Writing instruments
How to craft a felt lined wooden pen tray with individual slots sized to fit different nib widths and prevent tipping or sliding about.
An approachable, enduring guide to building a compact wooden pen tray with precise, felt-lined slots that hold various nib widths securely, reducing tipping, wobble, and careless slides on busy desks.
August 08, 2025 - 3 min Read
When you start planning a compact pen tray, begin by choosing a sturdy hardwood like beech, maple, or walnut that resists warping with humidity changes. Measure the workspace where the tray will live, then draft a simple rectangular footprint that leaves a little breathing room around the edges. Decide how many niches you want based on your nib collection, including broader slots for ink brushes or dip nibs if desired. Cut precise parallel sides with a table saw, then refine edges with a block plane until they are smooth to the touch. Sand thoroughly to remove any snags that might abrade the felt as you insert nibs.
After shaping the base, mark the positions for each slot, using a ruler and a pencil compass to ensure symmetry. The central axis should align with your dominant hand, so your nibs slide toward the front rather than toward the back. Create a shallow groove along the bottom of each slot to guide nibs and provide anchor points that prevent lateral movement. If you lack a jointer, refine corners with a sanding block to achieve crisp, even corners. Consider adding a light chamfer along the top edge to ease insertion and reduce snagging when you reach for a nib.
Designing for nib variety preserves order and protects tips.
The next crucial step is selecting the felt for lining. Choose a dense wool felt or a synthetic equivalent with a tight weave that won’t shed fibers into the slots. The felt should be roughly 1.5 to 2 millimeters thick, enough to cushion each nib while not crowding the opening. Cut the felt into strips slightly longer than the slot width and apply a thin coat of wood-friendly glue to the tray bottom. Carefully press the felt into each slot, smoothing from front to back to avoid air pockets. Allow the glue to dry fully, then run a fingertip along the inner edges to confirm there are no rough patches.
For stability, seal the exterior with a food-safe or mineral-based finish that resists moisture. A clear polyurethane or a tung oil blend provides a subtle sheen that enhances the grain without obscuring detail. Apply thin, even coats, letting each layer cure completely before adding another to avoid bubbling. While finishing, protect the interior with painter’s tape to keep the slots clean. If you prefer a more natural look, a penetrating oil finish can highlight the wood’s figure while maintaining tactile warmth. Before final assembly, wipe away any dust to ensure a flawless result.
Precision planning and careful testing prevent future wobble.
Now, design considerations turn to the individual slots’ widths. Measure common nib widths you own, from fine dip nibs to broader broad-edge nibs, and plan slot widths that provide a snug fit without bending the tines. A practical rule is to add about 0.5 to 1 millimeter of tolerance per slot to account for slight nib variations and the felt’s compression. Use a drill guide or a router to create uniform, clean recesses if you have access to power tools; otherwise, a sharp chisel can work steadily with careful scoring. Keep the bottoms even so nibs don’t tilt when the tray is moved.
Build a few practice slots on scrap wood to verify fit before committing to the final piece. Test with several nib styles, noting which widths feel secure and which appear loose. If a nib slides, widen that slot by a trace, but do not make abrupt changes—small incremental adjustments yield better results. Consider adding a shallow backstop at the rear of each slot to prevent nibs from tipping forward under the weight of a pen. Finally, rub the inner felt surfaces with a lanolin-free conditioner to maintain suppleness and reduce wear on the nib tips.
Practical detailing that elevates everyday desk tools.
To finish the project, assemble the tray and check alignment against the work surface. A flat, level base is essential; place the tray on a calibration square to confirm there is no rocking. If you notice a wobble, address it by sanding a touch more along the low edge or applying a small dot of glue beneath the offending corner. When the tray sits evenly, reapply a light finishing coat to the exterior if needed, and wipe away any fingerprints before the final cure. The felt lining should remain intact and evenly pressed into every slot, offering uniform contact with each nib.
Consider adding a removable felt strip along the front lip for extra grip on the pens you use most. This strip can be attached with a dab of glue that dries clear, then trimmed to fit flush. A simple, aesthetically pleasing design keeps writing tools within easy reach while discouraging hasty grabs that could send nibs skittering. If you frequently swap nib styles, you might color-code the slots with gentle, water-resistant markers for quick identification without exposing the wood to heavy liquids.
A durable, orderly solution that ages gracefully.
Maintenance is part of the craft. Periodically inspect the felt for compression or wear and replace it when you notice gaps forming around the nibs. When felt begins to shed fibers, gently vacuum or brush away loose particles to prevent clogging the slot openings. If a slot becomes slightly out of alignment, carefully re-scribe the guide line and re-cut that slot with a sharp blade, taking care to keep the wood grain intact. Store or display the tray with a soft surface underneath to minimize scratching on natural finishes, and avoid placing heavy items on top that could compress the felt unevenly.
A thoughtful user experience means considering the tray’s footprint and portability. If you travel with your nibs, design a snug lid or a compact, stackable version that protects the tips during transit. Lightweight hardware like tiny magnetic catches can secure the lid without adding bulk. Labeling the tray’s underside with the model or the year of purchase helps you manage growing collections. Beyond function, aim for a calm aesthetic: a natural wood tone that harmonizes with your desk and the warm texture of the felt.
When you finish, document your process with measurements and a quick sketch for future reference. Keeping notes helps you reproduce or modify the design as your nib collection expands. If you anticipate future additions, pre-cut a couple of extra slots with modest widths now so you’re not forced to reshuffle later. The felt’s resilience ensures the nibs remain protected, while the wooden base contributes warmth and longevity to the piece. A clean, well-fitted tray becomes a tactile ritual, inviting you to prepare your tools with patient care and attention.
Finally, celebrate the moment you place the finished tray on your desk. Observe how the slots hold each nib upright and with minimal friction, how the felt cushions impact, and how the entire setup reduces tipping when the desk top shifts slightly. With regular use, your tray becomes more than storage—it becomes a quiet, reliable workspace companion that supports steady practice, thoughtful planning, and the ongoing joy of writing with tools you crafted by hand.
