tbfoto
Member
I've not used a mandrel saver before but am going to be shopping soon. Is there a "preferred" model or brand?
Mandrel saver recommendations please.
- Thread starter tbfoto
- Start date
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RobS
Member
There are technically only 4:
1) https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKMSTS2.html
2) https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/16/7112/apprentice-Pen-Center?term=live+center&term=live center#ReviewsPanel
3) https://www.woodpeck.com/ultra-shear-pen-mandrel-system.html
4) https://www.woodturningz.com/Live_Center_and_Mandrel_Saver_System
I used a Beall Collet holder to hold my mandrel rod and the Craft supplies USA one, ever since it was first released, loved it. But started getting more play after making about 400 pens with it. Could also be caused by the tail stock also. Not sure.
Just upgraded to the woodpecker ultra-shear mandrel and love that so much more. There is so much less play.
1) https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKMSTS2.html
2) https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/16/7112/apprentice-Pen-Center?term=live+center&term=live center#ReviewsPanel
3) https://www.woodpeck.com/ultra-shear-pen-mandrel-system.html
4) https://www.woodturningz.com/Live_Center_and_Mandrel_Saver_System
I used a Beall Collet holder to hold my mandrel rod and the Craft supplies USA one, ever since it was first released, loved it. But started getting more play after making about 400 pens with it. Could also be caused by the tail stock also. Not sure.
Just upgraded to the woodpecker ultra-shear mandrel and love that so much more. There is so much less play.
leehljp
Member Liaison
Do a search for "Mandrel Savers" or look at the search link I posted below, and read the different opinions of others. Learn what is liked and what is not. IF this were a one or two or three thread subject, I would be glad to list them, but there has been a plethora of threads and posts on the Mandrel Saver in the past few years and even lately. (Usually I don't ask people to do a search and instead post as much as I can. In this case, I am posting the search thread. Hope it helps.)
Overall, the best two seem to be the Whiteside, which in my opinion makes router bits that are second to none. The second one is WoodPecker, which is also second to none. I put both companies on the same pedestal for quality.
And for your information, there is another way of turning that does not involve using mandrels of any kind. It does eliminate the problems of mandrels, is much more simple but does require a slightly different way of thinking - TBC, or Turning Between Centers. It is faster on and of the lathe if one likes to inspect the different stages in detail on the blank as one turns.
Overall, the best two seem to be the Whiteside, which in my opinion makes router bits that are second to none. The second one is WoodPecker, which is also second to none. I put both companies on the same pedestal for quality.
And for your information, there is another way of turning that does not involve using mandrels of any kind. It does eliminate the problems of mandrels, is much more simple but does require a slightly different way of thinking - TBC, or Turning Between Centers. It is faster on and of the lathe if one likes to inspect the different stages in detail on the blank as one turns.
Last edited:
log2lumber
Member
Woodpeckers and you will cry only once.
Penchant 4
Member
Axminster makes a model of mandrel saver.
Axminster Woodturning Compression Pen Mandrel
Operating in a different way to other mandrels, the Axminster Compression Pen Mandrel is a big step forward in mandrel design. The prepared pen blanks are located on the shaft with any bushings that may be required and then the included hollow...
www.axminstertools.com
I've got one I'd be happy to sell. Was asking 38 shipped for the mandrel saver, keyless mandrel and barrel trimmer but since there was no interest at that price I would come down to $25 shipped for the lot
Mandrel, barrel trimmer, etc
PSI keyless mandrel (mt2), 7 pc barrel trimmer, mandrel saver mt2, and a few random mandrels. Asking $30 plus $8 for flat rate shipping (usa only)
www.penturners.org
sorcerertd
Member
I can only share my experience with the PSI mandrel saver. It was what I started with, therefore all I knew, and it worked OK starting out. After trying a standard mandrel with a 60° live center, the mandrel saver felt a little sloppy to me. Something with a collet to hold the mandrel securely would surely be more accurate.
After reading a lot in these forums, I became convinced by folks here to go with turning between centers. When I use a mandrel, it's just to rough something down and I end up switching to TBC to fine tune. In truth, that's mostly because I've seen too many poorly machined bushings, not so much because of problems with mandrels. I threw some bushings between centers and was pretty disgusted with several of them.
After reading a lot in these forums, I became convinced by folks here to go with turning between centers. When I use a mandrel, it's just to rough something down and I end up switching to TBC to fine tune. In truth, that's mostly because I've seen too many poorly machined bushings, not so much because of problems with mandrels. I threw some bushings between centers and was pretty disgusted with several of them.