24kt Gold - The basic Gold plating, fairly durable but will eventually wear.
10kt Gold - A slightly harder Gold plating than 24kt
Cobalt Gold - A more durable Gold plating, much more durable than 24kt Gold.
Titanium Gold - The most durable gold platings, will get shinier with age,
Black Titanium - A very hard, durable plating; changes colors depending on how the light reflects.
Polished Chrome - Very shiny, very durable - This is the best plating for key rings.
Satin or Brushed Chrome - Very durable, only available on certain styles.
Platinum, 18kt Swiss Rose Gold, .925 Sterling Silver - The most elegant and expensive platings,
very limited availability.
There are other platings available on a special order basis.
WOODS
I currently work with about 70 different species of wood and am always on the lookout for more. Among the woods I
use, there are some very rare species which are in very limited supply and I also use some burls and dyed woods
- such as maple and boxelder burls, dymondwood and colorply products (which are dyed maple, birch, or poplar
veneers glued together). I also use some man-made products such as acrylics and solid surface (countertop)
products.
If you want any certain type of wood, I may be able to get it for you.
I can even make pens, etc. out of a special piece of wood, or even antler, that you may have.
Each of my Pen & Pencil sets and each of my Pen, Pencil, Letter Opener, and Magnifying Glass sets are cut from
the same piece of wood, either side by side or end to end.
Please inquire at info@dapenman.com.
REFILLS
All of the pens and pencils are refillable, the refills are readily available almost anywhere. The pens use either a
"Cross" or "Parker" style refill; Fountain Pens are set-up with a pump for bottled ink but can also use the small -
about 1-1/4" long cartridges; Rollerball Pens use a standard rollerball refill; the mini-pens use the refills that are
available for the 3-color pens. Each style pencil uses a different size of lead, these are .5mm, .7mm, .9mm, or the
2mm drafting leads. Instructions on how to change refills are included with each pen or pencil.
CARING FOR YOUR PENS
I use either a lacquer based finish, a "french polish", or an oil finish on my products followed by a wax coating. Care
for these products as you would a fine piece of furniture - a slightly damp soft cloth for cleaning and a coat of paste
wax is sufficient for protection. Do NOT use automotive waxes or solvents as these contain products that are
detrimental to the finishes and woods. Most woods will darken with age and use; this is common - look at
antiques. After repeated use, the wood will develop a 'patina'.
architectural millwork specialist with over 30 years
experience in the field of woodworking. I have
worked in multi-million dollar custom homes and
historic homes and have earned respect and an
excellent reputation from the people I have known
and met. I started turning pens and pencils in the
early part of the year 2000 as a way to use some of
the scrap material my job produces and relax from
the pressures of my job. Also, I now have a chance
to use some of the most expensive, exotic, and
rare woods without "breaking the bank", which I
have wanted to use since my childhood.
Although I am mostly "self - taught", I learned
some of my skills from my family backgrounds and
from some of the best professionals in my area,
most who have either passed away or moved
away from my hometown.
based business in January of 2002 so I could
sell my merchandise at artisan and craft
shows, which I now do 20+ of per year. Since I
work full time as a cabinetmaker / millwork
specialist , this is still a part time business. I do
not have a storefront but work out of a small
shop by my home. My business name is D S
Woodcrafts, but I am more known as "da 'PEN'
man" at the shows I attend and by my
customers, hence the name of my website. I
currently travel throughout Maryland, Delaware,
and Pennsylvania to different artisan and craft
shows, which I will list on this site. At some of
these shows, I bring my lathe and turn the pens
"right in front of your eyes".
