What is this for?

[WoodChucker]

What is that brass nut thing for in the lower left corner? I think I have one but I've never used it. Thanks!

R.T.

 

[Gary Max]

If you wanted to turn a short blank---instead of a spacer block you could use the compression fitting.

 

[WoodChucker]

Thanks Gary, yeah that would be easier then the 30 washers I used the first time, duh. lol

R.T.

 

[DCBluesman]

Now that I know what it's for, [?]where'd I put that sucker?[8D]

 

[Gregory Huey]

Lou
I have found that most of those compression fitting slide on the mandrel. Went back to space blocks. If you can't find yours let me know I have several laying around and will send you a couple.

 

[Fred in NC]

They did not work for me. They slide, and the end does not seem to be square to the mandrel. Anyway, when turning a single barrel I put it closest to the headstock, and use an oops barrel to fill the empty space.

 

[Guest]

I thought my oopses were meant for spacer blocks.
I have collected various sizes woods, materials and shapes.

 

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

If you want a shorter mandrel the best option out there is the style that has a Morse taper collet arrangment. You can make the mandril as short as you wish, even so short you can turn a center band on it.

 

[penhead]

Hey Fred, sounds like you are describing the same problem I had with that brass thingie...found out the nylon ring inside the brass fitting was worn out/out of whack...replaced it and the fitting works fine now...

JohnPayton

 

[jwoodwright]

Same experience, kept sliding. Tighten too much, destroy nylon insert. So, I use Corian Spacers...[8D]

 

[Fred in NC]

Mac, I agree about the collet mandrels. I have one.

Corian is a good material for spacers when needed.

 

[btboone]

Drill bit depth locking collars work fine for that application too. A 1/4" one can fit on a mandrel and lock down in place.

 

[Fred in NC]

Bruce, the split ones are best. There is no set screw to tighten against the shaft.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I use spare brass tubes for spacers.

 

[dougle40]

I use spare bushings .

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by btboone
<br />Drill bit depth locking collars work fine for that application too. A 1/4" one can fit on a mandrel and lock down in place.

Doesn't that also scar the mandrel shaft?

 

[Fred in NC]

Eagle, the ones with a set screw will damage the shaft.
There are some 'split' collars that will work.

 

[btboone]

Yup, I was referring to the slip collars that Fred was. They should not mark the mandrel. I've seen them in woodworking catalogs.