Simple Industrial Pencil Holder

While I was away at university I didn't have many opportunities to use my tools. As a result, my skills got pretty rusty. I designed this project to be a refresher of sorts, to allow me to become re-accustomed to my workshop. It's nice and simple to make, and doesn't take much time at all.

Step 1: What You Need:

- 10.5" of square steel tube with inner dimensions of 3/8" x 3/8". This will handle basic Bic pens and pencils, but if you have any fancier pens or pencils you may want to use some larger tubing.

- Files

- Hacksaw

- Spray paint (optional)

- 12 gauge steel sheet (not pictured)

- Welder

- Appropriate safety equipment

- Bench vise

Step 2: The Vertical Portion

- Cut the steel tube into four sections, with each piece 1/4" shorter than the last. I made the sections 3", 2.75", 2.5", and 2.25" long.

- File (or grind) the top and bottom of each piece smooth. Try to stand the pieces up; continue filing the bottoms until the pieces stand straight up without wobbling.

Step 3: The Base

- Cut a 1.5" by 3" rectangle from 12 gauge sheet steel. This will be the base.

- File all the edges smooth.

- By placing the sections of tubing on the base you can get a pretty good idea of what the finished product will look like.

Step 4: Welding

- Arrange the sections of tubing however you like; I chose to set them up in descending/ascending order.

- Make sure the sections of tubing are centered on the base, and use a magnet to hold them in place.

- Weld the tubing to the base. I just used tack welds because I liked the look they produced. I tacked every visible side to the base, and found that this securely attached the tubing.

Step 5: Cleaning Up

- I used a wire brush and files to clean up the welds and give the pencil holder a nice industrial look.

- If you want you can paint the pencil holder; however, I regret doing so because I liked the raw, unpainted look better.

Comments

[Alex weiant]

I was looking for a good project to start simple with welding. I am a high school student and was assigned to build something simple and easy. I think I found the project. Thanks.

[M3G]

No problem! I'd love to see pictures, if you end up making it.

[mrsmerwin]

this looks like another project I could use with the robotics kids. Question (so I don't look too stupid asking coach): what is the difference between welding and soldering?

[M3G]

You know, I'm not entirely sure myself. I'd say that welding is stronger, but I'd have to look into it!

[mrsmerwin]

in other words, I can ask the question when I see coach and not sound ridiculous. I will let you know what he says.

[mrsmerwin]

ok. I asked my son what the difference is. He says that in welding you attach metal to metal by melting the metal. Soldering joins metal to metal by melting another piece of metal that acts as the glue. And he said welding is stronger. I am learning to weld tomorrow. Today we found scraps to make several pencil holders, cut pieces, removed burrs, and I learned how to put a swirl design on the aluminum--a student taught me. Metal work is fun.

[DIY Dave]

Looks great, I'm planning to make one this weekend. I'll upload some photos once I finish it

[Wattosie]

You could probably just use solder

[Yonatan24]

I don't know why, But I really like it for some reason...

If I'd make one, I'd probably make it with Epoxy, Since I don't have a Welder :)

[M3G]

Thank you! I'm sure epoxy would work just fine, if you end up making one I'd love to see a picture!