WOODbyC Answers:

• What kind of wood do I use?  Occasionally I use a few carefully selected burls -- cherry, California redwood, and California buckeye.  Primarily, though, I use a colorfully dyed, laminated birch -- a hardwood found throughout Canada and the Northern Hemisphere.  Birch is neither a tropical rain forest wood, nor is it endangered.  The lamination process, along with the finish (French-polished and buffed to a high luster), combine to produce a product that is extremely durable and virtually waterproof.  No special care is required to maintain its original condition.
• Where are the pens made?  Since moving back east in September 2008, I share the shop of my dad, who was my inspiration.
• Where is your next show?  Read about my plans on my Craft Fairs page.
• How long does it take to make a pen?  I work my pens and other turnings in batches (usually a couple dozen at a time) so I don't have to constantly reposition rip fences or change drill bits or mandrels.  So it's very hard to say how long it takes to make just one pen...a whole lot less time than it did to make the very first one!  Probably between one and two hours, start to finish, for the simpler styled pens.
• Is the gold going to fade?  If the pen description includes the words "titanium gold," it will not fade. The metal on some pens is 10K gold plate with a lacquer coating, which may eventually show some wear. See individual pen information on my Just Pens page.
• Where can refills be purchased?  Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, any good stationery store. Nowadays, even stores like Target carry generic mini-pen refills that fit (their brand name is "Sterling"), as well as Cross- and Parker-style refills.  I also sell the refills listed on this website on my Just Pens page.
• What nib does your fountain pen use?  They are German-made, with an iridium tip on a gold-coated steel nib.
• Are fountain pens coming back?  Well, yes!  Their popularity in the U.S. is resurging, however, they have retained a constant presence in Europe.  Many of my customers from overseas have commented that they use fountain pens all the time "back home."
• What is a space pen refill?  It is a pressurized ink cartridge developed by the Fisher Company for NASA and the astronauts in the space program.  It writes upside down, under water, and on most surfaces -- and in a vacuum!  It's the most reliable refill I know, and it's available in shapes that fit both Cross and Parker style pens. 
• Which is better, Cross or Parker refills?  I like them both, but it's a personal choice.  Parkers are bigger, so they hold more ink, but they also require a thicker pen to hold them.  But Parker has recently introduced a gel pen refill which writes like a rollerball -- very dark and smooth. 
• How many shows do you do in a year?  A lot less than a few years ago. My knees took a beating in the transition back east, and I prefer to stay close to home for other reasons as well. So maybe 15 or so, locally. My focus is turning to the internet.
• Do you have any pens that write in blue or in fine point?  Most refill manufacturers provide a selection of colors and thickness.  You can switch from my standard medium black when you buy a replacement refill.
• How strong are your clips?  Generally, the thinner pens have thinner clips, and they occasionally might break if you often force them to hold onto thick pockets or papers.  However, repairs are free of charge, and it happens so seldom that you needn't worry.
• Where is Sebastopol?  It's in the art and wine country (Sonoma County) north of San Francisco, California. I miss it...
• What kind of lathe do you use?  My first lathe was a 1-hp Craftsman.  After replacing the motor twice, I switched to a JET (Mini-Lathe) which is steady and quiet.
• Do you make any calligraphy pens?  My quill dip pens have a universal nib holder that will take any Speedball calligraphy nib. Also, my burl Fountain pen can be special ordered with a calligraphy nib.
• Can you make a pen for me from a piece of wood that I give you?  So often I am asked to do custom work, and while it's tempting, unfortunately I just don't have the time.  Maybe when I retire!
• Is there a quantity discount?  I keep my prices as low as possible, given the cost of doing business these days.  (Travel and craft fair fees are expensive!!)  But, apart from establishing a wholesale account, I will give you a 5% discount on five or more pens, 10% discount with ten pens, and 20% off with a purchase of 20 pens or more.  (But you will need to remind me of this offer in a separate email...it won't happen automatically! Let's talk.)
• Do the pens come in a gift box?  I ship all pens wrapped in tissue, with an information card that explains about refills, guarantees, etc. If you would like a box, please mention that when sending payment. If I have one available, I'll include it.
• Why do some of your pens feel heavy?  Depending on the style, there may be quite a bit of metal inside my pens.  They are usually the ones designed for big hands.  But I also turn the pens slightly thicker than other pen makers to help prevent the wood from cracking.
• Do you have any pens for people with arthritis?  I carve an ergonomic grip on some of my one-piece pens that is very popular with people who have trouble gripping thin, straight pens.  It gives their fingers a broader form to press against and makes writing easier.
• Why isn't your phone number on your website?  Considering the amount of time I need to spend working in the shop, it is easier to answer your questions by email, which I usually check daily. Besides, it takes a lot of struggling to hurry out of my dust-gear to answer the phone. I could pull a muscle!!
• Can I order without using the shopping cart?  Of course!  I remember those dark ages, with some fondness!  Just send an email and we can communicate that way.  Or snail mail your request with your check. See my Custom Request page for more details on this.
• Is my credit card information safe?  It's just as safe to e-mail your card number to me as it is to use it in my booth at a show or over the phone. Maybe safer. (I don't share my password with anyone.)  But if you are concerned, simply divide the number into two "chunks," and send the last four digits with the expiration date to me in a second, separate e-mail, for example.  Don't forget to tell me the exact name printed on the card, along with two extra numbers that my bank wants. The zip code from your billing address, and the street number from that same address. 
• Is your work in any stores?  Very few stores carry my work at this time, and mostly they are in the SF Bay area.  I simply can't make enough to stock my craft booth, my website, and supply wholesale accounts! But I'm working toward that goal. Perhaps next year (2010) will see some more growth...
• What pen do you recommend for a man?  Men have bought all of my pen styles for themselves. However, I do recommend the space pen, simply because it is mid-weight, very durable chrome, writes at any angle and through all sorts of grime and grease. Many men also enjoy the feel of my ergonomic pen, especially if they have a touch of arthritis.
• What pen do you recommend for a women?  Women buy all of my pen styles, too, but in general they buy the smaller and more colorful pens for themselves. The Cross-style twist pen in purples and rainbow colors have been very popular with women.
• Can I get a space pen refill for the Cross pen?  They are available directly  from the Fisher pen company in Boulder City, Nevada. Phone 702/293-3011. If there is enough interest, I will put them on my refill page.

As I get more of your questions and comments I will add them to this page.  Thanks!