Dave Turner
Member
I find that the bushings are fine for rough sizing of the blanks as you turn them down, but are not accurate enough to give a perfect fit to the pen parts. I've been measuring the actual pen parts with a digital caliper and then turning the blank ends to that diameter using the caliper. After rough turning using the bushings so its just proud of the bushings, I remove the bushings and switch to "cone" adapters on the mandrel (for now will switch to between centers once I get my drive attachment).
My problem is that it takes a long time to get the diameter perfect. Take a little off, turn off the lathe, measure with the calipers, turn on the lathe, take a little more off, turn off the lathe, measure again .... and repeat ..... and repeat again as needed ...... I've been reluctant to measure with the lathe running for fear of a catch, or at least major scratching that would require sanding below my desired diameter.
My question is, what techniques or tips/tricks do others use to get their diameters perfect? Do you modify your caliper in some way with grinding so you can set it to the desired diameter and just let it rest against the blank as you turn it? Thanks for any suggestions.
My problem is that it takes a long time to get the diameter perfect. Take a little off, turn off the lathe, measure with the calipers, turn on the lathe, take a little more off, turn off the lathe, measure again .... and repeat ..... and repeat again as needed ...... I've been reluctant to measure with the lathe running for fear of a catch, or at least major scratching that would require sanding below my desired diameter.
My question is, what techniques or tips/tricks do others use to get their diameters perfect? Do you modify your caliper in some way with grinding so you can set it to the desired diameter and just let it rest against the blank as you turn it? Thanks for any suggestions.
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