Pen Turner's Workbook, 3rd Edition Revised and Expanded: Making Pens from Simple to Stunning (Fox Chapel Publishing) 18 Pen Turning Projects, Beginner-Friendly Instructions, and Beautiful Photography Paperback – December 1, 2012

As a new pen turner, this book is exactly what I was looking for. Exceptional pictures, good advice on tools (found out I needed a few more tools to do it right the first time), set up, pen selection, speeds, CA glues and tool application technique throughout the entire book. I could not recommend this high enough. Very highly recommend.

The easy- to - follow instructions and clear illistrations has allowed me to complete pens I have considered difficult. This is particularly true of the segmented pen, with which I have had trouble, and never mastered...I am now feeling competent in their manufacture/turning and producing stunning segmented pens...I hav been lucky enough to attend one of Barry's workshops, and the style of this book and the step-by step instructions feels just like a personal lesson from Barry

The book contains all the information you need to make pens. However, being new to using a lathe and having never bought a pen kit before, was more than a little confused getting started. I didn't think it was made clear enough about the different sizes of drill bits you will probably need or how to begin using your lathe to make pens. After re-reading the book and learning what I was looking for, all the information is in there, it just isn't organized in the way a real novice might look for it.

After turning my first pen at a Woodworker’s Showcase last weekend, I now have the urge to do more. This book covers more than just a slimline pen, more materials, and more finishes. Read cover to cover,and now, on to turning pens!

I originally purchased this book for one reason, ideas on turning a pen that looks like a cigar. The information was clear and useful, but I had a question. I e-mailed Amazon who passed the question on to Barry. He answered my question completely AND within 3 days! I will purchase more books from Barry. His information is extremely useful, and shows how to make unique pens.

Ok, so here is the time line of this book. Received. Opened box. Looked over the titles. Set aside. FInished breakfast. He picks up the book. I'm disappointed. I choose another title to start reading. I set it down and decide to shower. 20 minutes later he says "I don't know what you paid for this book but it is worth it." He does the push up the nose of imaginary glasses and says "Cool!" The book has twirled his beanie.He shows me what he has learned, pens he wants to duplicate, and says "if our house burned down I would replace this book." I thought I would be able to read this book because we make pens together. We finished our 3rd pen the day before this title arrived. I guess I should have ordered two copies, his and hers.

This gives a lot of insight...especially if you’re new to turning pens. It also opens your mind to try new things based on what you see. This book shows you’re only limited by your imagination.

This book has so much great information and it sparks so many new ideas for pens. I met the author of this book at the woodworking show in Atlanta earlier this year in 2013 and Barry Gross is a very knowledgeable man in the art of turning pens. Barry was so willing to answer any and all questions that I had. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in turning pens. Thanks Barry!