Recycled Drumstick Pens

I had some workshop time today, so I attempted something a little different with the drumstick pens I've been making. This time I incorporated the tips into the pens.

I went through my stash of broken sticks and found a couple that had broken in the middle. One had a wooden tip and one had a nylon tip. I prefer to play with nylon tips because of the brighter sound they have on cymbals, but they both look awesome on the tail end of a pen.

The front part of the pen requires a set length in order for the pen mechanism to work, but the back part can be any length or shape. Mounting the back section on the lathe was a little tricky since I have limited attachments. I was able to do these using just a portion of the pen mandrel on one end, then the live center on the other end.  I plan to make my own lathe attachments for these.

These are fun to make and each one is unique. I have posted these on my Etsy Store if anyone is interested in purchasing one. I will post more for sale as I have time...and as long as I keep breaking sticks!

Organize Your Neckties on a Tie Rack Hanger!

Am I the only man who stores his neckties on a regular plastic or wire hanger?  I have a very small necktie collection, but it would be a little more classy to organize them on something made especially for hanging ties.  I wore a tie only once last year, so this tie rack hanger will be used all year long!

I searched Google Images to get some tie rack ideas and came up with this Tie Rack Hanger design.  It's basically a wooden hanger with a handle, and two side pieces with rods for hanging ties.

This project is easy to make and can be completed in just a few hours.  You can also add brass cup hooks on the sides to hang belts, braces, and suspenders.  Now get out to the workshop and make one of your own!

Recycled Drumstick Pens

I'm a woodworker and a drummer and I love it when I can combine these two passions of mine.  I play drums regularly in an Atlanta cover band called Riff Raff, so I go through a lot of drumsticks.  I'm always trying to find new uses for broken sticks, and I've discovered that they are perfect for making pens!

I've been making custom pens out of drumsticks for the past 6 months.  I usually turn the pens into different shapes on the lathe which removes the manufacturer's logos.  This weekend I turned a pen for a drummer friend of mine who asked me to leave the logos intact.  I shared the picture on Vic Firth's Facebook page and received quite an overwhelming response.  The pen is a little longer than the regular pen size because I worked around the logos, but it turned out really cool.

Apparently there is a demand for pens made from recycled drumsticks, so I created a listing on The Carmichael Workshop's Etsy Store where you can order a custom pen made from your recycled drumstick, furniture, trees, broken heirloom, or any chunk of solid wood that you send me.

If you are new to my website, thanks for visiting and please check out my Carmichael Workshop YouTube Channel where I feature how-to woodworking videos.  Below is my latest video showing many of my past projects.  As always, please support your local woodworkers and musicians!  Thanks, Steve...

Where Are They Now? Revisiting My Past Projects!

To kick off 2014, I thought it would be fun to walk around the house and show you where my previous projects have ended up.  I made several outdoor projects and it's interesting to see how they've stood the test of time after being exposed to the weather for a few months.  I already have a list of some projects for 2014 and can't wait to get started on them.  More new project videos are coming soon so stay tuned!