Pen Making With The Woodworker Himself

If you’re looking to get a bit more personal with your travel activities, this Pen Making With The Woodworker Himself tour in Montreal might just be a perfect fit. It’s not your typical sightseeing outing—here, you’re stepping into a workshop where you’ll learn the art of wood turning and walk away with a handcrafted pen made entirely by your own hands. We’ve seen quite a few craft experiences, but this one stands out thanks to its highly praised instructor and the genuine satisfaction of creating something beautiful yourself.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it is—no prior woodworking skills are required, and the instructor, Jonathan, makes safety and learning fun and straightforward. Plus, the chance to choose from a variety of exotic and local woods really lets your personality shine through in your finished piece. That said, keep in mind that the workshop is about 3 hours long, so it requires a good chunk of time, which might be a consideration if you’re tight on schedule.

This tour suits those who enjoy hands-on activities, appreciate craftsmanship, or maybe want a unique souvenir to remember Montreal by. It’s also a fantastic activity for people who love trying new skills or want a memorable, crafty date idea. Let’s unpack what you can expect, the pros and cons, and whether this experience is worth your time and money.

Key Points

• Personalized Crafting: You get to design and make your own wooden pen, which makes for a meaningful keepsake.
• Expert Guidance: Jonathan, the instructor, is highly praised for his friendly, knowledgeable approach and patience.
• All Skill Levels Welcome: No prior experience needed; the process is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Variety of Woods: Choose from exotic and local woods, adding a customized touch to your finished pen.
• Focus on Safety: A detailed safety briefing ensures you’re comfortable working with a lathe.
• Flexible Scheduling: The session can often be tailored to your availability if you reach out in advance.

What to Expect: A Deep Dive Into the Workshop

Starting Off: Learning About the Lathe and Its History

Your journey begins with an introduction to the lathe’s background—where it came from and how it’s evolved over time. This bit of context helps you appreciate the craft more deeply and sets the stage for the hands-on work ahead. Expect to hear about the different parts of the lathe and how they work together, making you feel more confident about handling the machine later on.

Safety Briefing: Your First Step

Safety is a priority here. Jonathan provides a thorough safety briefing so everyone understands how to operate the tools properly and avoid mishaps. This is especially appreciated by those new to woodworking or machinery. It might seem like a lot at first, but it ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience without worries.

Demonstration: Watching the Craft in Action

Before you get your hands dirty, Jonathan demonstrates the entire process—from turning and profiling to sanding, polishing, and assembling your pen. This detailed demo is helpful because it breaks down what can seem intimidating into manageable steps, giving you a clear picture of what you’ll be doing.

Selecting Your Wood: Style and Substance

One of the highlights is choosing your wood. With options ranging from local to exotic woods, you can pick something that suits your aesthetic or personal connection. Some reviews mention how exciting it is to have a variety of woods to choose from, making the final product uniquely yours.

Taking Control: Operating the Lathe Yourself

Here’s where the experience gets real. With guidance from Jonathan, you’ll operate the lathe to shape your pen. It’s very much a “learn by doing” activity, and most people find it incredibly rewarding to see the shape of their pen emerge from a block of wood. The reviews consistently praise Jonathan’s patience and supportive attitude, making sure everyone feels capable, regardless of experience.

Finishing Touches: Sanding, Polishing, and Assembly

Once the shaping is complete, you move on to sanding and polishing your piece for a smooth finish. Finally, you assemble the pen, adding a professional look to your handcrafted creation. Expect to spend some time here, but it’s part of the fun—your effort really shows in the polished result.

Final Result: Your Handmade Pen

You leave with a beautiful, functional keepsake that truly reflects your personal style. Many reviewers say they’re proud to show off their creation and that it’s a meaningful memento of their Montreal trip.

The Experience in Practice

Duration and Group Size

The workshop lasts about 3 hours, which is enough time to learn, create, and finish your pen without feeling rushed. With a maximum of 9 travelers per session, the group remains intimate enough for personalized attention. This small size helps foster a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, and everyone can comfortably participate.

Price and Value

At $146.98 per person, this experience is a solid investment if you’re into craft activities or want a unique souvenir. Considering you’ll learn a new skill, operate professional tools, and leave with a handcrafted item, many find this to be good value. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the expert guidance and the quality of the finished pen, reinforcing the perception that it’s worth the cost.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The experience is accessible to most travelers, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transportation. Plus, if a scheduled date doesn’t work for you, the host is willing to accommodate different times. This flexibility is a bonus for those with busy or unpredictable schedules.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many guests rave about Jonathan’s teaching style. One reviewer highlighted how he was “kind, patient, and very helpful,” encouraging participants to do the work themselves while providing support. Another noted, “Jonathan is very knowledgeable and a fun host,” making the process both educational and relaxing. Several mention how surprising it was to leave with a professional-looking pen, despite having no prior experience.

The experience also seems to be a hit for different types of visitors—romantic couples, families, or solo travelers—who all appreciate the personalized attention and the tangible outcome of their work. It’s a great activity for anyone who enjoys hands-on projects or simply wants to try something new and memorable.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

This pen-making workshop is ideal for creative souls, curious travelers, or anyone looking for a meaningful activity in Montreal. It’s especially well-suited if you enjoy learning new skills in a relaxed environment, or if you want a unique, handcrafted souvenir that’s genuinely one-of-a-kind. The small group size and positive reviews suggest you’ll be well cared for, and the chance to operate a lathe makes this experience more engaging than just watching a demonstration.

If you’re after an activity that combines skill-building with a personal touch, this is a fantastic choice. The workshop’s emphasis on safety, the variety of woods available, and the expert guidance all combine to make this a memorable, worthwhile outing.

FAQs

Is prior woodworking experience needed?
No, absolutely not. The workshop is designed for beginners and no prior skills are required. Jonathan guides you step-by-step.

How long does the session last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, which includes instruction, crafting, and finishing your pen.

Can I choose the type of wood for my pen?
Yes, you can select from a variety of exotic and local woods, allowing you to customize your pen’s look and feel.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the activity is more suited for older teens and adults who can handle the tools safely. Children should be accompanied and may need adult supervision.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 9 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Is the price of $146.98 good value?
Considering you’ll learn a new skill, operate professional equipment, and leave with a handcrafted item, many find the price reasonable and worth the experience.

What should I wear?
It’s best to wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dusty or with potential wood shavings.

Can the schedule be flexible?
Yes, if the dates available don’t suit you, reaching out to the host might help find a more convenient time.

What do I do if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, and get a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t eligible for refunds.

Overall, if you’re seeking a craft activity that’s engaging, educational, and results in a tangible keepsake, this pen-making workshop in Montreal deserves strong consideration. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours, learn something new, and walk away with a personalized piece of art—crafted by you.