Pen Turner's Workbook, 3rd Edition Revised and Expanded: Making Pens from Simple to Stunning (Fox Chapel Publishing) 18 Pen Turning Projects, Beginner-Friendly Instructions, and Beautiful Photography

After turning my first pen at a Woodworker’s Showcase last weekend, I now have the urge to do more. This book covers more than just a slimline pen, more materials, and more finishes. Read cover to cover, and now, on to turning pens!

As a new pen turner, this book is exactly what I was looking for. Exceptional pictures, good advice on tools (found out I needed a few more tools to do it right the first time), set up, pen selection, speeds, CA glues and tool application technique throughout the entire book. I could not recommend this high enough. Very highly recommend.

Ok, so here is the time line of this book. Received. Opened box. Looked over the titles. Set aside. FInished breakfast. He picks up the book. I'm disappointed. I choose another title to start reading. I set it down and decide to shower. 20 minutes later he says "I don't know what you paid for this book but it is worth it." He does the push up the nose of imaginary glasses and says "Cool!" The book has twirled his beanie.He shows me what he has learned, pens he wants to duplicate, and says "if our house burned down I would replace this book." I thought I would be able to read this book because we make pens together. We finished our 3rd pen the day before this title arrived. I guess I should have ordered two copies, his and hers.

The book contains all the information you need to make pens. However, being new to using a lathe and having never bought a pen kit before, was more than a little confused getting started. I didn't think it was made clear enough about the different sizes of drill bits you will probably need or how to begin using your lathe to make pens. After re-reading the book and learning what I was looking for, all the information is in there, it just isn't organized in the way a real novice might look for it.

Used this to turn my first pens. Lots of good information and well written. Nice to see step by step processes for a variety of pens and blank materials.

I have been turning pens for about 3 months now and am pretty much self taught. I thought my work was getting pretty good until I opened Barry's book. I picked up a lot of information from Barry's book that I might never have known if I had not purchased the book. I am faciniated by the illustrations of pens that other pen turners have made. Makes me want to try different combinations of materials. Very pleased with the book. I have a long ways to go but this book will certainly shorten the road.

Great book with tutorials on various projects up to expert. Amazing pictures and lots of information.

The photography is excellent. The coverage of the subject matter is complete. That being said, most of the content in the book is redundant merely re-describing the process of turning and assembling pens. The hook for me was the cover. The beautiful pens displayed on the cover are great examples of what custom turned pens could be. I was expecting a great deal more on the processes for making these artistic things of beauty. There was proportionately very little in the way of describing processes in making the humble pen a thing of beauty. If you've never turned and assembled a pen this book would be OK. If you've made a few pens, you will not find this book to be of much value.

This is a beginner book and I am. It helped me get started.Great buy

Full of great ideas, although the author does go on a bit about the reason for the book and praise of others, but once you get through that its good nice pictures of pens good instructions

Just retired and started to get interested in making pens.. this book is just excellent, packed with information and guidance...

I like the way the book is laid out, plenty of information and photographs.

This book is very clear with easy to follow photos detailing different stages. It made me eager to try different techniques.