How to Make a Corn Cob Pen
Corn cobs have a natural grain pattern which gives an unusual finish for pen barrels. The corn cob pith has a tapering shape which can be used to your advantage in pen making. Since cobs are soft, it is very easy to shape them with just a few tools. You may also use dyes to color your pens. The pattern of the finished pen is sure to keep people guessing about the material used.
Things You'll Need
- Corncobs
- Handsaw
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Thinned superglue (cyanoacrylate or CA Glue)
- Pen kit
- Lathe
- Chisel
- Abrasive paper
Instructions
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1
Cut the cob across the middle with the handsaw. Follow the instructions in the pen kit to judge the required lengths of the pieces. Mark the pieces so that the grain can be matched later.
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2
Drill holes in the two halves according to the size of the tube inserts in the pen kit.
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3
Put some very thin superglue into the holes. Turn the cob pieces around so that a film of glue is formed inside. This strengthens the cob.
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4
Glue the tubes from the pen kit in place in the drilled holes.
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5
Place the cob halves on the lathe. Turn the cobs and use the chisel to remove most of the soft material from them. Let a thin layer remain. This can be sanded off later.
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6
Sand the cob halves using abrasive paper. The soft material comes off easily. Rub again with finer abrasive paper to get a fine surface.
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7
Brush a layer of thin superglue over the cob halves. This gives a smooth finish.
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8
Remove the pen from the mandrel. Assemble the pen according to the instructions on the pen kit. Make sure that the grain positions of the two halves match according to the marks made.
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Tips & Warnings
Corn cobs with small piths are better suited for making pens.
To apply dye, put the pen barrels back on the lathe after sanding with abrasive paper. Apply dye with a tissue paper while the lathe is running. Let it dry and then apply a coat of superglue. Use gloves when you handle the dye.
