Pen mandrel
- Thread starter Joe Joe
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leehljp
Member Liaison
In general - Yes! Woodpecker, Whiteside, Little Machine shop and a few vendors here sell quality - well machined to tight specs tools/parts. But - if there is a problem with runout or alignment in one's lathe or headstock / tail stock, then it won't help. The mentioned companies charge more because their merchandise is higher quality and has a much higher quality control. So do some of the vendors here such as Rick Herrell.
That said, TBC is cheaper, and can be as accurate that your machine can get because it more simple and uses less parts.
Beware of one aspect of mandrels also: The best you can buy can still be bent, if not cautious.
Welcome Joe Joe! I see you have been a member here since January, but this is your first post.
That said, TBC is cheaper, and can be as accurate that your machine can get because it more simple and uses less parts.
Beware of one aspect of mandrels also: The best you can buy can still be bent, if not cautious.
Welcome Joe Joe! I see you have been a member here since January, but this is your first post.
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Joebobber
Member
Personally i like the psi mandrel that threads on your spindle
sorcerertd
Member
I can't speak for the quality of the expensive ones, but I've heard good things about them. I can tell you that the cheaper ones with the brass knurled nut are great for holding your pen barrels tight while you hold them to the buffing wheel. That's the only thing I use a mandrel for these days. Before you spend big bucks on a high end mandrel, I would advise that you try turning between centers (TBC) and see if you even want or need a mandrel after that.
qquake
Member
I use a collet chuck with a mandrel shaft from Woodcraft. I'm happy with them.
www.woodcraft.com
Amazon.com: MT2-ER20-M10 Collet Chuck Holder 1-13mm Clamping Range for Drilling Machines Milling Machines Lathes Small Machine Tools
Amazon.com: MT2-ER20-M10 Collet Chuck Holder 1-13mm Clamping Range for Drilling Machines Milling Machines Lathes Small Machine Tools
www.amazon.com
WoodRiver - Replacement Mandrel Shaft
Some items just seem to easily disappear in the sawdust around wood lathes Keep a replacement mandrel shaft handy so your project does not come to a halt Replacement for pen
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I don't know if it is worth the cost to you, but I like it for turning double barrel pens. It is well-made.
Prior to their mandrel, I was strictly a TBC turner.
randyrls
Member
Yes!; There are two similar mandrels made. One is black, Woodpeckers is silver. Get the silver one! Much better.
qquake
Member
Now you guys have me thinking about the Ultra-Shear Mandrel system again, especially since it's on sale right now.
www.woodpeck.com
Ultra-Shear Pen Mandrel System and Precision Pen Turning Bushings
If you’ve turned more than a couple pens, you’ve probably noticed that there’s just not much material left on top of the brass tube when you get finished. Any amount of misalignment can show up as brass showing through acrylic or even worse, a complete blow-out. None of the mandrels available on...
www.woodpeck.com
I bought it about a year ago and like it. I also bought some of there bushings.Now you guys have me thinking about the Ultra-Shear Mandrel system again, especially since it's on sale right now.
Ultra-Shear Pen Mandrel System and Precision Pen Turning Bushings
If you’ve turned more than a couple pens, you’ve probably noticed that there’s just not much material left on top of the brass tube when you get finished. Any amount of misalignment can show up as brass showing through acrylic or even worse, a complete blow-out. None of the mandrels available on...
qquake
Member
I just ordered the mandrel and two sets of bushings (slim and Sierra). $178 with tax and shipping. I hope they're worth it.
I just ordered one myself . Thanks for all the comments. Joe
I would say they are worth it if you are not satisfied with your current mandrel. I stopped using a mandrel months into penturning.
If I use the Woodpecker when turning double barrel pens. I didn't like the results I was getting turning same with the other mandrels. However, I am keenly aware that many use the standard mandrels and have excellent results; I just couldn't achieve them consistently.
I also like buying gadgets
.I hope you enjoy your purchase.
qquake
Member
I'm a sucker for tools.I would say they are worth it if you are not satisfied with your current mandrel. I stopped using a mandrel months into penturning.
If I use the Woodpecker when turning double barrel pens. I didn't like the results I was getting turning same with the other mandrels. However, I am keenly aware that many use the standard mandrels and have excellent results; I just couldn't achieve them consistently.
I also like buying gadgets
I hope you enjoy your purchase.