Precision Machine Pen Center & Pen Mandrel Saver

[RobS]

Precision Machine Pen Center & Pen Mandrel Saver

Alright so most of the threads I found were from back in 2012. So now that these devices have reached some maturity, what are your thoughts? Is it worth doing and if so which one?

I'm placing a CSUSA order today and a PSI in a week, so figured I'd ask since shipping kills me.

Thanks
RobS

 

[lorbay]

Precision Machine Pen Center & Pen Mandrel Saver

Alright so most of the threads I found were from back in 2012. So now that these devices have reached some maturity, what are your thoughts? Is it worth doing and if so which one?

I'm placing a CSUSA order today and a PSI in a week, so figured I'd ask since shipping kills me.

Thanks
RobS

Welcome to the West Coast. good thing you don't live in Canada otherwise it will kill you harder.Lol
Lin

 

[KenV]

Count the bearings

If you have a Nova live center there is a mandrel saver insert for about $20 that gives you 3 bearings. Nova live center body has lots of other uses.

Precision live center has double bearings (memory)

PSI mandrel saver has one bearing. This one drills out easily with an L drill bit to become a b mandrel saver.

I have had one bearing failure with a PSI unit out of warrenty

Best price on the PSI has been at Amazon.

 

[campzeke]

I have both Rob. To be honest, the biggest difference I see is the Precision Machine Pen Center from CSUSA has a longer MT allowing you to release it from the tail stock easier and it also has a longer taper on the business end giving you more room to work on your blank when turning. I'm Not sure if those differences make the CSUSA version worth the extra $$ or not. Either one works just as well for me.

 

[RobS]

I have both Rob. To be honest, the biggest difference I see is the Precision Machine Pen Center from CSUSA has a longer MT allowing you to release it from the tail stock easier and it also has a longer taper on the business end giving you more room to work on your blank when turning. I'm Not sure if those differences make the CSUSA version worth the extra $$ or not. Either one works just as well for me.

Thank you Zeke for the quick response. Much appreciated on the honest feedback.

 

[Rink]

I use PSI mandrel saver. Works great.

 

[mark james]

I cannot compare between the two, but wherever I bought my mandrel saver - I LOVE IT!

I do TBC at times with appropriate bushings for that purpose, but mostly I use an adjustable Mandrel with a mandrel saver, locked in to the shortest length between centers.

I also do not turn two blanks at the same time; I will keep the spacing as narrow as possible, and turn them separate.