PSI mandrel

[ryankelley]

I am new to pens so these may be dumb questions, I bought a mandrel from PSI and was wondering if I could use pen kits from CSUSA with it or do I have to buy a mandrel from CSUSA? Also what if I want to turn larger than 7mm do I need another mandrel or do all bushing fit on the same size mandrel?

 

[Randy_]

The PSI mandrel is a few thousandths smaller than the others on the market so bushings from other manufacturers may be just a bit loose on the PSI mandrels. I bought a Berea mandrel which is the biggest of the lot and most PSI bushings have fit OK. I have gotten an occasional one that was a little snug and I just polish the hole with some 600 grit sandpaper until it fits.

 

[dmann]

I have been using some thin teflon tape to take up the slack between the bushings and mandrel for now.

I am considering trying a pen or two without a mandrel to see how it goes, I just need to pick up a dead center.