Ultra-Shear Mandrel System first impressions

[qquake]

I've turned one pen with it so far, and like it overall. I wasn't sure about the tailstock part of it, since it acts like a mandrel saver. I've tried both the PSI and CSUSA mandrel savers, and neither one worked for me. Too much slipping. While I did get some slipping with the Ultra-Shear, it wasn't as bad. I chalked it up to my aggressive turning. I tightened it a bit, backed off with the chisel, and it was fine. Granted, it was Kirinite, which turns easier than some acrylics, but still. I like it for now, but we'll see what happens with the second pen.

 

[qquake]

I also tried a set of their fancy (expensive) bushings. Not sure I saw a benefit.

 

[Kenny Durrant]

I use the PSI Mandrel Saver. Like you I had trouble with it slipping. I'd stop using it then go back and forth several times. Finally I figured I'd spent all the money for it so I might as well use it. Once I got used to the light touch when first starting and keeping my tools sharp so I didn't have to use too much pressure I really like it now. Not putting all the stress on the mandrel with the tail stock wasn't as big a sell as not having to shim the extra space between the bushing and jam nut.

 

[qquake]

I use carbide exclusively, so keeping the chisel sharp isn't an issue. I just turn the cutter to a fresh edge. And I used a collet chuck, so I didn't have to worry about spacers. Before the collet chuck, I used the PSI adjustable mandrel, but I found the collet chuck to be a little more accurate.

 

[Stubach]

I've had my Woodpecker Ultra Sheer mandrel for some time now and love it. I only ever had the basic Rockler starter mandrel (non-adjustable) before so I can't compare to some of the other nicer ones out there but I have turned over a dozen pens on it and find it to be a joy to use.

It does carry a steep price point so I did chalk it up to a "luxury" gift "from me, to me" but thus far I'd say it's worth it to me.

Below is a side by side with my old Rockler mandrel.

 

[qquake]

So far, so good. This is chechen, which is fairly dense, but no slipping at all. Maybe I'm finally learning to not be so aggressive. The mandrel is growing on me.

 

[David350]

I've turned a few hundred with the PSI mandrel saver and I've never had an issue with slipping, maybe I've been lucky. The only problem I've had has been chatter(?) when I turn both tubes on the mandrel at the same time, like with a cigar, etc. When I turn them one tube at a time, the issue goes away. This problem is most pronounced when I am working towards the center of the assembly (with two tubes). I am assuming this is due to deflection of the shaft from the light pressure I am putting on it. I was thinking about the ultra sheer mandrel as I thought it might eliminate the problem with a higher quality (stiffer) shaft. However, I am a bit surprised to see the pattern on the blank in your image with the file name 046.jpg. This pattern that looks like scales to me is what I get when I turn 2 tubes at once and hear the chatter. I never get this when I turn just one tube, so I am really surprised to see this on your single tube turning. Anyone else have any experience with this and any suggestions?

 

[qquake]

I never turn two bodies at once. Haven't for quite some time. I do usually get those marks, I don't know why. But they get better as the body gets smaller, and I sand them smooth with wet-or-dry as part of my polishing regimen.

 

[leehljp]

I've turned a few hundred with the PSI mandrel saver and I've never had an issue with slipping, maybe I've been lucky. The only problem I've had has been chatter(?) when I turn both tubes on the mandrel at the same time, like with a cigar, etc. When I turn them one tube at a time, the issue goes away. This problem is most pronounced when I am working towards the center of the assembly (with two tubes). I am assuming this is due to deflection of the shaft from the light pressure I am putting on it. I was thinking about the ultra sheer mandrel as I thought it might eliminate the problem with a higher quality (stiffer) shaft. However, I am a bit surprised to see the pattern on the blank in your image with the file name 046.jpg. This pattern that looks like scales to me is what I get when I turn 2 tubes at once and hear the chatter. I never get this when I turn just one tube, so I am really surprised to see this on your single tube turning. Anyone else have any experience with this and any suggestions?

The Bold IS correct. And as Jim and Kenny said "keeping the tool sharp" is so important as it will put with less pressure, which decreases the pressure needed, which in turn decreases deflection. This is the importance of sharp sharp sharp. Pressure is a sign of bad technique or dull tool.

As Jim wrote "never turn two bodies at once" is good. People might like the idea of turning two at once, but the converse is that turning one at a time allows the focus and concentration to be on each individual one AND reduces the problems that come with elongated mandrel systems - which are many for beginners and the inexperienced.

 

[TonyL]

One doesn't have to, and some would say that defeats the purpose, but when I do use a mandrel to turn a double barrel pen, I switch the position of the barrel and make my finals cut with the barrel closest to the HS.

 

[qquake]

I found an unexpected benefit for the Ultra-Shear mandrel. Because of the mandrel saver style live center, it forces me to be more gentle with the cuts. The hempwood still blew out, but at least it wasn't due to aggressive cutting.