could you make your own bushings
could you make your own bushings
So, in short: TBC means only NOT using a mandrel
As recomended above, try penturnersproducts.com for live and dead centers as well as BTC bushings.
There is a vendor catalog in the marketplace section here on IAP that makes tool rests and explains how to measure for what you need.
As recomended above, try penturnersproducts.com for live and dead centers as well as BTC bushings.
There is a vendor catalog in the marketplace section here on IAP that makes tool rests and explains how to measure for what you need.
I did look at penturners products. I wasn't sure what the difference between MT1 and MT2 and which I would need. There was no explanation that I could find of the difference. And no phone number to call and discuss. I can just email them if no one here has the answer.
I'll take a look at the vendor catalog for the tool rest info.
Thanks!
Now you just need to pick a live center for the tailstock (it will spin on bearings) and a dead center for the head (one solid piece to "drive" your workpiece) that are both MT2.
It always amazes me that people talk about needing to get a 60 degree live center for turning between centers!!!
If you are turning pens, between centers OR using a mandrel, you should already have a 60 degree live center in the tailstock. If you are using the regular cup center that came with your lathe, it IS NOT a 60 degree center, usually! It will most likely damage your mandrel!
So, given that you should have that anyway, the only additional equiptment needed to try TBC is a 60 degree dead center for use in the headstock and a short tool rest, so you can get close to your work. Some get around that by making (or purchasing) an extended length 60 degree center.
I, for one, started making pens as my first project after buying my lathe. I did research and went to WoodCraft to buy supplies. a 60degree live center was on my shopping list, and the sales person told me I didn't need it as the one that came with my lathe would work fine. Being a newbie I didn't know any better. So, I was using the stock center. So, I didn't get a 60degree center until I started tooling up to ditch the mandrel.
I, for one, started making pens as my first project after buying my lathe. I did research and went to WoodCraft to buy supplies. a 60degree live center was on my shopping list, and the sales person told me I didn't need it as the one that came with my lathe would work fine. Being a newbie I didn't know any better. So, I was using the stock center. So, I didn't get a 60degree center until I started tooling up to ditch the mandrel.
I have been wrong before :biggrin: ...
there may well be some cup centers that are indeed 60 degrees .... Getting a true 60 degree live center is a worthwhile investment though!
It always amazes me that people talk about needing to get a 60 degree live center for turning between centers!!!
If you are turning pens, between centers OR using a mandrel, you should already have a 60 degree live center in the tailstock. If you are using the regular cup center that came with your lathe, it IS NOT a 60 degree center, usually! It will most likely damage your mandrel!
So, given that you should have that anyway, the only additional equiptment needed to try TBC is a 60 degree dead center for use in the headstock and a short tool rest, so you can get close to your work. Some get around that by making (or purchasing) an extended length 60 degree center.
As recomended above, try penturnersproducts.com for live and dead centers as well as BTC bushings.
There is a vendor catalog in the marketplace section here on IAP that makes tool rests and explains how to measure for what you need.
I did look at penturners products. I wasn't sure what the difference between MT1 and MT2 and which I would need. There was no explanation that I could find of the difference. And no phone number to call and discuss. I can just email them if no one here has the answer.
I'll take a look at the vendor catalog for the tool rest info.
Thanks!
Can you use standard mandrel sized bushings to TBC?
Can you use standard mandrel sized bushings to TBC?
Thanks! One more question (for now):
I tried TBC without bushings for the first time yesterday. I did it on a blank with a 3/8" tube. I must have overtightened it because the lip was bent outward when I took it off the lathe. Is that my problem? How can you turn a piece if it isn't snug between the centers?