Our new address is 979 York Street, Hanover, PA 17331. Phone 717-646-0102. Fax 717-646-0104.

Frequently Asked Questions

WoodWrite,Ltd. lathes are the only mini-lathes that come complete with a 1/3hp motor; mounted, aligned and ready to use ten minutes after you unpack it. These lathes have a saddle-mounted carbide cutting tool similar to a metal cutting lathe (Model 361 has a motorized saddle drive - the only one on the market), and micrometer dial which allow you to set an exact depth of cut accurate to within one thousandth of an inch (no hand-held tools required), as well as six exact speeds with a top speed of 5700 RPM. WoodWrite, Ltd. lathes are not imported, but are made in Cockeysville, MD factory, just north of Baltimore, MD. All WoodWrite,Ltd. lathes are made of precision aluminum extrusions anodized gold with black accents (anodizing is almost diamond-hard), and have a bed of precision 3/4" polished and ground solid steel. They are the only lathes in the world with dust collection manifolds, which remove up to 99% of dust and chips using a normal household shop vacuum. WoodWrite, Ltd. lathes are also the only lathes with an unconditional one year warranty.

Why is it preferable to use a lathe with more than one speed?

When turning materials of different densities, such as various woods, metals and plastics, the ability to adjust your speed is of the utmost importance. Obviously, knowing what those speeds are is also very important. There are lathes with variable speeds and those with belt driven adjustable speeds. Variable speed lathes do not give you a definite speed to chose. The ratios of a belt driven lathe such as a WoodWrite, Ltd. lathe, tell you the exact speed chosen.

What are the advantages of the higher RPM offered by WoodWrite,Ltd. lathes?

Machinists always speak of feed and speed. When turning items which are small in diameter, speed is imperative to obtain a smooth cut. Leading the industry at 5700 RPM, WoodWrite, Ltd. lathes produce a cut so smooth that some woods appear to be already sanded.

What do I need to buy in addition to the lathe for it to operate?

Unlike some other brands, your WoodWrite,Ltd. lathe will come to you complete; mounted, aligned and ready to run. You do not need to assemble it, add a motor, build a base or perform any electrical wiring. The only thing you need add is the mandrel appropriate to the type of pen you wish to turn, and those are included in our Production Systems and Start-up Kits.

If the lathe comes complete, what are all the accessories in your catalog for?

Each accessory is listed below with a description of it’s use:

— Mandrels (KT-15, FRB-10, KT-21, KT-22, KT-24) are used to mount the wood blocks on your WoodWrite,Ltd.  lathe. If you don’t purchase either a production system or start-up kit for each type of pen you wish to make (which include the appropriate mandrel(s) ), then you have the option of purchasing the mandrels separately.

— Sanding Bushings (KT-25, KT-26, KT-27, KT-28, KT-29, KT-31) are not needed with WoodWrite,Ltd.  lathes. They are used for hand-turning with other manufacturer's lathes and 7mm mandrels. They are the exact size of the completed wood blanks, and although they are made of hardened steel, you must be careful not to hit them with your chisel or sanding cloth, as you will change the measurements. Sanding bushings may be substituted for mandrels in Productions Systems and Start-up Kits upon request.

— A drive belt (KT-03) and carbide cutting tool (KT-04) come with your lathe, but may need to be replaced periodically.

— 3 Jaw (KT-0301) and 4 Jaw (KT-0401) chucks are used to hold a block of wood for free-hand turning or for turning a solid block using the cutting tool. The 3 jaw opens and closes uniformly, and is used to hold round stock such as dowels (it cannot be used for square stock). The 4 jaw has individually adjustable jaws, and is best used with square stock.

— The Drilling Tailstock (KT-18) will allow you to drill your own wood blanks on your lathe. You will need a Jacobs Chuck, size of your choice (KT-1901, KT-2901, KT-3901), to hold your drill bit.

— The undrilled Face Plate (KT-7301) is used for turning small bowls.

— The collet set (KT-0401) is for holding components or mandrels in the sizes noted. A 1/4" collet, which accepts all WoodWrite, Ltd. mandrels, comes with your lathe.

— The Tool Rest (KT-11) is for free hand turning. It attaches directly to the saddle and its base may remain there during all operations.

What is the Copy-Cat Duplicator™?

The WoodWrite,Ltd. Copy-Cat Duplicator allows you to easily reproduce almost anything you have turned by hand. In addition, the Copy-Cat Duplicator comes with 3 metal patterns; one each for Continental (Mont-Blanc® style), our Gibson Girl design, and a blank with complete instructions to teach you how to create your own patterns. New patterns will be introduced periodically.

I want to make pieces that are small in diameter, but very long, like a pool cue or golf club shaft. Can WoodWrite,Ltd. accommodate my requirements?

Yes, just give Jack a call at 888-966-3974. WoodWrite,Ltd. specializes in custom lathe designs.

WoodWrite,Ltd. lathes were originally designed for use by the Maryland Chapter of Disabled American Veterans, and in most cases can be used "as is" with no difficulty. If necessary, however, we have vast experience making design modifications which capitalize on individual abilities, and we’re proud to be able to claim 100% success so far.

What kind of technical support is available?

Jack and Phil are as near as your phone and are available toll-free at 888-966-3974. No question is too trivial or too complex, we have your answers. If you prefer, you may e-mail your question to support@WoodWriteLtd.com

What is the turn around time for orders?

We strive for same day service for parts and supply orders received by noon, EST. Lathe orders are generally shipped within 3 days, depending on demand.

What do I need to get started making pens?

Aside from the lathe of your choice, we recommend beginning with a Production System. WoodWrite,Ltd. Production Systems have been designed to give you everything you could possibly need to get started - at a significant price reduction compared to purchasing each piece individually. We have Production Systems in Slimline, Executive Slimline, WriteMaster, Continental and Signature pen styles. Also, our knowledgeable staff are happy to work with you to design a Production System suited to your individual requirements. We ask only that you maintain a minimum of 100 total pens and/or pencils.

How long does it take to make a pen or pencil?

Using the WoodWrite,Ltd. system, we routinely turn, sand, polish and assemble a Slimline pen or pencil in about three  minutes. After a brief learning period, you should be making 8 - 12 pieces per hour, and perhaps even more! The system is almost automatic, but allows you to enjoy your creativity too.

Is there a market for the pens?

Absolutely. Once a person starts to use a pen or pencil made from exotic woods, it’s almost impossible to get it away from them! Wood pens are known as "the no writer’s cramp" pens as they are much easier to grip than plastics. Don’t forget that people habitually lose their pens and will return to you again and again to purchase replacements and gifts! In addition, laser engraving allows you to customize your pens/pencils with signatures, corporate logos, etc. You can also target specific markets with our sports, music and medical clip styles (CL-MIX-10).

Where do people sell their pens?

Most of our customers sell to individuals at craft and art shows and through word of mouth. In addition to corporations, gift shops, craft stores, office supply stores, golf pro shops, music stores, department stores, drug stores, jewelry stores, etc., most retail outlets love the idea of being able to offer one of a kind hand-made items.

How much should I charge for my pens and pencils?

* Continental or Executive Slimline pen & pencil set $120.00 - $150.00

What should I do if I ruin part of a pen kit?

If you are using WoodWrite,Ltd. equipment and parts (the lathe, assembly press, pre-drilled wood, pen kits and Turner’s Magic, etc.), we will not allow you to make a mistake! Any part which is damaged in any way will be replaced free of charge. We suggest you save up such pieces and when you get enough to make it worthwhile, return them to us. We will replace anything you damaged for any reason at no cost other than a $5.00 shipping and handling fee.

What is Titanium Gold Plating?

Simply the best looking, most durable gold plating process available.  Unlike other's Titanium Gold kits, which are coated with epoxy and may appear grainy as the epoxy wears off, WoodWrite, Ltd. Titanium Gold is a true 24k gold finish over a pure Titanium base which actually shines up as it wears. 

Why do other companies charge so much for their Titanium Gold kits compared with the low prices from WoodWrite, Ltd?

WoodWrite, Ltd. has found a better method of plating with Titanium which reduces our cost.  We also plate with a Titanium alloy which is "EXACTLY" the color of the 24k gold top coat.  Rather than charge our customers a great deal extra for this, we have decided to pass the savings along to you.  To check our Titanium plating against that from other suppliers, try this simple test: clamp a  buffer wheel (like a car buffer) to a work bench and begin buffing a clip or other part.  First, try a non-Titanium part.  You'll find that in 10 to 15 seconds you have buffed off the gold down to the nickel plating.  Now try our Ti-Gold.  We have buffed our parts for up to 15 minutes and have yet to wear off the gold.  All that happens is that the component gets brighter and more lustrous, even if a little rubbing compound is added to the buffer! Note:  if you try this with other manufacturer's Ti-Gold parts, you'll notice a grainy appearance underneath the gold plating.

What other types of projects can I turn on a WoodWrite,Ltd. lathe?