At just 15 years old, Christopher Yoder is carving out a niche for himself in the world of woodworking. What began as a challenge from his father, Norm Yoder, to find a source of work and small income has blossomed into a thriving pen-making business.
“When my dad mentioned purchasing a lathe for me, I didn’t realize how much I could do with it,” Christopher said. “Then I discovered you could make pens, and that got me started.”
In his quest for ideas, Christopher stumbled upon The Pen Turner’s Workbook, a guide that sparked his interest. Last fall, with his father’s support, they purchased a lathe and the necessary tools to get started. To date, Christopher has crafted and sold a wide variety of unique pens and is gearing up for an even busier holiday season. “I love creating different shapes, sizes, and styles,” he said. He has become a master craftsman.
Their journey began with a trip to Keim Lumber in Charm, Ohio, about an hour and a half south of Geauga County, where they selected various woods, including oak, maple, walnut, mahogany, cherry, and even olive wood
imported from Israel.
Once home, the large pieces of wood were transformed into small rectangular
sections called wooden blanks, measuring approximately 2.5 inches long with a diameter of one inch. Christopher drilled a clean, straight hole through each blank to fit the pen tube, which he then inserted and glued in place.
Christopher uses a pen mandrel—a specialized tool for turning pens on the lathe—to secure multiple pieces, often working with two to three at a time. The calipers he uses dictate the depth of the wood on the finished pen. “I use a roughing gouge,” Christopher explained as he shaped the blanks, creating many different styles and sizes.
Aftershaping, he sands the pieces to a smooth finish, starting with coarse sandpaper and progressing to finergrits. The process also involves applying a finish to enhance the wood’s appearance and
protect it.
When asked about his preferred wood, Christopher mentioned cherry burl, a special find from his uncle, a logger. “It is hard to choose, but it is probably my favorite,” he said with a grin.
Christopher plans to make 40 to 50 pens for sale during the holidays. “If everything goes well, I can make one in about 30 to 45 minutes.”
Despite a few early mistakes—“Yeah, a couple of them messed up with the finish”—Christopher is undeterred. He noted that the most expensive part of the pen is typically the pen kit, which he orders from a catalog.
As he works, Christopher remains focused, careful to avoid potential hazards. “The lathe is dangerous only if you touch it while it’s running,” he smiles, acknowledging the importance of safety.
Christopher’s workspace is organized, with everything labeled for efficiency. With a determination that belies his age, he’s not only focused on making pens but also considering future projects. “So far, just the pens. I might try to make some different stuff eventually,” he shared.
For those interested in purchasing one of his handmade pens, Christopher welcomes inquiries. Please contact him through his dad (Norm Yoder) at 330-301-4266.
As the holiday season approaches, Christopher Yoder is poised to turn his passion into a small business, one carefully crafted pen at a time.
