Discover top lever action and bolt action pen kits that blend old-world charm with modern turning. This guide highlights five standout kits, detailing what they offer, how they work, and what to consider when choosing one for your next project. Each entry includes a quick product snapshot, key features, and practical notes to help you decide which kit best fits your lathe, tooling, and wood blanks.
| Product | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WOODRIVER Project Kit – Lever Action Ballpoint Pen | WOODRIVER | Antique brass finish; lever action mechanism |
| Woodriver Bushings For Lever Action Pen Kit | WOODRIVER | Bushing set for turning |
| PSI Woodworking PKCPBAPAK 30 Caliber Bolt Action | PSI Woodworking | Starter package with multiple finishes |
| Penn State Industries PKCP8120 Bolt Action 30 Cal Pencil Kit | Penn State Industries | 3/8″ single tube; pencil variant |
| Chinco 2 Sets Bolt Action Pens | Chinco | Includes gift boxes and refills |
WOODRIVER Project Kit – Lever Action Ballpoint Pen
The WOODRIVER Project Kit combines a classic lever action feel with a modern ballpoint mechanism. This antique brass finish delivers a vintage look when paired with your favorite wood blank. The kit emphasizes a realistic lever-action control, enabling smooth operation as you extend and retract the pen mechanism. It’s designed for turning enthusiasts who enjoy a tactile, mechanical experience as part of the DIY process. A lathe setup and standard turning tools are sufficient to complete the project from blank to finished pen.
Woodriver Bushings For Lever Action Pen Kit
The WoodRiver bushings are essential for turning a precise lever action pen on your lathe. These bushings are produced by WoodRiver, a brand under Woodcraft, a leading supplier of quality woodworking tools and kits. They are designed to ensure accurate alignment and finish during turning, helping you achieve consistent results across projects. The kit is aimed at intermediate to advanced turners who want dependable, brand-aligned components to complement their lever action pen builds.
PSI Woodworking PKCPBAPAK Bolt Action Starter Package
This PSI Woodworking kit serves as a starter package for bolt action ballpoint pen projects. It includes the required hardware and bushing set, with the note that a lathe is needed to turn blanks into finished pens. The package features three cartridge finishes—gun metal, chrome, and gold—providing options for different cosmetic preferences. A lathe, drilling tools, and turning bits are necessary to complete the transformation from blank to functional pen, making this kit ideal for woodturners expanding into bolt action designs.
Penn State Industries PKCP8120 Bolt Action 30 Cal Pencil Kit
This Penn State Industries kit offers a bolt action 30 cal pencil option, providing a distinct twist on the classic bolt-action mechanism. It’s a hardware-only project kit, so buyers will supply blanks, a bushing set, drill bits, and turning tools. The PKCP8120 features a 3/8″ single tube design and our patented bolt action mechanism, plus a .7mm lead pencil refill. A lathe is required to convert the kit into a usable wooden pencil pen, making it suitable for experienced woodturners seeking a unique writing instrument.
Lothee 102 Pcs 7mm Pen Making Kits
While not strictly lever action, these 7mm slimline pen making kits from Lothee provide a bulk option for woodturners producing multiple pens. The set includes 102 complete kits in three finishes (gold, silver, black) with 34 sets per color. They use a 7mm brass tube design and require a 7mm drill bit. Blanks and drill bits are not included, but the variety and volume make this kit attractive for workshops, classrooms, or hobbyists focusing on quantity and consistency in production runs.
Chinco Bolt Action Pens with Gift Box
Chinco offers two bolt action pens packaged with gift boxes and refills, making them appealing as gifts or starter projects. Crafted from quality brass and wood, these pens emphasize a balanced weight and comfortable grip, suitable for lengthy writing sessions. The set includes two pens and two refills, plus gift boxes, enabling quick gifting or display. The design emphasizes durability and a classic, retro-inspired look that complements a wide range of woods and finishes.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations and Comparisons
- Mechanism type and feel: Lever action vs bolt action pens provide different user experiences. Consider which action you prefer and how it aligns with your turning style.
- Finish and hardware quality: Antique brass, chrome, or gun metal finishes impact aesthetics and compatibility with woods. Choose finishes that resist wear and coordinate with your blanks.
- Lathe compatibility and bushing needs: Some kits require specific bushings or hardware; verify your lathe size and the included hardware to ensure smooth turning.
- Tooling and supplies: Most kits demand a lathe, drilling bits, and blank stock. Confirm which items are supplied and what you must provide separately.
- Volume vs uniqueness: Bulk kits are ideal for large runs or classrooms, while single-pen kits suit personalized projects with unique woods.
- Gifting and presentation: Gift box inclusions and packaging can influence purchasing choices, especially for beginner woodturners or as gifts.
- Maintenance and replacement parts: Replacement tubes or bushings ensure longevity of ongoing projects; check availability from the brand.
- Skill level and safety: Bolt action and lever action mechanisms add complexity. Assess your turning experience and follow safe turning practices.
When selecting a lever action or bolt action pen kit, weigh the intended use—one-off gifts, classroom projects, or production runs—and consider how the mechanism, finish, and hardware will complement your preferred woods. The listed kits provide a range of finishes, complexities, and accessories to support woodturners across skill levels.