Mandrel Question

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rccrazybill

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I don't mean to sound like an idiot but I was wondering if there was any way to use my "A" mandrel to turn "B" mandrel pens? Until this morning I did not know there were different diameter pen mandrels , I thought different bushings were all you need to turn different pens. I have a bunch of kits I ordered a few weeks ago that use B mandrels and I have 3 A mandrels and no B's. I figured I would ask to see if there was a trick to adapt the mandrels I have before I go out and get a new mandrel.[?];)[:0][:p]
 
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I assume the kits are Berea kits...
Woodcraft sells berea kits and and Woodcraft sells the A mandrel only and have bushings for the A mandrel. I hope I'm making sense.

Woodcraft only sells the A mandrel, so if a Berea kit uses the B mandrel then Woodcraft will have bushings for that kit that can be used on the A mandrel.

But, Woodcraft does not use the same name for the kits as does Berea and the other resellers of Berea kits.

The Baron is called the Navigator at Woodcraft. The sierra is called the Wall Stree II, etc.

Do a good turn daily!
Don
Originally posted by rccrazybill

I don't mean to sound like an idiot but I was wondering if there was any way to use my "A" mandrel to turn "B" mandrel pens? Until this morning I did not know there were different diameter pen mandrels , I thought different bushings were all you need to turn different pens. I have a bunch of kits I ordered a few weeks ago that use B mandrels and I have 3 A mandrels and no B's. I figured I would ask to see if there was a trick to adapt the mandrels I have before I go out and get a new mandrel.[?];)[:0][:p]
Click to expand...
 
Another alternative is to turn between center bushing (BCB) style. That is to use a live center and dead center and turn between them. It doesn't work on smaller kits, like slims and euros unless you have the proper bushings. But if the kit is one where the bushing is stepped and fits inside the brass tube, it can be done.
Heres a quick post that should explain it,
http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=35062&SearchTerms=BCB
 
Bill;
Thanks for asking the question. I have been trying to figure out how to ask it for a couple of weeks know. Ever since I picked up some Berea kits from AS. Didn't notice the madrel info till I got the kits. I havn't tired turning one yet. I'm going to read the site that Steve provided, and maybe try turning one on my 'A' mandrel and see how it goes. My logic (which isn't always to smart...) says, that if the busing fits over the mandrel AND presses against the tube it should work. However, I'm wondering if the 'slop' in the bushing against the mandrel will cause an issue.
 
Mark,

Don't try to use the larger bushings on the A mandrel. IMHO, it would be almost impossible to get such project to turn without being seriously out of round. Most suppliers will carry the "B" mandrel. Also, the mandrel-less turning works quite well.
 
Mark,

A lot can be said for trying something new and that is the way we invent things. However, what Cav said above applies in this case. You can try it for your own benefit and experience, but this is one of those cases where it is not going to work.

" . . . that if the busing fits over the mandrel AND presses against the tube it should work."

Basically what you are hoping to possibly achieve only works well by placing the bushings between a pointed live center and pointed dead center, but not on a smaller mandrel.
 
I have actually reamed several of my "A" mandrel bushings to the "B" mandrel size which allows me to turn several "A" mandrel pens on the stiffer "B" mandrel.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Originally posted by wdcav1952

Mark,

Don't try to use the larger bushings on the A mandrel. IMHO, it would be almost impossible to get such project to turn without being seriously out of round. Most suppliers will carry the "B" mandrel. Also, the mandrel-less turning works quite well.
Click to expand...
 
Originally posted by markgum

Bill;
Thanks for asking the question. I have been trying to figure out how to ask it for a couple of weeks know. Ever since I picked up some Berea kits from AS. Didn't notice the madrel info till I got the kits. I havn't tired turning one yet. I'm going to read the site that Steve provided, and maybe try turning one on my 'A' mandrel and see how it goes. My logic (which isn't always to smart...) says, that if the busing fits over the mandrel AND presses against the tube it should work. However, I'm wondering if the 'slop' in the bushing against the mandrel will cause an issue.
Click to expand...

Mark,
You need to go look at the post to see for yourself. the BCB method is done "without" a mandrel. Thats the whole idea. It's a more accurate way to turn because you remove the mandrel from the equation, therefor you remove the wobble or out of round nature of the mandrel. Go look for yourself before you try anything like that.
Thanks.
 
Mark , I too purchased some kits and bushings from AS and didn't notice the B mandrel status and tried turning one with the A mandrel and the slop made a mess out of a beautiful acrylic blank. I think the Mandrel-Less turning of these kits is what I'm going to try. I really don't want to waste $25 on a mandrel I will only use a few times.[xx(]
 
tn_BCB.jpg
This is what I'm going to try , it looks like it will work fine. I love this place !! you can find anything here:D
 
As long as the bushing fits into the pen barrel it can be done but that's not always the case. The perfect fit cannot be turned between centers without a custom made bushing. I ran into the same thing and had a machinist buddy make me the 1 custom bushing needed.
 
Originally posted by Brewmeister35

As long as the bushing fits into the pen barrel it can be done but that's not always the case. The perfect fit cannot be turned between centers without a custom made bushing. I ran into the same thing and had a machinist buddy make me the 1 custom bushing needed.
Click to expand...
Same for the Doubletwist Euro. I have considered turning a dowel to a snug fit inside the bushings/tube and using that to keep the blank aligned with the bushings, but haven't actually done it yet.
 
This is your opinion (and others also), of course. I still turn on a mandrel and have no problems at all with out of round pens, finish on the bushings, or any other of the problems that those who turn between centers claim that this method solves. It is not for everyone. But, turning between centers does work and works very nicely. But to say it is the only way to go...not so sure about that. I did try it and have not changed over. Yes, I did use a set of Johnny's bushings.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Originally posted by toolcrazy

Turning between centers is the only way to go. http://penturnersproducts.com Once you center up you will never go back. :D
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If you already have the 'A' mandrel, just purchase a replacement 'B' mandrel shaft for $8. The arbor & brass nut fits both shafts. Just unscrew the 'A' shaft and replace with 'B'. Simple! :D
 
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