Hello,
Not sure where my problem might be. Hopefully someone can help.
I just purchased a new Delta Lathe (love it so far), I was using a ShopSmith lathe in the past. So during this upgrade I had to purchase a mandrel that fits the new lathe.
One thing I am noticing since using this new mandrel is a lot of my final pens seem to be a little crooked.
The process I used to make pens (fwiw):
1. Cut my blanks to tube size (leaving 1/16" to square off), with a band saw.
2. Epoxy glue my tubes in and allow them to cure for a min. of 6 hours before moving to the next step.
3. Mill out the play doh I use to prevent the epoxy from entering the tubes when inserting them into my blanks.
4. Use a belt sander to square the wood down to the brass (removing that additional 1/16")
5. Turn the blank
6. Assemble pen
I checked my band saw and the blade sits at 90degrees to the table. I know my cuts are not a perfect 90 degrees all the time but most of the time I am pretty good about keeping my blanks square during this step.
I am thinking it is during the belt sanding stage that might be causing my problem. I sand down so the wood and the brass are level/flush.
Suggestions, Comments?
Oh, one other question. I have noticed sometimes when using Epoxy some blanks must have an air void between the brass and the inside wall of the blank. When turning, I sometimes get a "soft" spot or it might show a small rip. Suggestions on preventing this. I really try to spread my epoxy on evenly.
Thanks for the help!
Rick
Not sure where my problem might be. Hopefully someone can help.
I just purchased a new Delta Lathe (love it so far), I was using a ShopSmith lathe in the past. So during this upgrade I had to purchase a mandrel that fits the new lathe.
One thing I am noticing since using this new mandrel is a lot of my final pens seem to be a little crooked.
The process I used to make pens (fwiw):
1. Cut my blanks to tube size (leaving 1/16" to square off), with a band saw.
2. Epoxy glue my tubes in and allow them to cure for a min. of 6 hours before moving to the next step.
3. Mill out the play doh I use to prevent the epoxy from entering the tubes when inserting them into my blanks.
4. Use a belt sander to square the wood down to the brass (removing that additional 1/16")
5. Turn the blank
6. Assemble pen
I checked my band saw and the blade sits at 90degrees to the table. I know my cuts are not a perfect 90 degrees all the time but most of the time I am pretty good about keeping my blanks square during this step.
I am thinking it is during the belt sanding stage that might be causing my problem. I sand down so the wood and the brass are level/flush.
Suggestions, Comments?
Oh, one other question. I have noticed sometimes when using Epoxy some blanks must have an air void between the brass and the inside wall of the blank. When turning, I sometimes get a "soft" spot or it might show a small rip. Suggestions on preventing this. I really try to spread my epoxy on evenly.
Thanks for the help!
Rick