Thanks for this Phil. I have downloaded the file and printed it for use in the shed.
I have some pens to make from the clients supplied wood, whisky barrel staves.
I have made an Axminster Gold Stylus Pen and I can't in all truth sell it due to its inferior finish.
I will try your method and let you know how I get on.
take care
Don W
PS I couldn't get a smooth finish. I used a skew to size then J-Cloth down to 400 grit. I used the method you described but still have grooves/splits in the wood. I will check out your method and let you know.