I used some scraps I had from previous projects, odd shaped cut-offs and some wood I thought would just make a pretty bead. The cut-offs from pen spindles are usually the perfect size.

I used a bandsaw to cut the blanks to 0.5-1.0” pieces, depending on the width of the blank and what I was inspired to create.

Note, you may choose to drill the 7mm holes in the spindles before cutting into the smaller bead size. This will allow you to drill once instead of drilling each bead individually.

I use pen jaws to hold each piece on my lathe then drill the 7mm hole. Alternatively a drill press could be used.

Another option is you can drill the holes prior to cutting the spindle to bead size (see note in Step Two).

You can glue brass tubing into each blank if desired, but it is not necessary. 

Using a pen mandrel and bushings for 7mm pen kits, assemble the bead pieces with a bushing between each piece. Use a mandrel saver in the tail stock - this is important because the size of the beads may decrease so you will need to keep tightening the tension.

Note that you can mix and match woods or other materials on the same setup since you will be turning each bead individually.

Round the pieces then start your creative process. Some notes on this:

1. Remember if you have mixed woods, how you turn each bead may change (especially if moving between wood and acrylic, or hard and soft woods).

2. I recommend turning the corners off each bead, giving a bit more leeway for turning the adjacent beads

3. Wood often doesn’t do what you expect it to do. If it chips or cracks, you can turn the bead smaller or change the design of the bead.

4. Keep checking the tension of the tailstock. As beads are turned and rounded on the end, the blanks may become smaller, requiring the tailstock to tighten up. 

5. If you are not using the brass tubing, remember the blanks will not sit perfectly on the mandrel. Finish one bead before moving on to the next to prevent the bead falling out of alignment before it is finished.

6. Be creative. Work with the characteristics of the wood and have fun with it.