Question about Mandrels

[mattgatten]

I've been turning a few pens lately. Just Slimlines and European styles from Woodcraft. I'm looking to branch out into some other styles.

I've seen on some sites that the El Grande and other large pens have a 'large mandrel shaft' offered with the kits. Is this something I have to consider for the fatter pens? A larger shaft and if so, do I have to purchase the taper with it to hold the larger shaft?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[toolcrazy]

Only berea uses the B mandrel, so if you get some of those then yes you will need to get the bigger mandrel. And no, not all bigger pens use the B mandrel. Woodcraft doesn't, to the best of my knowledge, use a B mandrel. If you buy from AS or Beartooth you may run into the need for it.

 

[mattgatten]

I was shopping around Lee Valley's pen kits. Just wanted to make sure I didn't need to buy a larger shaft.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Rifleman1776]

Before starting with larger pens, do a search here for threads on 'no mandrel' turning. You might be in for a pleasant surprise.

 

[Firefyter-emt]

Frank is right, a dead center is just $5.00 and with B-mandrel pen bushings you can get started with just that. Down the road, you may want better bushings that Joe sells here, but give it a shot. There are very few who have tried it who ever went back.

 

[wdcav1952]

Matt, Lee is definitely a Fountain Pen Snob, but he is right!