Support Bushing for Closed End Pens

[TurnaPen]

Because I had some breakages on the Barrel while turning closed ends, I made myself a SUPPORT BUSHING,
Picture 1 shows the Barrel drilled out, and the weakest point,
Picture 2 shows the Bushing inserted and helping support the end,
Picture 3 shows the actual bushing.
The big end of the bushing can only be a certain length because the closed end mandrel has to go in a certain amount to maintain contact at the open end.
I tried it and it helped tremendously. Maybe it has been shown before, so please excuse me if it has been and point me to it so I can learn!, thanks Amos

 

[rjwolfe3]

Excellent idea

 

[DCBluesman]

Great idea, Amos! This should increase your success rate. I'll certainly borrow the idea.

 

[TurnaPen]

Lou, it was very trying when I used up one complete blank and ruined it, so necessity was the mother of invention! It has improved the success rate, I still support the work with the headstock also, but there comes a time when the headstock has to be moved away and then it proves very helpful- still, use plenty of gentleness and sharp tools. Amos

 

[aggromere]

Wow, that is another really smart idea from the forums. I've had the occassional closed end break or collapse right at that exact point.

 

[soligen]

Dumb question time. How do you get it out afterwards?

 

[drgoretex]

Great idea, thanks!

Ken

 

[simomatra]

Well done Amos that is an excellent idea.

 

[TurnaPen]

Dennis, no dumb question at all, I turned the bushing so it was an easy slide in fit, and so it easily slides out, Amos

 

[wood-of-1kind]

Hi Amos,

good idea in turning a 'bushing".

Q:
Can you use a 'machine' screw (rounded head) and cut the thread to the length required?

 

[mbroberg]

Thanks for sharing Amos!! Good idea!

 

[TurnaPen]

Peter, that is also a good suggestion, I think that the head would be better rounded and made a nice fit, that way there would be more support for the end. Amos