New pen kit procedure…

[mmayo]

When I get a new pen kit I go through a number of steps before I start turning. I always buy the stock bushings that are intended for a mandrel. I never turn with the stock bushings on a mandrel. I use the dimensions listed on the instructions and the stock bushings to determine the TBC bushings I ask Rick Herrell to make for me. He is the best! I use those measurements to create sanding and buffing bushings on a 3D printer. It usually takes me a couple of tries to get my bushings just right. By that time Rick has my new stainless steel bushings ready.

I turn using the TBC stainless bushings carefully
I sand with my 3D printed bushings.
After applying CA finish and flush sanding the ends. I use the sanding bushings again to sand the finish smooth.
I use the buffing bushings on a baton-like stick to buff them to perfection.

Last photo shows proof of concept.

 

[walshjp17]

Curious. In the second photo, the bushings made by Rick (and those made by you on the 3D printer) do not appear to have 60* milling normally used for TBC turning. Do you just use them with a mandrel? Is there a reason you seem to have opted for non-TBC (i.e., without the 60* indentions)?

 

[leehljp]

Curious. In the second photo, the bushings made by Rick (and those made by you on the 3D printer) do not appear to have 60* milling normally used for TBC turning. Do you just use them with a mandrel? Is there a reason you seem to have opted for non-TBC (i.e., without the 60* indentions)?

Actually, 60° milling is not an absolute to use with 60° centers. 60° milled bushings though, do require 60°centers. Before 60° milled bushings were made, standard bushings were used on the centers. John Goodin made the first 60° bushings back around 2008/09 after TBC got started.

 

[mmayo]

Curious. In the second photo, the bushings made by Rick (and those made by you on the 3D printer) do not appear to have 60* milling normally used for TBC turning. Do you just use them with a mandrel? Is there a reason you seem to have opted for non-TBC (i.e., without the 60* indentions)?

They both have 60 degree cones.