How much does pen turning cost?
$363 buys all 6 essentials. $125 of that is the half that has to fit you, and the rest can wait.
6 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission
Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick
$363
6 items, nothing rented
Cheapest real way in
$125
The half that has to fit you. Borrow or rent the rest.
Against 247 hobbies
Above median
Dearer than 89% of them. Median hobby: $84.
What each thing costs
Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.
Buy this first
$125The cheap half of the kit, and the half that has to fit you. You keep all of it whatever you decide about the rest, so this is where the first money should go.
The main buy
$238The expensive part, and the part worth deferring. Rent, borrow or buy used until you have done pen turning enough times to know you are staying.
Pen Turning costs more to start than 89% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.
Cost questions
How much does Pen Turning cost to start?
About $363 for the 6 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each. $125 of that is the cheap half, and the remaining $238 can wait until you know you are staying.
What does each thing cost for Pen Turning?
Wood Lathe: from $238. Turning Chisels: from $40. Pen Kits: from $25. Pen Mandrel: from $22. Dust Mask / Respirator: from $20. Finishing Supplies: from $18.
Is Pen Turning an expensive hobby?
Pen Turning costs about $365 to start, dearer than 89% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this is one of the pricier ones to get into.
What should I buy first for Pen Turning?
dust mask / respirator, finishing supplies, turning chisels, pen mandrel, pen kits — $125 together. They are the cheap half of the kit and the half you keep whatever you decide about the rest.
Hobbies that cost about the same
The 6 nearest to pen turning by startup cost, out of 247.