Sealing precision in pen turning begins with the right jig and centering tools. This guide highlights five proven options that help you cut, square, center, and drill pen blanks with consistent accuracy. From bandsaw sleds to dedicated centering vises, these gear choices support clean cuts, repeatable centering, and smoother workflow on standard shop setups. Each product below includes essential features to help you compare performance and fit for your projects.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psi Woodworking PKBSLED Bandsaw Sled | PSI Woodworking | Accurate sizing and squaring of pen blanks on a bandsaw | Cutting and length control on bandsaw for pen blanks |
| Woodriver Pen Blank Center Finder | WOODRIVER | Precise center locating for various blank shapes | Centering blanks before turning |
| Pen Blank Centering Vise | Peachtree Woodworking Supply | Consistent center drilling in a drill press setup | Center hole drilling for pen blanks |
| PSI Woodworking CJAWPEN Pen Blank Drilling Jaws | PSI Woodworking | Adapter jaws to hold blanks for drilling | Drilling in existing chucks for centered blanks |
| Penn State Industries MLCUTOFF | Penn State Industries | Micro cutoff saw with jig for exact tube sizing | Precise pen tube trimming to match kit tubes |
Note: Prices are not listed here. Always verify compatibility with your current tools and true dimensions before purchasing.
PSI Woodworking PKBSLED Bandsaw Sled
Designed to size and square pen blanks on a bandsaw, the PKBSLED engages the outside edge of the table for stable use. It is easy to attach and remove, and supports blank stock up to 1″ x 1″ with compatibility across bandsaw tables from 10.5″ to 18″. Weighing about 6 lbs, it provides a solid base without adding excessive bulk.
Key features include quick-on/off capability, accuracy for square cuts, and a focused application on bandsaw workpieces. This sled does not include a bandsaw itself, so it works best when paired with a compatible bandsaw setup. The design is aimed at hobbyists and professionals seeking repeatable pen blank preparation on standard shop tables.
Woodriver Pen Blank Center Finder
This center finder helps accurately locate centers on both round and rectangular blanks up to 1-1/8″. Its compact form is designed to be used in proximity to the lathe, with a handy key ring for hanging near the workspace. The tool supports reliable centering for consistent drilling and turning setup, reducing guesswork in the early stages of pen fabrication.
Pen Blank Centering Vise For Drilling
The Pen Blank Centering Vise focuses on precise centering for drilling. Its jaws move in and out together to ensure center drilling accuracy for blanks of varying sizes and shapes. Once set up, it can drill blanks consistently without reconfiguring the setup, making it a reliable go-to for frequent pen builders working with drill presses.
PSI Woodworking CJAWPEN Pen Blank Drilling Jaws
These jaws convert your existing chuck into a versatile drill guide for pen blanks. They hold a wide variety of blank sizes and eliminate the need to purchase a separate drilling chuck. Quick and easy to attach, the CJAWPEN jaws support reliable, centered drilling across different blank geometries, streamlining the turning process.
Penn State Industries MLCUTOFF Pen Tube Micro Cutoff Saw
Designed to trim pen tubes accurately, the MLCUTOFF pairs with a tube-in-tinder approach or an integrated ruler for precise cut sizing. It accepts stock tubes up to 12.5 mm and includes two fine-toothed blades, a tube holder clamp, and table clamp. The tool helps ensure the pen tubes match the desired length for consistent assembly and finishing.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting pen blank cutting and centering tools, consider the following aspects to ensure compatibility with your workflow and projects:
- Compatibility with existing equipment: Verify that the jig, vise, or jaw system fits your lathe chuck, drill press, or bandsaw table. Some products are designed to work with specific chuck sizes or table dimensions.
- Centering accuracy: Precision is essential for turning and aesthetics. Look for features like simultaneous jaw movement, edge locking, and clear measurement references to minimize misalignment.
- Versatility: A tool that accommodates multiple blank sizes and shapes reduces the need for additional accessories. Consider adjustable jaws, scalable guides, or adaptable sleds.
- Ease of use and setup time: Quick-attach mechanisms, intuitive alignment, and stable bases help reduce setup time and improve consistency across projects.
- Durability and weight: Heavier, well-constructed designs offer stability during drilling or routing, especially with longer or thicker blanks.
- Brand support and availability of components: Check for replacement parts, optional jaws, and compatible accessories from the same brand to extend tool life.
Different woodturners may prioritize different factors, such as maximum blank size, ease of use, or the ability to clamp irregular shapes. A balanced selection often includes a bandsaw sled for initial sizing, a centering device for precise alignment, and a dedicated drilling or tube-cutting accessory to finish the blank preparation with repeatable accuracy.