Mid Atlantic Turners Expo 2026
The Mid Atlantic Turners Expo brings together leading suppliers, artists and innovators in the pen turning and woodturning community.
Barry Gross is a renowned pen maker, woodturner, and demonstrator known for his expertise in crafting high-quality, custom pens. With years of experience in fine woodworking, Barry specializes in turning unique materials—such as wood, acrylic, and even watch parts—into stunning writing instruments. His attention to detail and innovative techniques have made him a sought-after demonstrator at woodworking and turning events across the country.
As a demonstrator, Barry shares his deep knowledge of pen turning, offering hands-on instruction and expert tips to help turners of all skill levels refine their craft. His engaging presentations cover everything from tool selection and material preparation to advanced finishing techniques that elevate a simple pen into a work of art. Barry’s passion for the craft, combined with his ability to teach in an approachable and informative manner, makes his demonstrations both educational and inspiring.
Whether at national symposiums, local clubs, or trade shows, Barry Gross continues to influence the pen-turning community, helping woodworkers enhance their skills and create exquisite, one-of-a-kind pens. His expertise, innovation, and enthusiasm make him a standout figure in the world of pen making.
Comic Book Cards to Custom Pens: Layer Peeling and Resin Techniques
In this captivating demonstration, Barry Gross will showcase his specialized method for crafting pen blanks from comic book-themed playing cards by meticulously peeling apart the cards to isolate the vibrant outer layer, adhering it to a brass tube, and encasing the assembly in high-quality resin for enhanced durability and visual appeal. Attendees will gain insights into selecting cards with intricate comic artwork, proper peeling techniques to preserve details, and resin pouring tips to achieve bubble-free casts that highlight the imagery. Ideal for turners looking to add a pop culture twist to their pens, this process turns nostalgic cards into functional, eye-catching writing instrument components.
Beginner's Guide to Making Your First Pen
In this accessible and hands-on demonstration, Barry Gross will walk beginners through the complete process of crafting their very first pen using a basic pen kit. Attendees will learn essential steps, including selecting and preparing a simple blank, drilling accurately, assembling the components onto a brass tube, turning the blank on the lathe to shape the pen body, sanding for a smooth finish, and final assembly with polishing. Barry will share practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls, tool selection, and safety basics, making this ideal for newcomers to pen turning who want to leave with the confidence and knowledge to create their own custom writing instruments at home.
Bob Blanford is the founder of RJBWoodturner, a YouTuber renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship in pen turning. With a passion for woodworking and an eye for detail, Bob creates custom, handcrafted pens, combining artistry with functionality. Each piece is meticulously designed, often incorporating unique materials like exotic woods, metals, and resins.
Through RJBWoodturner, Bob has built a reputation for delivering personalized, durable pens that are as much works of art as writing instruments. His dedication to the craft is reflected in the precision of his work and his ability to create custom designs that cater to individual preferences.
RJBWoodturner’s success is rooted in Bob’s deep commitment to the art of pen turning and his ability to turn raw materials into elegant, functional pieces. Whether for personal use or as special gifts, RJBWoodturner pens are cherished for their quality and craftsmanship.
Making the Patchwork Quilt Segmented Blank
Remember that cherished old quilt your grandmother lovingly pieced together from colorful fabric scraps, each patch telling its own story? Now imagine capturing that same heartfelt charm and one-of-a-kind beauty in wood!
In this captivating demonstration, Bob Blanford will guide you through creating the stunning Patchwork Quilt Segmented Blank—a truly unique segmented masterpiece that mimics the intricate, nostalgic look of a classic family quilt. Using four contrasting wood species (or more for extra flair), you'll learn the precise cuts, strategic assembly techniques, and clever gluing methods needed to transform simple blanks into a breathtaking segmented showpiece.
This project yields one full-length standard blank or two shorter Sierra-style blanks—perfect for eye-catching pens, pencils, or other turned treasures. Bob will share pro tips on planning your color contrasts, adjusting cut dimensions for dramatically different patterns, and achieving flawless alignment and seamless results. Whether you're new to segmented turning or looking to expand your creative repertoire, you'll leave inspired to craft personalized blanks that turn heads and spark wonderful memories.
Join Bob to discover how a few thoughtful cuts and careful assembly can turn ordinary wood into extraordinary, quilt-inspired art! Ideal for intermediate turners ready to elevate their segmented game.
Jim Hinze
Jim Hinze is the founder of Hinze Pen Company, a Texas-based artisan maker of custom handmade fountain pens. With over 15 years in pen making, Jim began as a self-taught woodworker in Michigan, discovering pen turning through a woodworking club demonstration that instantly hooked him on creating kit-based pens. Inspired by YouTube videos of Japanese master pen makers around 2014–2015, he transitioned to fully custom, kitless fountain pens machined on metal lathes for superior precision.
In 2024, A software engineering director by day, Jim finds creative fulfillment in crafting vibrant resin pens with signature color-plated nibs, all made one-at-a-time without automation. Passionate about sharing knowledge, he has taught over 100 aspiring pen makers. Based in Dallas, Texas, Hinze Pen Company is known for its high-quality, hand-tuned writing instruments sold at pen shows and retailers nationwide.
Crafting a Bespoke Kitless Fountain Pen: From Raw Material to Finished Masterpiece
In this comprehensive demonstration, Jim Hinze of Hinze Pen Company will guide attendees through his entire hands-on process for creating a fully custom, kitless fountain pen using traditional manual methods on metal lathes—no automation involved. Starting with selecting vibrant resin blanks (often in-house poured or sourced for bold colors), Jim will cover precision machining of the cap, body, and section; drilling and tapping threads for perfect fit; installing the filling mechanism; and incorporating signature details like color-plated nibs and clips via his specialized nanoceramic plating technique. The session culminates in final polishing, hand-tuning the nib for optimal performance, and testing the pen. Attendees will gain valuable insights into achieving professional results in bespoke pen making, inspired by Japanese artisans, ideal for experienced turners ready to elevate their craft.
Curtis O. Seebeck is the founder and owner of TurnTex, LLC, a small family-owned business in San Marcos, Texas, specializing in wood stabilizing and casting supplies. As a pioneer in the field, Curtis created Cactus Juice Stabilizing Resin and has revolutionized DIY wood stabilizing for turners, knife makers, and artisans worldwide.
With a background in woodturning since the early 2000s, Curtis has introduced groundbreaking techniques like "Worthless Wood" hybrid blanks in 2006, Alumilite Clear formulations based on his feedback, and affordable vacuum systems. TurnTex provides high-quality resins, dyes, chambers, and accessories, emphasizing superior customer service and innovation.
An active educator in the community, Curtis has demonstrated at numerous symposiums, including the Southwest Association of Woodturners, Utah Woodturning Symposium, Mid-Atlantic Turners Expo and more! He is passionate about teaching stabilizing and casting, helping thousands enhance their craftsmanship.
Vacuum Pump Rebuild Demo: Hands-On Maintenance of the JB Eliminator
In this practical demonstration, Curtis Seebeck—the inventor of Cactus Juice Stabilizing Resin and a leading authority on wood stabilizing equipment—will walk through a full rebuild of a JB Eliminator vacuum pump (the DV-4E or similar model), the go-to choice for serious stabilizers using Cactus Juice.
The JB Eliminator stands out as a fully serviceable, oil-filled rotary vane pump, delivering reliable deep vacuum for superior resin penetration. Curtis will demonstrate step-by-step disassembly, inspection, cleaning, flushing after contamination, reassembly with fresh oil, and testing, along with preventive maintenance tips to extend equipment life.
Ideal for turners, pen makers, and knife handle crafters investing in stabilizing setups, this session offers pro-level advice to avoid costly replacements and keep systems running strong. Bring your questions for real-world insights from the expert behind TurnTex!
Thomas Thornhill, the founder of Bentwood Ring Supplies, has been a key figure in the ring-making community since 2018. He is passionate about providing high-quality materials and innovative tools for ring makers, offering a wide range of products, including ring blanks, inlay materials, and specialized tools. His company focuses on breaking the mold, introducing exciting new products to the market, and helping crafters elevate their ring-making skills. Bentwood Ring Supplies continues to be a trusted resource for artisans looking to create unique and beautiful rings.
Creating a Tungsten Ring with Bentwood Inlay and Dual Channel Inlay
Thomas Thornhill will demonstrate the process of crafting a tungsten ring with a bentwood inlay, featuring a second channel inlay for added design depth. He will guide participants through the steps of selecting and preparing materials, setting up the inlay channels, and ensuring precision for both the bentwood and the secondary channel. Thomas will share techniques for achieving a seamless, professional look and offer tips on working with tungsten and intricate inlay designs for a truly custom finish.
Woodturner
Markus Howell is a skilled woodturner known for his expertise and engaging demonstrations. As a demonstrator for Easy Wood Tools, he regularly showcases his techniques at woodworking events, clubs, and retailers such as Rockler, Woodcraft, and Klingspor. His passion for the craft, combined with his ability to teach complex techniques using both HSS and carbide tools in a clear and approachable manner, has made him a respected figure in the woodturning community.
From Blank to Bold: Turned Necklace Pendants
Join Markus Howell, an experienced woodturner and Easy Wood Tools demonstrator, as he demonstrates the art of turning stunning off-center necklace pendants. In this hands-on session, Markus will showcase how to use a custom 3D-printed jig to precisely align and secure the blank for safe, accurate off-center turning. Attendees will learn techniques for creating dynamic, asymmetrical designs that add visual interest and elegance to wearable jewelry. He'll cover blank preparation, jig setup, tool selection (including carbide and traditional options), turning the offset shape, sanding/finishing for a polished look, and tips for drilling or adding bails. Perfect for turners interested in jewelry, innovative fixtures, and pushing the boundaries of traditional spindle or faceplate work. Bring your questions—this demo blends modern tech with classic woodturning skills!
Bear Dog Pens
Michael Dzien is the passionate artisan behind Bear Dog Pens (also known as Bear Dog Crafts), a dedicated maker of handmade custom pens crafted from exotic woods, vibrant acrylics, and other premium materials. With a focus on quality and individuality, Michael creates unique writing instruments that blend craftsmanship with personal flair, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
His work emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, resulting in pens that are both functional and artistic. Based on his online presence at beardogs.net, Michael is committed to providing high-quality, reliable products through his store, constantly updating offerings and prioritizing customer satisfaction. As a hands-on creator, he brings excellence to every piece, making Bear Dog Pens a standout in the world of artisan pen making.
Turning a Charming Tea Light Mini House with Illuminated Windows
In this delightful demonstration, Michael Dzien of Bear Dog Pens will guide attendees through the creative process of turning a miniature house tea light holder entirely on the lathe. Starting with a prepared wood blank, Michael will demonstrate shaping the house body and roof, hollowing the interior to accommodate a tea light candle, and incorporating unique window features—carefully pierced or carved openings that allow the warm candle glow to shine through like lit windows in a cozy home. He'll share tips on tool selection, safe piercing techniques for delicate details, finishing options to enhance the wood grain, and assembly for stability. Perfect for intermediate turners, this project combines spindle and hollowing skills to create an enchanting decorative piece that captures the magic of a glowing miniature village.
My name is Steve Wohlgemuth, and I founded WoogWorks in 2015. I've always loved working with my hands, but as a surgeon, woodworking was a little too risky. Early in my career, I built a kayak and fell in love with the craft, yet the danger of power tools could have jeopardized my profession.
As retirement approached, I returned to woodturning by taking my first basic woodworking class, followed by advanced training to perfect my skills. I specialize in creating meaningful, personalized gifts that reflect each customer's personality—premium pens, bottle openers, bottle stoppers, baby rattles, and more!
As a retired surgeon, I bring the precise tactile and creative skills from my former profession to craft finely detailed, imaginative functional art. My priority is making custom pieces that feel truly special for the right person. The possibilities are endless—when I'm not with my grandkids, you'll find me in the workshop or on the golf course!
The Best Finish for Your Pens: Subjective Observation (Fake News) vs. Objective Data (Real Science)
Ask 100 pen turners and you’ll get 1,000 answers, almost all purely subjective. In this unique demonstration, I use basic scientific methods—changing only one finishing variable at a time—and capture results with digital stereomicroscope and macro photography (up to 10X magnification) to objectively reveal the best finish for wood or acrylic pens.
This is not a typical hands-on turning demo; it's a PowerPoint presentation focused on controlled experimentation. We'll test different products, techniques, and variables including horizontal sanding, buffing wheel use, sanding speeds, grits, and sanding duration to determine what truly delivers superior results.
I've presented this talk multiple times at national pen-specific events, including the Midwest Pen Turners Gathering (2022 & 2025), Mid Ohio Valley Pen Turners Gathering (2024), Mid Atlantic Turners Expo (2024, returning in 2026), and recently at the Fox Valley Woodworking Club in Ohio. The presentation has been revised and improved three times for even better insights.
Elyce Longazelle is the talented artist and creator behind Starry Night Resins, specializing in hand-poured, artisan resin pen blanks that bring vibrant, eye-catching colors to life. By day, she is an elementary school teacher, and by night, she transforms her passion for photography and nature into stunning resin art that inspires woodturners and pen makers alike.
Mentored by Jim Hinze of Hinze Pen Company, Elyce has been perfecting her resin-casting techniques for over five years. Her work is known for bold, brilliant hues and intricate patterns that capture the imagination, making each blank a unique piece of functional art ready for turning into beautiful pens, pencils, and more.
Starry Night Resins offers a wide selection of stock colors as well as custom pours, using only the highest-quality resins, mica powders, and pigments. Elyce's dedication to creativity and detail ensures every creation is as special as the maker who turns it.
Cosmic Blanks Unleashed: Mastering Urethane Resin Pouring Magic
In this captivating demonstration, Elyce Longazelle of Starry Night Resins will guide attendees through the complete process of creating stunning urethane resin pen blanks. From selecting premium materials and pigments to mastering mixing ratios, timing, and controlled pouring techniques, Elyce reveals the secrets to achieving bubble-free, high-gloss results with vibrant, layered effects inspired by nature and photography.
Participants will learn key steps including mold preparation, color integration for dramatic patterns, safe handling of urethane resins, curing best practices, and troubleshooting common issues. This session emphasizes practical, repeatable methods that deliver professional-quality blanks every time.
Perfect for both beginners exploring resin casting and experienced turners looking to elevate their custom blanks, this demonstration combines artistry, science, and hands-on insight into why urethane resin is a favorite for creating cosmic, eye-catching pen components that truly stand out.
Michael Hardin is the founder and owner of Hardin Penworks, a premier artisan pen making company based in Middleburg, Virginia. What began as a hobby in his South Riding garage has evolved into a passion for crafting custom, handcrafted pens using exotic woods, historic materials, and innovative techniques.
In 2018, Michael expanded his venture with Stadium Pen Blanks, specializing in pen blanks made from authentic stadium seating and other iconic materials. His work emphasizes quality, durability, and storytelling, turning each pen into a unique piece of history that users can cherish for a lifetime.
As an active member of the pen turning community, Michael shares his expertise through demonstrations and events. When not in the workshop, he enjoys connecting with fellow artisans and customers, ensuring every creation is built to last and tells its own story.
Off-Center Innovation: Drilling and Turning Pen Blanks to Showcase Original Surface
In this innovative demonstration, Michael Hardin of Hardin Penworks will showcase advanced off-center drilling techniques for pen blanks, designed to preserve and maximize precious or historic materials. Attendees will learn how to strategically offset drill holes to minimize waste, allowing more of the original blank—such as rare woods or stadium seating—to remain visible in the final pen.
Michael will walk through essential steps, including blank preparation, precise marking for off-center alignment, secure mounting on the lathe, tool selection for accurate drilling, and turning methods to achieve balanced, professional results without compromising structural integrity. He'll share tips on avoiding common errors like splitting or uneven turning, and demonstrate how this approach enhances the aesthetic appeal of the pen.
Ideal for intermediate to advanced turners working with limited or valuable materials, this session highlights sustainable practices that elevate craftsmanship, turning potential scraps into stunning, story-rich writing instruments that honor the blank's origins.
Donald Haycraft is the proud owner of Boiler Room Pens, a family-run artisan pen making company based in Point of Rocks, Maryland. Alongside his wife Tamsy, son DJ, and daughter Lily, what started as a passion for crafting has grown into a business specializing in one-of-a-kind, personalized pens using high-quality woods, acrylics, and unique materials.
With several years of experience in making pens and other turned items, Donald and his family handcraft fountain pens, roller balls, and ball points through a meticulous process that includes material selection, lathe turning, sanding, sealing, assembly, and rigorous testing to ensure durability and flawless performance.
Committed to exceptional quality and customer satisfaction, Boiler Room Pens offers a 100% warranty and certificates of authenticity for pens made from special materials. The Haycraft family actively participates in shows and events, sharing their expertise and connecting with the turning community.
Lathe Turning a Duck Call: From Raw Wood to Functional Game Call
In this engaging demonstration at the MATE event, Donald Haycraft of Boiler Room Pens will guide attendees through the art of lathe turning a duck call, showcasing how to transform raw wood into a practical and aesthetically pleasing hunting tool that mimics duck sounds effectively.
Donald will cover essential techniques, including selecting appropriate wood, mounting the blank on the lathe, shaping the barrel and insert, drilling the tone channel and reed slot, and applying finishes for weather resistance and smooth operation. He'll emphasize safety practices, tool selection, and common pitfalls to avoid for clean, precise results.
Perfect for woodturners looking to diversify their skills beyond pens, this session highlights creative customization options, acoustic tuning tips, and ways to incorporate unique materials, inspiring participants to create their own functional turned items with confidence and craftsmanship.
