Tiger
Member
Over my time as a penturner 2 things have not changed much and they both cause some frustration.
1. I generally use the standard mandrel, no matter how much I tighten the knurled nut most times as I apply the tool to the work the tool will catch the pen barrels and the barrels spin. I then have to stop the lathe and tighten the knurled nut, it's almost as though the nut slips and works its way loose. This may happen a couple of times during the turning. I know that you can turn b/w centers and I do that occassionally but when I make a slimline pen I like to turn both barrels simultaneously.
2. You've turned your pen, applied your finish and then assemble your pen and the barrel develop fine cracks.
I'm not expecting a solution to either of these but if you have any helpful suggestions I'd like to hear them.
1. I generally use the standard mandrel, no matter how much I tighten the knurled nut most times as I apply the tool to the work the tool will catch the pen barrels and the barrels spin. I then have to stop the lathe and tighten the knurled nut, it's almost as though the nut slips and works its way loose. This may happen a couple of times during the turning. I know that you can turn b/w centers and I do that occassionally but when I make a slimline pen I like to turn both barrels simultaneously.
2. You've turned your pen, applied your finish and then assemble your pen and the barrel develop fine cracks.
I'm not expecting a solution to either of these but if you have any helpful suggestions I'd like to hear them.