Mandrel saver

[Woodchipper]

I have a live center and removed the point. It is hollow all the way through. I experimented this morning. A HDPE insert takes up the slack in the live center and the quill moves so it is adjustable for blank length. I turned the lathe so the headstock, mandrel and live center all rotate. So I saved $XXXX and look forward to turning with it real soon. Instead of the HDPE insert, I'm going to see if I can get one made of aluminum. Or find a bushing that fits the live center. Any suggestions are welcome as always.

 

[dschem]

I am having trouble following what you are creating, but am interested (to be fair, I am a very novice wood turner). Would love to hear more! Maybe a picture?

 

[egnald]

It sounds like a neat solution. With a few dimensions I'll bet Rick Herrell could make a metal one that would do the job perfectly. - Dave

 

[Woodchipper]

Thanks, Dave. Have a source at a local machine shop. Just need to get the dimensions, live center mikes at 0.390. I'll take a photo later this morning and post here.

 

[Woodchipper]

Here is the photo of the setup. I can either use a tapered insert or one that is machined to fit snug.

 

[d_bondi]

Sorry for the dumb question, but what do you do with it?

 

[Woodchipper]

The tapered part goes into the live center and centers the mandrel. Same principle as the mandrel savers for sale. Instead of the HDPE, I plan on having one made from aluminum bar stock.

 

[Woodchipper]

Back again with some good news. As I said, the opening in the live center mikes at 0.390. I checked my Woodcraft chart and found that the Princeton/Wallstreet series mikes at 0.381 which is what inserts into the brass tube. Snug fit; will try it on a pen blank later as I have other things to turn.