I've read in previous "Helpful Hints/Tips" about turning only one blank at a time to ensure accuracy/quality. As such, I was wondering if anyone can suggest how to make spacer bushings of sorts that accommodate the length of the tool rest and provide a safe workable area for turning. I realize I could simply use 7mm bushings but I thought there might be something more substantial w/o having to use 4-5 bushings on each side. Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
SPACER BUSHINGS
- Thread starter kooster
- Start date
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GoatRider
Member
I sometimes use a sleeve from the pen mill when turning a short blank, instead of a stack of 7mm bushings.
It would be better to have a short mandrel and a short tool rest. You'd have less likelihood of vibration and chatter.
It would be better to have a short mandrel and a short tool rest. You'd have less likelihood of vibration and chatter.
PTsideshow
Member
You could get some Acetal/Derlin round stock and drill them out either to length or in 1"sections.
:clown:
:clown:
Andrew_K99
Member
It sounds like your factory tool rest is 6". To bennefit from the 'helpful hints/tips' you'd want to use a shorter tool rest.
I'd highly recommend Ricks work, his prices are great and quality is spot on. You can see his ad here http://www.penturners.org/forum/f172/custom-made-penturning-tools-accessories-92501/
AK
I'd highly recommend Ricks work, his prices are great and quality is spot on. You can see his ad here http://www.penturners.org/forum/f172/custom-made-penturning-tools-accessories-92501/
AK
Justturnin
Member
I have a 4" tool rest but I know some have smaller and I used the Mandrel Saver from PSI so I had no need for spacers. Both were great investments and used almost daily. I now TBC but I still use the rest. One day I will pick up one of RHerrell's Tool rest setups with several different sized bars.
azamiryou
Member
I did this, and I have to say: save yourself some shipping and buy a separate post for every bar. If you don't you'll soon be ordering posts and have to pay shipping again.
Yes, you can get one post and several bars and swap them out. It's not difficult, but it's just time-consuming enough to be a complete nuisance. I don't think it took me five pens before I decided to buy the extra posts.
Justturnin
Member
HAHAHA, I could see myself doing the same thing. Thinks for the heads up. One reason for me doing TBC is becuase I got sick of having to loosen the TS to back off the Mandrel to check the size... All in the name of efficiency I guess.
The Penguin
Member
agreed on the extra post suggestion...
If Rick puts them on sale again for the next Bash, I'll be ordering more.
nava1uni
Member
I have Rick's tool posts and really like them.
alamocdc
Member
Okay, so you need a shorter tool rest. We got that. But in the mean time, a spacer bushing can be made from nearly anything. It is just a spacer, after all. You can use a piece of scrap wood with a 1/4" hole through it. Or an empty 7mm slimline tube. Anything that fits the mandrel and takes up the space needed to "fill" the mandrel so that the nut will tighten. Just don't tighten too much or you can actually put a bow in the mandrel.
You can even use the other barrel for the spacer and switch them after the first is turned.
You can even use the other barrel for the spacer and switch them after the first is turned.
The Penguin
Member
shoot - I missed the original question...I have a slimline tube glued into a piece of ugly maple.
if it's not long enough, I'll add an extra bushing if needed.
if it's not long enough, I'll add an extra bushing if needed.
thewishman
Member
I agree with my mentor on this one.
As you get more experience and buy more stuff, an adjustable mandrel is a good thing to have.