A new, smaller, easier to use pen lathe for the community
Alex ‘made it work’ turning beautiful pens on our larger lathe.
Which one will turn out on top? With your support we’ll find out in 2026!
Usually when we think of an upgrade, we go bigger. Not here! Our main wood lathe is powerful and capable, but it’s not ideal for small, beginner-friendly projects. For new makers, especially those just learning to turn, a full-size lathe can be intimidating. It’s built for table legs and bowls, not small, precision projects.
A dedicated pen lathe offers an approachable entry point into both the woodshop and the world of turning. It allows new users to build confidence with safe, small-scale work before stepping up to larger machines.
transforming waste AND growing minds
A member turning a larger bowl on our current lathe.
The Maker Works woodshop generates a surprising amount of high-quality hardwood scrap: small pieces that are too short for furniture but perfect for pens, handles, wands, and other small turning projects.
A pen lathe lets us transform that scrap into skill-building projects, gifts, and even small business products, making better use of nearly every board that passes through our shop. And with access to our lasers, makers can pair the two to create beautifully engraved pens, jewelry, and personalized gifts.
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, we’re looking forward to giving teens free access to this tool in 2026!
Cost of a Community-Ready Upgrade
Syrena teaching how to use our current lathe.
$1,500 for two, approximately. We’ll be sourcing two reliably built machines from a reputable manufacturer. Some of the cost make sure we have Standard Operating Procedures that support teaching, using, and maintaining the equipment. This means we’ll be able to provide a consistent and welcoming training experience, and that the machines will serve the community for decades to come.
what will a pen lathe support?
Beginner-friendly turning projects that build confidence before moving to a full-size lathe
Precision work ideal for pens, handles, finials, knobs, and jewelry
Reduced waste of small hardwood offcuts, maximizing the value of every board
Cross-discipline projects combining laser engraving and turning
You can help!
Whether you can provide a financial contribution, or are a manufacturer or distributor of woodworking lathes (email us!), we would love your support.
A dedicated pen lathe will unlock a more welcoming, sustainable, and creative woodworking experience at Maker Works, especially for beginners, youth programs, and anyone excited to learn the art of turning.
We have a wonderful history of supporting tool access in a welcoming, shared environment that helps the community grow. We would love for you to help be a part!