Between Centers

[montmill]

I've been using Pen State's between center mandrel system. https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKMBCM2.html

It's worked ok until lately both rods that go into the bushings have developed ridges and burrs that make getting the bushing off. It's almost like the metal or plating used isn't strong enough. I'm curious is others have had this problem?

I've gone back to a 90 degree drive and live center and it works fine. I thought perhaps the rod going into the bushing might provide more support, not become a problem.

 

[hooked]

I have found that placing a 1/4 nylon flat washer on the "mandrel" prevents the bushings from getting stuck. I had problems with bushings getting stuck and saw this solution.

 

[KenB259]

I have been using them since they came out. I also use nylon bushings on them and I have had zero issues.

 

[RGVPens]

I haven't noticed any problem...yet. But I think Ed at Exotic Blanks sends the nylon bushings with his...??

 

[montmill]

I must be doing something wrong as I'm using the nylon bushings. The little burrs are on the shaft itself. I can sand them smooth on the dead center but it's harder to do on the live center.

 

[magpens]

I haven't noticed any problem...yet. But I think Ed at Exotic Blanks sends the nylon bushings with his...??

Gary, do you mean this mandrel sold by Exotic Blanks ?

Live Center Mandrel

This Live Center Mandrel is meant to be used with your 60-degree live center. When putting a decorative loop kit onto your handles it is best to use the Live Center Mandrel so the handle can be turned all at once. We recommend that the hole for the decorative loop be drilled while it is on the...

www.exoticblanks.com

 

[ed4copies]

I think it is this one, Mal

Turn Between Centers Mandrel System - #2MT

Turn more accurate, consistent and concentric pen barrels with this one of a kind mandrel system. The Turn Between Centers mandrel rides on 2 centers rather than a typical rod Ð so more accurate, perfectly straight turning. There is no mandrel shaft to bend so youl will eliminate an out-of-round...

www.exoticblanks.com

I would suggest a LITTLE dry grease on the rods.

And yes, Mark Dreyer and I came up with the nylon bushing idea and Exotics does include them with this part, automatically.

 

[RGVPens]

Gary, do you mean this mandrel sold by Exotic Blanks ?

Live Center Mandrel

This Live Center Mandrel is meant to be used with your 60-degree live center. When putting a decorative loop kit onto your handles it is best to use the Live Center Mandrel so the handle can be turned all at once. We recommend that the hole for the decorative loop be drilled while it is on the...

www.exoticblanks.com

I use the one Ed is talking about.

 

[KenB259]

I use the one Ed is talking about.

Me too.

 

[magpens]

RGVPens said :-
I use the one Ed is talking about.

**** OK, Gary . . . so that is actually the PSI system . . .

Turn Between Centers Mandrel System #2MT

Turn more accurate, consistent and concentric pen barrels with this one of a kind mandrel system. The Turn Between Centers mandrel rides on 2 centers rather than a typical rod, so more dead on turning. There is no mandrel shaft to bend so your turned barrel will eliminate an out of round blank, prod

www.pennstateind.com

**** I thought that you were referring to one that Ed of Exotic Blanks designed and sells as "his own".
. . . as I thought you implied in Post #4 above . . . . by your use of the word "his" . . . .

RGVPens said :-
I haven't noticed any problem...yet. But I think Ed at Exotic Blanks sends the nylon bushings with "his"...??