Turning perfume pens

[badwin]

I am having a problem when I turn the top to the perfume applicators. When I use my pen mill to square up the ends I find that a least 1 of the ends is not square to the tube. I attribute this to the blank only being approx. 1 inch long. I use my pen mill in my 18 volt drill and secure the blank in a vice. I think because the wood blank is so short I tend to tip my pen mill to 1 side or the other causing it to be unsquare. I don't have this problem with the bottom section as it is longer. Has anybody else have this problem and if so please help with a solution. Thanks.
Brian

 

[tipusnr]

You might try sanding it square if the pen mill is a problem. Again haven't tried it myself as just picked up a few of the kits and bearings at a Rocklers moving sale last night.

I'll be interested in how you overcome this.

 

[Old Griz]

Brain, are you using the correct trimmer mandrel for that size tube.. if you are using a standard 7mm mandrel you are going to have that problem.. you need to use the mandrel that fits the tube properly.. I believe it is a 8mm mandrel...

 

[coach]

Griz, I drill mine with a 5/16 bit. Will an 8mm shaft work?

 

[Old Griz]

It should Travis.. that is the drill bit I use... it is dependent on the inside diameter of the tube, not the outside diameter... just pick the trimmer mandrel that fits the tube the best...

 

[badwin]

Thanks guys. I will look for an 8mm mill.
Brian

 

[jdavis]

I would try sanding the blanks.