Quality mandrel saver?

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Evilleray

Evilleray

Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2023
Messages
13
Location
Eugene OR
Is there a mandrel saver out there with bearings that don't start rattling after being used a while? I've owned several of differing brands and so far they've all failed over time. I don't make hundreds of pens! Thanks.
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I've been using this type mandrel with mandrel saver for years now with no issues. Pretty sure I bought it thru PSI.

1000010896.jpg
 
For years I have been using a Hold Fast Mandrel Saver by TMIProducts that I bought from WoodTurningz. It came with a type of collet insert that tightens down on the mandrel shaft and centers it more precisely than what is achieved by the mandrel savers that just have a clearance hole through them. The mandrel saver also came with a Cup Center insert and a 60-degree Center insert, but I have not used them for anything yet.

I just looked and it is no longer listed in WoodTurningz's online catalog and a cursory search on Google didn't turn up anything either. It's too bad because TMI Products has some really good stuff. For example, they were the first to bring the Hold Fast Non-Stick Bushings to the market (I think anyway).

If I couldn't get the TMI one again, I would probably go for the Woodpeckers Ultra-Shear system. It's pretty expensive (relatively speaking) but it does use a collet on both the headstock and tailstock side to keep the mandrel shaft centered and without any slop/wobble which is possible in the thru hole models - simply because the hole is drilled through and has clearance for the mandrel but doesn't have a collet that clamps down on it.

Dave
 
Another vote for the Hold Fast. It both a bit heavier built than some and the bears are actually replaceable if ever needed. Looks like Hartville Hardware may still have it, though a bit more expensive these days.
Holdfast Mandrel Saver
 
If you like the mandrel/mandrel saver, the Holdfast and Woodpecker system would be the best.

Then, there is an alternative with more simplicity and less objects to get out of alignment called TBC (the original TBC) or turning between centers.
 
MRDucks2 said:
Another vote for the Hold Fast. It both a bit heavier built than some and the bears are actually replaceable if ever needed. Looks like Hartville Hardware may still have it, though a bit more expensive these days.
Holdfast Mandrel Saver
Click to expand...
Mike!!! The bears are replaceable? Here in Montana we want the bears to stay where they belong and that sure ain't my shop 🤣
 
I have two of the mandrels like Bobby and Don use, never had a problem and I've turned a lot of stuff over the years without any complaints. But then again, I haven't tried the others that are recommended.
 
I just received an email from Patrick at WoodTurningZ and he told me that TMI has discontinued their mandrel saver. It's too bad because I think it has a great design, using a collet to center the mandrel, and relatively less expensive than the Woodpeckers version.

As far as I can tell Hartville Hardware still shows it as "in stock" as Mike (MRDucks2) stated, but since TMI discontinued it I'm guessing that once their inventory has been depleted that is probably it. - Dave
 
Although the link to a library list does not rate the items, here's a large list of mandrels.

Bottle Stopper, Pen, Project and Ring Turning Mandrels

Here is a sampling of Mandrels used to turn Pen and Project kits. These are available from many suppliers around the world. Many are in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, etc. This information does not reference Amazon, eBay, Etsy, non-pen related...
www.penturners.org
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom