Book 3 — A Split-Bamboo Lettering Pen

This Pen, Cut from a Piece of Bamboo and Fitted with a Spring Fountain Device, Is Especially Useful for Marking Packages

Marking of packages and similar lettering can be done neatly with a pen made in a few minutes from split bamboo fitted with a short section of watch spring. Select a piece of bamboo, ¹⁄₄ by ¹⁄₁₆ in. and about 7 in. long, and finish the end, as at A. Trim the end to an angle, as at B, and then point it, as at C. Split the point carefully, as at D, and smooth away the tufts at the edges. Cut a piece of watch spring the width of the pen point and bind it into place, arched as shown. To use the pen, insert ink into the arch of the spring, and it will work much like a fountain pen.—Raymond H. Lufkin, Dorchester, Mass.