newbie

[jeweler53]

Just finished my first pen. It is an Apprentice Cigar pen using Brazilian Cherry. I am really happy with the results, but have a newbie question. I am using a PSI mandrel and a Mandrel Saver tail center. It seems that I ham having to tighten the tailstock pretty tight to hold the blanks securely. Is this normal?

Thanks in advance

 

[jcm71]

Congrats on your first pen. I use a live center saver as well and had the same problem with having to over tighten the mandrel to keep the bushings and pen blanks from slipping. My solution is to continue to use the knurled nut to make the bushings snug, and then advance the mandrel into the live center saver about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. This has worked for me. Question: Since you had to over tighten your mandrel were your finish blanks cylindrical or slightly out of round? I had that problem until I started using the knurled nut. Good luck.

It just goes to show that wherever you go, there you are.

http://www.wellturnedpens.com

 

[wiset1]

I use the same setup from PSI and you just need to be sure to tighten it enough that the blank holds against the gouge when rounding. Since you're using the mandrel saver the pressure is on the bushings and the brass tube if you squared the blank prior to turning. To answer your question though...it's pretty normal to have half a twist or so if you're first putting the saver against the bushing. from there you may need a small adjust while rounding the blank to keep from slipping.

Hope that helps

 

[clapiana]

Yes that is normal and they are also a little noisy. Glad to hear that pen came out well