Jerry 0,
Two things came to me years ago the whip in any form making pens is intolerable to me,to use precious fingers resting on any rotating wooden,metal object on the lathe is an invitation to injury.
I make 1/2 a pen at a time, easy to do ,ensures control and care and no I do not make a living with pens as so many members appear to.
Many times and to repeat for the last time in case anyone senses a personal problem in this I use a live centre with removeable point,substitute this with a brass sleeve with a snug hole to fit the mandrel about 3/8 of an inch deep. You can use a machine bolt for a mandrel or drill rod.
I use a collet chuck mandel about 29 bucks my money here,fix the 2 morse end that is already threaded thru the headstock and leave it there.Cut the thread off and shorten the mandrel for 1/2 a pen.
The live centre has two common use bearings, easily replaced, last for ages.
Have fun and enjoy your turning and I could relate for an hour the
real pleasure I have sharing help and blanks,methods and the pure delight pens give to the receivers and me.I have a lot of American friends and I realise you as well as us here are blessed with an abundance of beautiful timbers enjoy. Peter