Biro kits
Biro kits
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE BIRO KITS
Turning pens is a great hobby. By combining different woods or blanks made of synthetic resin with pen kits in brass, chrome, silver or even gold-plated, you can realise individual writing instruments entirely according to your ideas. You can choose which pen blank you want to combine with which kit and you are free to decide which shape you want to give the pen.
What parts does a pen kit consist of?
A simple kit consists of at least three parts, the tip (including the grip), the cap (usually with a clip) and a brass barrel. There is also a refill with a matching nib. More elaborate sets, for example for twist action ballpoint pens, contain up to 12 parts or more (tip, several parts for the mechanism, at least two brass sleeves, clip etc.) plus refill and nib. Each kit comes with detailed instructions explaining the manufacturing process and assembly in detail.
What types of writing instruments can I turn myself with a kit?
- Retractable biros: the most common shape, in which the ballpoint refill is pushed out of the tip by pressing on the cap or the upper part.
- Twist action biros: the ballpoint refill is pushed forwards by twisting the top section.
- Biroswithrepeating function: the refill is pushed forwards and locked in place using the repeating lever.
- Lead pencil (drop-lead pencil): the graphite lead sits in a clamping mechanism and can fall forwards or be pulled out when pressure is applied to the cap.
- Fountain pen: classic writing instrument with an ink reservoir in a cartridge, the nib is protected by an attached cap.
- Rollerball pen: pen with a fixed ink refill, the tip of which is protected by an attached cap.
What else do I need to be able to turn pens myself?
In addition to a lathe, suitable turning irons and a pen kit, you will need:
- Material: a "pen blank" is a writing instrument blank made of wood or synthetic resin in a suitable length and with a suitable cross-section
- Special drill: before turning, the blanks are pre-drilled with an extra-long drill (pen drill)
- Adhesives: the sleeves or brass sleeves are glued into the pen blanks with Superglues (cyanoacrylate adhesive)
- Clamping device: for turning, the parts are clamped on a so-called Mandrels, its spacer rings must match the Biro kits used
- Abrasive: after turning, the surface is smoothed with Abrasive paper sandpaper and then polished, e.g. with micro-mesh
- Pen press: facilitates the exact assembly of the pens, with many Biro kits you only have one attempt!
- Surface treatment: oil, wax or varnish for long-lasting protection against moisture and (hand) perspiration
Pen turning with airbrush technique - application examples
