Thanks Dario, but the idea is not mine. John Solberg (deere41h) showed it to me and others have used it. I drill on the lathe. Drill the hole for the tube first then change to the 1/4" bit and drill the smaller hole. It seems to center rather closely. I should think it would work on the drill press if the vice is not moved....just change bits and the smaller one should be centered. I have started drilling the 1/4" hole just a little smaller and grinding two or three flats around the threded end of the mandrel and screwing it into the hole. Helps to hold better. Then when the pen is finished I use a 1/4" bit in a hand drill to open the hole just a little. Some careful measurements must be taken to allow the RB refill room to have room. The spring must fit into the 1/4" hole also.
Totally finish the pen...sanding and finishing..and after parting off the end where the tail stock is, use some masking tape and tape the bushing end to the mandrel. This will hold well enough to drive the pen barrel so the very tip (where you parted off) can be sanded and finished. This really works well and no need for various size pen chucks. But, I like the pen chucks also.
I do hope this makes some sense...maybe another article...Huh?
Good luck and ...
Do a good turn daily~
Don
Originally posted by Dario
<br />Don,
Neat Idea.
How are you making sure that the 1/4" hole at the inner most part is centered when you are drilling? Are you using a sleeve/shim similar to that in the end mill?