I got this idea and plans from David Smith at IAP.

In a quest to find a better and more accurate method to drill pen blanks I came across this design. It uses the same principle for securing the blank as the Dedicated Pen Drilling Chuck sold at PSI for $79.00. It cost me $13.00 and works just as good as the PSI model.

This jig is only used to drill the pen blanks at around 500 rpm. I hope this helps someone.

Materials: 2 ea. 2" X 1 1/2" 1/8" 6061 T6 aluminum angle

                  4 ea. 2" X 1 1/2" 3/16" 6061 T6 aluminum flat stock

                  4 ea. 1/4" rare earth magnets

                  2 part epoxy

drill 1/4" hole in each face of the angle and press in rare earth magnets.

epoxy 1 piece of flat stock on the outside face on each side of the angle.

The rare earth magnets hold the jaws to the chuck untill the chuck is tightened.

 

I tried finding the link to the PDF file from Mr. Smith but for the life of me I can't locate it.

Cool Idea,Mike!  Thanks!!!

David Smith was kind enough to email me the link to his instructions for making the jaws.

http://davidreedsmith.com/Articles/AuxPenJaws/auxiliary_pen_blank_j...

If you would like to drill your blanks on the lathe and have a chuck then this may help.

Click on Davids home page and you will find a wide assortment of how to articles and projects that he has created. A very talented craftsman / artist.

I have been following Mr. Smith's ideas for some time. He often has articles in http://www.woodturningonline.com/. 

 

Lew