Quality mandrel saver?

[Evilleray]

Is there a mandrel saver out there with bearings that don't start rattling after being used a while? I've owned several of differing brands and so far they've all failed over time. I don't make hundreds of pens! Thanks.

 

[bsshog40]

I've been using this type mandrel with mandrel saver for years now with no issues. Pretty sure I bought it thru PSI.

 

[its_virgil]

I've had no issues with the PSI mandrel saver.

 

[egnald]

For years I have been using a Hold Fast Mandrel Saver by TMIProducts that I bought from WoodTurningz. It came with a type of collet insert that tightens down on the mandrel shaft and centers it more precisely than what is achieved by the mandrel savers that just have a clearance hole through them. The mandrel saver also came with a Cup Center insert and a 60-degree Center insert, but I have not used them for anything yet.

I just looked and it is no longer listed in WoodTurningz's online catalog and a cursory search on Google didn't turn up anything either. It's too bad because TMI Products has some really good stuff. For example, they were the first to bring the Hold Fast Non-Stick Bushings to the market (I think anyway).

If I couldn't get the TMI one again, I would probably go for the Woodpeckers Ultra-Shear system. It's pretty expensive (relatively speaking) but it does use a collet on both the headstock and tailstock side to keep the mandrel shaft centered and without any slop/wobble which is possible in the thru hole models - simply because the hole is drilled through and has clearance for the mandrel but doesn't have a collet that clamps down on it.

Dave

 

[MRDucks2]

Another vote for the Hold Fast. It both a bit heavier built than some and the bears are actually replaceable if ever needed. Looks like Hartville Hardware may still have it, though a bit more expensive these days.
Holdfast Mandrel Saver

 

[d_bondi]

TurnersWarehouse has a similar setup, it is made by Record Power.

Coronet Falcon, Universal Live Centre Kit, MT2

 

[KenB259]

Woodpeckers has a nice mandrel system, but make sure you're sitting down when you look at the price.

 

[leehljp]

If you like the mandrel/mandrel saver, the Holdfast and Woodpecker system would be the best.

Then, there is an alternative with more simplicity and less objects to get out of alignment called TBC (the original TBC) or turning between centers.

 

[wolf creek knives]

Another vote for the Hold Fast. It both a bit heavier built than some and the bears are actually replaceable if ever needed. Looks like Hartville Hardware may still have it, though a bit more expensive these days.
Holdfast Mandrel Saver

Mike!!! The bears are replaceable? Here in Montana we want the bears to stay where they belong and that sure ain't my shop

 

[wolf creek knives]

I have two of the mandrels like Bobby and Don use, never had a problem and I've turned a lot of stuff over the years without any complaints. But then again, I haven't tried the others that are recommended.

 

[egnald]

I just received an email from Patrick at WoodTurningZ and he told me that TMI has discontinued their mandrel saver. It's too bad because I think it has a great design, using a collet to center the mandrel, and relatively less expensive than the Woodpeckers version.

As far as I can tell Hartville Hardware still shows it as "in stock" as Mike (MRDucks2) stated, but since TMI discontinued it I'm guessing that once their inventory has been depleted that is probably it. - Dave

 

[wouldentu2?]

Made over 1000 pens with the PSI mandrel and no problems.

 

[Wayne]

Although the link to a library list does not rate the items, here's a large list of mandrels.

Bottle Stopper, Pen, Project and Ring Turning Mandrels

Here is a sampling of Mandrels used to turn Pen and Project kits. These are available from many suppliers around the world. Many are in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, etc. This information does not reference Amazon, eBay, Etsy, non-pen related...

www.penturners.org

 

[Roly]

I've been using this type mandrel with mandrel saver for years now with no issues. Pretty sure I bought it thru PSI.

View attachment 381436

Me too without any problems for years

 

[howsitwork]

The record ones a are good and Rotur do a decent one as well. Oh and Planet do a decent one as well. I've got a Rotur and a planet and am happy with both of them. You can get at the bearings if needed but they spin freely with no graunching so haven't needed to do so.

 

[Evilleray]

Thanks all. I'm embarrassed to say I purchased an Axminster saver without the compression package. It fit over only one of my mandrels! The difference in diameter was barely measurable even with my 3 decimal point digital calipers. So I sanded the mandrels down. This was going great till the 5th and last one. I carefully slid the saver over the sanded portion as I'd been doing but found I could not pull it off. And no amount of tapping up to hammering could remove it. I finally asked for man assistance only to watch both the mandrel and saver come apart, with the mandrel still in the saver's opening! After he said "what the hell, it's ruined anyway" and picked up a small sledge hammer could I see a scored line where it had finally move an eighth of an inch. I can only believe I must have caused a burr at the rim of the saver opening but I remain stunned at how little force it took to get it stuck!
In researching once more for a mandrel saver I can count on, I've read that bushings are a bit loose on the mandrel that comes with the Axminster compression system. And that their bushings don't fit over standard mandrels. But come to think of it I've just sanded all my mandrels down! I don't want to go with a TBC system for two part pens as I like designing both together as I turn.
Ah well. I learned a while ago turning is an expensive hobby.

 

[TonyL]

i am pleased with the woodpeckers one and there bushings

 

[KenB259]

I don't think the woodpeckers mandrel is still being produced. Last I knew you could still get bushings but that was all.