Ultra-Shear Mandrel

[Paul in OKC]

Jim, I remember a few months ago that you wrote you didn't want to have to learn anything new. Did you change your mind? There is a more accurate way, and much more simple with less complications. It's not that one has to learn anything new, it is that one just needs to "unlearn" complicated things.

If you do not want to use a mandrel saver type of live center in the tail stock, here is a Whiteside that does NOT use that type of tail stock:

Pro Pen Mandrel #2 MT

Gone are the days of off-centered turnings and the need for spacers for those shorter projects. The Whiteside Pro Pen Mandrel system incorporates similar technology used on today’s most modern CNC machines. This technology allows for a superior hold on the mandrel, while providing quick, easy...

www.woodcraft.com

Whiteside makes top of the line router bits. Their machining is excellent.

I am a regular mandrel guy for most of my turning, have been for 20+ years. Some between centers. I like the idea of this more than anything I have seen, myself, to be able to shorten the mandrel when needed. I like the live center, and still do not believe that 'misaligned' tailstock (minor misalignment) causes issues. Someone mentioned above about the ends being square, I think this gives more trouble than we think for many.

 

[shastastan]

I decided to give it a try. I haven't turned any pens using the TBC method. The mandrels that I have used and mandrel saver have always had run out and vibration. I'm using a Laguna revo 12-16. The ultra shear has solved the problem. Yes, it's not cheap, but the quality is the usual Woodpecker quality. I didn't buy their bushings package, but bought some stainless steel bushings for slimline pens instead. One place where I tried to buy was out of stock so I bought on Amazon for $154. With Covid going and being close to Christmas, shipping is "iffy" to get things in a week or less. I decided to make some stuff a little late, but pens can be done pretty quickly and are a good choice of "last minute" gifts. I'm glad that I bought the ultra shear mandrel setup.

 

[sbeebs66]

So for those of you who have bought the ultra-shear mandrel, how are they. also would it be worth investing in their bushings or are normal ones you get from PSI/Rockler/ect. work well enough? Thanks.

 

[RobS]

I love mine. I'm glad I bought it. I would buy it again. I have the few bushing they have that apply to the kits I make. But I also use it with the other pai bushings that they don't have.