Junior creates Instagram account for business

Joe Mcgurgan sells handmade wooden pens

Used+with+permission+from+Joe+Mcgurgan

Used with permission from Joe Mcgurgan

Tenzin Gyaldatsang

Why did you decide to make these wooden pens?

I’ve been into woodworking for about three years. I took woodworking I and II in the past two years, so I decided that I would sell stuff and make a business out of it.

How long have you been making wooden pens?

I just started the Instagram (account) about a week ago, and I’ve been making stuff for (my) family for a year or two, and the first pen that I made was during freshman year.

Can you give a brief overview of how you make wooden pens?

You start out with a board, and you cut it down into smaller chunks. Then you drill a hole through the middle and use Epoxy to put in a little metal insert into the pen blank. Then you turn it on a lathe and push in the parts of the pen.

What types of wood do you use to make the pens?

There’s a really big variety, but I use walnut, cedar and zebrawood. I’ve done some pallet wood. So pretty much any type of wood.

What’s your favorite part of making pens?

I really like turning the pens — it’s really fun and relaxing to see the whole project come together.

How much does a pen cost and how many have you sold so far?

I’m selling them for 20 dollars each, and I haven’t sold any so far outside from family, but I’ve made some for friends and as gifts.