Longer Mandrel?

[Tanner]

After getting the Collet Chuck I noticed I am in need of longer mandrels. I saw that some will buy the rods, add threads to the end with a tap and die set, then drill a 60 dgree concave hole in the end for the 60 degree live center. That sounds like something I'll mess up big time. Does anyone sell a longer mandrel? I did a Statesman last night and had to go back to the old way.[V]

 

[Dario]

I turn one barrel at a time...so NO I never needed a longer mandrel.

Some argue it is slower that way but the rewards of better fit makes up for it. For me...it actually is faster because fiddling with ill fitted piece takes much longer to fix.

JMHO

 

[alamocdc]

I'm with Dario. Once I discovered that I get consistant concentric results doing one at e time, I never looked back.

Oh, and it's only marginally slower. One thing I started doing to help make it a bit faster is using a standard mandrel (and MT arbor) to finish sand (and finish when using CA finish) both barrels together.

 

[Fred in NC]

I made some B Mandrel SHAFTS a few months ago. They were a little longer, made from DRILL ROD. Check with me if interested.

 

[Tanner]

Thanks everyone. jcollazo hit me right away with an email and is making me a couple. Thanks Joe.[]

I know Dario, I need to try it with one barrel at a time. I will give that a try. You are always right.[:I] I just like seeing both barrels on while I'm working on a pen. Billy's idea of finishing them together sounds great too. Fred, with the package I just got from you, I have no doubt you could make awesome mandrels.[8D]

 

[cozee]

Originally posted by Dario
<br />I turn one barrel at a time...so NO I never needed a longer mandrel.

Some argue it is slower that way but the rewards of better fit makes up for it. For me...it actually is faster because fiddling with ill fitted piece takes much longer to fix.

JMHO

I agree with Dario. Shorter helps to also eliminate flex and vibration which makes turning far easier.

 

[kiddo]

Originally posted by cozee
<br />

Originally posted by Dario
<br />I turn one barrel at a time...so NO I never needed a longer mandrel.

Some argue it is slower that way but the rewards of better fit makes up for it. For me...it actually is faster because fiddling with ill fitted piece takes much longer to fix.

JMHO

I agree with Dario. Shorter helps to also eliminate flex and vibration which makes turning far easier.

Better yet, no mandrel and no chuck at all...

 

[PenPal]

I do one half at a time also with a collet in the head stock.On the other end I use a live centre with removeable centre piece.Turned a brass insert with a snug fit hole in to mate to the shaft end.Tension from the tail stock,about half an inch grip on the shaft(fantastic)Packing when I have a shorter blank with washers,love it,problem gone.
For years I used a machine bolt neat fit, cheap as chips.Took brass with me and tested fit at the sales area.With different pens different brass insert,collett. Peter