Advice on PSI Universal lathe mandrel

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thewishman

thewishman

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My Jet mini has had an accident and had to have the spindle replaced. My mandrel from Woodcraft had several ridges on the Morse taper and I was advised to replace it before turning another pen. The ridges were my fault - not the mandrel or the lathe - just new user error.

I want to purchase a new mandrel and do not have the cash for a Beall collet chuck. I found this on the PSI site and wondered if it might be better than another mandrel with a standard Morse taper:

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/pkm-bl.html

If this isn't an accurate tool, what mandrel would you recommend?

Chris
 
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Chris,

I originally used a similar system. It is not as accurate, IMHO as this one:

http://www.beartoothwoods.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35_42&products_id=102

I went to the above system for quite awhile until I upgraded to the Beall collet chuck.

If you go with the above system, you will need to buy separate tapers for the A mandrel and the B mandrel.
 
Mine is like Mark's adjustable style and I'm most happy with it.
Plus, you can get replacement mandrel rods from Joe Collazo that are superb value.

Gary
 
I have SEVERAL of the PSI mandrels (one of which is NOT warped). I would say that you do indeed get what you pay for. (And yes, I am rough on tools...take what shots you feel a need to!)

I had not seen the adjustables but will upgrade shortly.
 
The accuracy of the lathe would affect how well this mandrel system would work. New regular mandrels aren't very expensive. If you just had your spindle replaced, I don't understand your problem unless the new spindle is defective, in which case nothing can help except another replacement.
 
Frank, I didn't want to put an old, scarred mandrel MT into my new spindle. I wanted to start fresh with a good accurate mandrel.

This is the place where my friends and trusted penturning advisors congregate. My post was intended to tap into that broad base of experience for some good advice and guidance to ensure the best use of my modest penmaking equipment budget.

Chris[:)]
 
Originally posted by thewishman
<br />Frank, I didn't want to put an old, scarred mandrel MT into my new spindle. I wanted to start fresh with a good accurate mandrel.

This is the place where my friends and trusted penturning advisors congregate. My post was intended to tap into that broad base of experience for some good advice and guidance to ensure the best use of my modest penmaking equipment budget.

Chris[:)]
Click to expand...

OK. that's understandable. Your old mandrel can be cleaned up with files and sandpaper. As long as there are no burrs, you won't hurt the spindle. To answer the original question: I don't believe you would be better of with a subsitute over a regular mandrel. That said, I do favor the adjustable 'professional' type of mandrel/rod system. And, you may wish to try the 'no mandrel' method. Not expensive to get started and highly favorable results.
 
I bought the cheapo mandrel at Woodcraft when I started. I think it was about $10. I've since bought a couple of Berea mandrels and a Beall chuck. I've replaced the rod on the Woodcraft once because I managed to bend the first one, but for the money I don't think it can be beat. I still use it sometimes for turning and use it a lot for finishing.
 
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