros
- Pre-drilled blanks remove the hardest first step
- Mandrel, bushings, bit and squaring jig included
- Lathe-mounted press for assembly
- Friction polish for a quick finish
Cons
- Requires an MT2 headstock
- Turning tools and sandpaper not included
- Only Slimline kits
PSI Woodworking Everything Except the Lathe Pen Turning Starter Set (PKSTARTHL)
by PSI Woodworking
PSI sells this set through its own store; we did not find it on Amazon. If you would rather order on Amazon, Pen Kit Mall's 27-piece Slimline starter bundle is the closest match we found. Its listing names five bushings, a #2 Morse taper "Maxi-Mandrel", Spectraply wood, ten assorted Slimline kits and a carry case. Unlike PSI's set, it does not list pre-drilled blanks or a pen press, so check the listing for a drill bit before you order.
2. PSI Premium Slimline Gun Metal Pen Kit, 10-pack (PK-PENA2BT): Best Slimline Kit
Who it's for: turners making Slimlines to give away or sell, who want something other than gold.
Our first pick here was PSI's titanium nitride Slimline (PK-PENA2TN), which PSI describes as permanent plating. We did not find it as its own Amazon listing, so we now point to the gun metal version of the same Premium Slimline kit, sold on Amazon as a 10-pack. The specs are the same Slimline ones: a twist mechanism, a 7mm dual-tube design, a Cross-style ballpoint refill and PSI's PKM-BUSH3 bushings. PSI's listings say the kit is hardware only, so blanks, bushings and the drill bit are extra.
PSI does not make a durability claim for gun metal like the one it makes for titanium nitride. If long-lasting plating matters most, buy the TN version from PSI directly. Because it is a Slimline, it is a slender pen; if you or the recipient prefer a thicker grip, look at the Big Ben below.
Pros
- Darker finish that stands apart from gold
- Ten kits per pack
- Standard 7mm bit and PKM-BUSH3 bushings
- Cross-style refills are easy to find
Cons
- Slim profile is not for everyone
- No plating-durability claim from PSI
- Bushings and bit sold separately
Penn State Industries PK-PENA2BT Premium Slimline Twist Ballpoint Pen Kit (10, Gun Metal)
by Penn State Industries
3. PSI Premium Slimline Gold Pen Kit, 10-pack (PK-PEN): Best for Practice
Who it's for: beginners turning their first dozen pens.
The PK-PEN is PSI's basic gold Premium Slimline kit, sold on Amazon as a 10-pack. It uses the same 7mm tubes and the same PKM-BUSH3 bushings as the gun metal version above, and the listing gives a minimum blank size of 5/8 x 5/8 x 4-1/2 inches. Ten kits is the right quantity to practice the full process several times: drilling, gluing, squaring, turning to the bushings, finishing and pressing.
Expect standard gold plating to wear faster than PSI's titanium nitride. That is fine for practice pens and pens you keep.
Pros
- Low cost per pen
- Ten kits per pack
- Same bushings and bit as other 7mm Slimlines
- Ideal for learning
Cons
- Standard gold plating wears with use
- Slim profile
- Bushings and bit sold separately
Penn State Industries PK-PEN Premium Slimline Twist Ballpoint Pen Kit (10, Gold)
by Penn State Industries
4. PSI 3 Bolt Action Pen Kit Starter Set: Best Gift Pen
Who it's for: gift makers, especially for hunters and shooters.
The bolt action pen is a click pen with a rifle-bolt mechanism. PSI's starter set includes three kits, one each in chrome, gun metal and 24k gold, plus the 2-piece bushing set (PKCP3000BU) they need. Each pen has a bolt-action rifle clip, a replica 30 caliber cartridge and a bullet tip, with a Parker-style black ink refill.
PSI lists a 3/8-inch drill bit and a 5/8 x 3-inch blank, though one reseller recommends 3/4 x 3/4 x 3-inch blanks. Blanks are not included. This is a single-barrel kit, so it is quick to turn once you have drilled and glued the tube.
Pros
- Bushings included
- Three platings to compare
- Click mechanism and distinctive look
- Single barrel, quick to turn
Cons
- Needs a 3/8-inch bit, not 7mm
- Blank size advice varies between sellers
- Themed look is not for everyone
PSI Woodworking 3 Bolt Action Pen Kit Starter Set (PKCPBAPAK)
by PSI Woodworking
5. PSI Big Ben Gold Twist Pen Kit: Best Cigar-Style Pen
Who it's for: turners who want a thicker, more substantial twist pen with more wood on show.
PSI's Big Ben is its cigar-style twist pen. It takes a 10mm drill bit (PSI lists its PK10-10 bit) and the 3-piece PKBIG-BU bushing set. The fatter barrel shows off figured wood and burls far better than a Slimline and feels more comfortable in a larger hand. Some turners note that a 25/64-inch bit is close enough to 10mm to use, but follow PSI's instructions.
The trade-off is more turning and a separate bit and bushing set from your Slimline tools.
Pros
- Thicker barrel shows off figured wood
- More comfortable grip
- Twist mechanism
- Gold finish
Cons
- Needs a 10mm bit and its own bushings
- More material per pen
- PSI's naming (Big Ben vs cigar) can confuse searches
PSI Woodworking Big Ben Gold Twist Pen Kit (PKBIG)
by PSI Woodworking
6. PSI 7mm Slimline Kit Bushing Set: Essential Bushings
Who it's for: anyone turning 7mm Slimline kits without a starter set.
Bushings sit on the mandrel at each end of the blank and set the diameter you turn down to, so the wood meets the metal parts flush. PSI's PKM-BUSH3 is a set of three 7mm bushings for PK-PEN, PK-PCL (Slimline pencil) and other 7mm kits. Every kit type uses its own bushings, so buy the set that matches the kit.
Pros
- Fits all PSI 7mm Slimline pens and pencils
- Low cost
- Sets the final diameter accurately
- Reusable for many pens
Cons
- Slimline only
- Bushings wear over time
- Mandrel sold separately
PSI Woodworking 7mm Slimline Kit Bushing Set (PKM-BUSH3)
by PSI Woodworking
Buying guide: choosing woodturning pen kits
Mechanism
- Twist: turn the barrel to extend the refill. Slimline and cigar kits are twist pens. Simple and reliable.
- Click: a push button, like the bolt action. Fun, but more parts.
- Rollerball and fountain pens: take more expensive refills or nibs and usually larger tubes. Better once you have turned a few twist pens.
Drill bit and bushings must match the kit
Every kit lists its drill bit and bushing set. PSI's examples: 7mm for Slimlines, 3/8 inch for Bolt Action, 10mm for Big Ben. Buying several kit types means several bits and bushing sets, so many turners pick one or two styles and stick with them.
Plating
Standard gold plating is cheapest but can wear. PSI describes its titanium nitride plating as permanent. Chrome, gun metal and other finishes vary by kit. For gifts, choose the more durable plating.
Blanks
Pen blank packs are commonly sold at 3/4 x 3/4 x 5 inches, which you cut to tube length (PSI lists 9/16 x 2-1/32 inches per Slimline barrel). Dense, stable hardwoods and acrylics turn best. See our wood blanks for turning for pen blank packs, and avoid blanks with cracks, which the AAW says should be discarded rather than glued.
The tools you need besides the kit
| Item | Why | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Pen mandrel (usually MT2) | Holds the tubes and bushings between centers | See options |
| Drill chuck on MT2 arbor, or drill press and vise | Drills the blank on center | See options |
| Barrel trimmer or squaring jig | Squares the blank ends to the tube | See options |
| CA glue or epoxy | Glues the tube into the blank | See options |
| Small turning tools | A spindle gouge, skew or small carbide tool; see our wood lathe tools guide | See options |
| Sandpaper and finish | Friction polish or CA finish | See options |
| Pen press or vise | Assembles the parts without damage | See options |
Our wood lathe accessories guide covers drill chucks and a pen mandrel saver, and our lathe chisels guide covers small parting tools.
Pen turning safety and accuracy
Pens are small, but the AAW's rules still apply:
- Eye protection. The AAW says safety glasses or goggles with side shields are the minimum for small items; a face shield is better.
- Speed. The AAW's spindle chart suggests about 3,000 RPM for stock 1 inch or less. Start slower while the blank is square.
- Light tailstock pressure. The AAW's alignment article says too much pressure bends the mandrel shaft and makes oval barrels. Use just enough to stabilize it.
- Drill straight. Seat the drill chuck's taper fully and run the quill out only as far as needed. Brad-point bits and a small pilot hole help keep the bit from wandering, per the AAW.
- Dust and glue. Collect sanding dust and wear a respirator. Use CA glue and finishes with ventilation, following the maker's label.
- No rags. Apply finish with a paper towel, not a cloth that can wrap around the work.
Turning your first pen: the steps in brief
- Cut the blank to tube length plus a little extra, and mark which halves go together so the grain matches.
- Drill each blank on center with the kit's bit, withdrawing often to clear chips.
- Glue the tubes in with CA or epoxy, following the glue maker's instructions, and let it cure.
- Square the ends to the tube with a barrel trimmer or squaring jig.
- Mount on the mandrel with the kit's bushings, using light tailstock pressure.
- Turn down to the bushings, then sand and finish with the tool rest removed.
- Press the parts together in the order the kit instructions give.
Most first-pen problems, such as cracked blanks, loose tubes and parts that do not meet flush, come from drilling, gluing or squaring, not turning, which is why the pre-drilled blanks in PSI's starter set are so useful.
How we chose
We did not turn these kits ourselves. We compared the specifications PSI publishes for each kit (mechanism, drill bit, bushings, blank size and contents), checked reseller listings where they add detail, and applied the AAW's guidance on pen turning accuracy and safety. Where sources disagree, such as the Bolt Action blank size, we say so.
FAQ
What do I need to start turning pens?
A lathe with an MT2 headstock (or an adapter), a pen mandrel, the bushings for your kit, a drill bit in the kit's size, pen blanks, CA or epoxy glue, a way to square the blank ends (barrel trimmer or squaring jig), small turning tools, sandpaper, finish and a pen press or vise to assemble. Starter sets like PSI's PKSTARTHL bundle most of this.
What is the easiest pen kit for beginners?
The 7mm Slimline twist pen. It uses a common 7mm drill bit and a standard bushing set, has two short tubes, and is the kit most starter sets are built around. Learn on inexpensive gold-plated Slimlines before turning more costly kits.
What size drill bit do pen kits use?
It depends on the kit. PSI lists a 7mm bit for Slimline kits, a 3/8-inch bit for its Bolt Action kits and a 10mm bit for its Big Ben (cigar) kits. Always check the kit's instructions, because each kit uses its own tube size and bushings.
What speed should I turn a pen at?
Pen blanks are under 1 inch thick, and the AAW's spindle chart suggests about 3,000 RPM for stock 1 inch or less. Start lower while the blank is square, then increase once it is round. Check your lathe's own speed limits and keep the tailstock pressure light so the mandrel does not bend.
Can I turn pens on a mini lathe?
Yes. Pens are the classic mini lathe project. You need an MT2 headstock for most mandrels (or an MT1 mandrel or adapter), enough distance between centers for the mandrel, and a top speed of a few thousand RPM. More small projects are in our wood lathe projects guide, and lathe picks in our best lathe for pen turning guide.
Verdict
If you are starting from scratch, buy the PSI "Everything Except the Lathe" starter set: the pre-drilled blanks get you past the hardest first step. Then practice on PK-PEN Slimlines, switch to titanium nitride Slimlines from PSI (or the gun metal 10-pack on Amazon) for gifts, and add the Bolt Action set or Big Ben when you want something different. Keep the PKM-BUSH3 bushings on hand for every 7mm kit.
Related: see our bottle stopper turning kits guide.