ALEC Waldron took up woodwork after retiring as a diesel mechanic from Mounts Machinery.

"Then I thought 'I am not going to get grease all over my hands again'," he said.

He bought a little lathe and started taking part in classes held by South East Queensland Wood Working Supplies.

"I saw one fellow doing pens, so I thought I would have a go at that," Mr Waldron said.

Now he fashions pens out of wood sourced from the Maranoa area, including mulga, ironbark, emu apple and hairy oak.

He said his favourite wood was hairy oak, although it could be difficult to source.

"It has a special grain," Mr Waldron said.

Now he has taken his skills to the Men's Shed.

Mr Waldron said the Men's Shed was a chance for blokes to get together and share experiences and get involved in a range of handiwork.

"We turn out different things like pens and bowls," he said.

"We really enjoy ourselves.

"We have a great time at morning tea and that is really excellent time that we can share together."

The Men's Shed also holds men's health events.

"Nurses come and check us out and make sure our blood pressure is right," he said.

He said strong friendships had been forged.

"We really enjoy those times that we have as a group of men."