Aluminum Threaded Mandrel (metal lathe users?)

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I make mandrels for all my pen sizes. Some are made threaded as well as the tube ID so they slide on and then screw down tight like in the video. Some are a jam fit and are specific lengths to just fit into the hole in the finial/cap which I drilled. I dont use pin chucks. I can make the mandrels just the right size so you have to twist the tube as it goes on or comes off. I have special mandrels for the front sections I make that are the exact duplication of the different feed assemblies I use. Bock, Heritance, or Meister Nib. That way I can drill and tap for my feed assembly and then mount it on the mandrel and form the outside of the front section.
 
Of course there are many ways to do things... but I find just threading scraps of alumilite works perfectly fine when I need a mandrel. I try to turn things between centers for the majority of the shaping anyway. Having support from the tailstock greatly reduces vibration and stress. I use a scrap alumilite mandrels for holding the front section and finials for the final shaping cuts. Another trick that works is to wrap the barrel or cap in blue painters tape a few times, and then hold in a collet chuck. That's what I do to finish off the closed-end of a barrel, for example.

Hope this helps...
 
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Tailstock on vintage 3 in 1 machine

Guys,

After reading these posts I thought there may be a chance one of you can put me in the ball park about re-working the tailstock on an old Roemer's midget universal machine so that it is simpler and easier to use. I posted a few pics of it this week in casual conversarion forum under Roemer's vintage.... I would also like to find an opinion on extending the chuck (a few inches) such that I can turn larger diameter pieces past the side of the machine without using a tailstock. I am new to turning, chucks, centers, mandrels etc... and would like to take classes and practice but I am not sure I would be ready with this machine as it is set up, or if I need to run to Rockler and pick up a mini (check piggy bank first). Any Ideas?
 
LoL ... so true

Makes sense to just make a mandrel out of acrylic or alumilite. Easier to customize the length and have different ones for different sizes. I always think the first thing I see is the best thing since siced bread! Lol. Oh well, I'll learn.... eventually.
 
RayH said:
Guys,

After reading these posts I thought there may be a chance one of you can put me in the ball park about re-working the tailstock on an old Roemer's midget universal machine so that it is simpler and easier to use. I posted a few pics of it this week in casual conversarion forum under Roemer's vintage.... I would also like to find an opinion on extending the chuck (a few inches) such that I can turn larger diameter pieces past the side of the machine without using a tailstock. I am new to turning, chucks, centers, mandrels etc... and would like to take classes and practice but I am not sure I would be ready with this machine as it is set up, or if I need to run to Rockler and pick up a mini (check piggy bank first). Any Ideas?
Click to expand...

Ray -- drop me a private message. I have a Bonnie Klein lathe that was based on a Taig lathe. Some of the techniques used may be applicable, but you willlikely need access to a metal lathe.
 
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