Mandrels

[NAgrandpa]

I was trying to turn a coffee scoop using 60 degree bushings and it did not turn true, (could not get bushing centered). It appears I will have to use a mandrel of some sort. I have seen (in catalogues) the different mandrels that are adjustable etc. What is the best mandrel to get that will stay straight and allow me to turn true. I also want to turn closed end.

Thanks

 

[Dan Masshardt]

If you're using 60 degree centers and 60 degree cut bushings, there is nothing to line up. They seat together and are self centering basically.

 

[monophoto]

I agree with Dan - something doesn't sound right. Why was the turning 'not true'? Were you using a kit with a tube, or were you doing kitless?

If you are doing a kit with a tube, treat it just like a pen - glue the tube in the blank, square off the ends, and then put it between cone centers. The cone will self-center in the tube.

If you are doing kitless, then you just put the blank between centers. I prefer a 'stebcenter'-type drive center with multiple teeth on the periphery and a spring-loaded pin, but an ordinary spur drive will also work. A cone center is fine for the tailstock, but you can also use a cup center with a pin.

 

[NAgrandpa]

Thanks Guys, I apologize for being unclear.

I tried to use the required bushings for the scoop. For the head, I was able to use my 7mm 60 degree bushing as it went thru the head bushing into the tube.

The tail bushing is used to make a tenon, designed to go on a mandrel.

The 7mm 60 degree bushing would not go thru this tail bushing into the tube. I tried to fit up (Pressure fit) I though it looked pretty good till I got thru sanding, it was out of round.

In case like this before I Just used my 60 degree bushings into the tube and measured with a caliper till I go it close and sanded to the right size. May be what I have to do with these.

I hope this make it clearer? But I still want to do some closed end turnings, does this require a special mandrel?

 

[NAgrandpa]

The 60 degree bushing has to go into the tube via a mandrel bushing or directly. This case neither into the tail.

Just please give me any info as to a mandrel for closed in turning.