2. With coarse sandpaper, sand the brass tube; the rough surface gives the glue "teeth" to create a strong bond.3. Apply glue to the exterior surface of the tube. Insert the tube in the predrilled blank and roll it back and forth, completely coating both surfaces with glue. Remove the tube, spray the tube surface with water to accelerate the drying process and quickly push the tube back into the blank. The glue will dry in 30 seconds. Repeat the process on the blank that will form the bottom half of the pen.
4. On the drill press, use a barrel trimmer to square the ends of the blanks and trim away any glue residue.
5. With a loose bushing in place on the lathe, run a blank over the lathe tube, add another bushing, then the second blank to the tube and finally, add a final bushing.
6. Bushings are available in different sizes, depending on the project being turned (figure C). The bushings used here are the same size as the fittings for the pen. The ends of the blanks must be turned to match their diameter. The bushings themselves aren't turned; they are used as a guide.
7. The barrel of the pen can be left thick or thin to tailor the fit to the size of the hand (figure D).
8. Lock the tailstock in place on the lathe, applying pressure to the blank. Using the straight edge of the roughing gouge, turn the rough corners of the blank (figure E). For clean tool movement, move your body using your hips and legs, not your arms.
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