Anyone tried the Axminster Compression mandrel ?

[PhillH]

OK, so I've bent yet another bloody mandrel :nonono:

Was thinking of getting another Rotur and a mandrel saver, but this Axminster Evolution Series Compression Pen Mandrel - Pen & Pencil Kits Accessories - Pen & Pencil Kits - Woodturning - Woodturning & Crafts | Axminster Tools & Machinery appears to be an "all in one" package and cheaper than buying the 2 separately.

I'm hoping the bushes I've built up will fit

Anyone got any opinions / thoughts ?

 

[paulm]

It does look like a good solution but only if as you say your current bushes fit.

 

[Neil Lawton]

OK, so I've bent yet another bloody mandrel :nonono:

Anyone got any opinions / thoughts ?

Yes, stop being so bloody heavy handed


Had a rotur mandrel for ten years, suddenly started getting oval pens. Replaced the shaft and all was well.
On checking the old one it wasn't bent at all!
Comparing the old to the new, it was pretty evident that the centre hole for the revolving centre itself had worn. this was causing the problem, and would be rectified by using a saver.

Don't know the Axminster one though.

 

[bellringer]

Have you got a mandrel saver if not buy one

 

[Terry]

I just buy 1/4in round bar from fleabay and mount them in a chuck and then sand them at high speed until the bushes fit. You have to sand by moving up and down the length of the bar whilst it is turning. As you are only taking a cats knack off the bar it works well and is accurate.
You can buy half a dozen lengths of siver steel for a pittance !!!

 

[rayf6604]

I like the look of that mandrel, as long as it will take other bushes and not just their own

 

[Terry Q]

Looks well made. Does someone have one and can measure the diameter? Wonder if they will be available here.

 

[PhillH]

Looks well made. Does someone have one and can measure the diameter? Wonder if they will be available here.

I'm going to go and have a look at one tomorrow morning, will take my digital Verniers with me.

The issue over here is that in the past a few people have had issues with "standard" bushes not fitting Axminster stuff, and vice versa Axminster bushes not fitting Rotur mandrels, so I'm a bit nervous.

Luckily they have a store about 20 mins drive from me.

Good excuse to see what else I don't need as well

 

[PhillH]

I just buy 1/4in round bar from fleabay and mount them in a chuck and then sand them at high speed until the bushes fit. You have to sand by moving up and down the length of the bar whilst it is turning. As you are only taking a cats knack off the bar it works well and is accurate.
You can buy half a dozen lengths of siver steel for a pittance !!!

You using those with a saver Terry ? Or drilling the end slightly for a centre?

 

[Terry]

You using those with a saver Terry ? Or drilling the end slightly for a centre?

I use a saver Phill but when you buy these rods they are about 3in longer than the original ones which can be a bonus. I have a couple made up for different size bushes so I am never caught out. You just need some different grades of emery to make them !!!

 

[Woody]

I have the other axy mandrel and dont have any problems with bushes from different suppliers so I dont see why this one should be any different

 

[Walter]

I have the other axy mandrel and dont have any problems with bushes from different suppliers so I dont see why this one should be any different

I have the Axminster Deluxe Adjustable mandrel and the only problem I have ever had is that the bushes supplied with it are too tight a fit on other mandrels. Every one of my other bushes fits the Axminster mandrel. There must be a minor difference in tolerance but it is not discernible in use.

I also have the Axminster Evolution series quick change centre on test for Woodturning mag. I can't say too much before I review it other than to say it works fine.

On that basis the Axminster Evolution Series Compression Pen Mandrel looks like a good deal.

 

[PhillH]

Thanks all, I think I may just give this a go tomorrow, if I do then I will of course report in !

 

[Buckeye]

I have the Axminster Deluxe Adjustable mandrel and the only problem I have ever had is that the bushes supplied with it are too tight a fit on other mandrels. Every one of my other bushes fits the Axminster mandrel. There must be a minor difference in tolerance but it is not discernible in use.

I also have the Axminster Evolution series quick change centre on test for Woodturning mag. I can't say too much before I review it other than to say it works fine.

On that basis the Axminster Evolution Series Compression Pen Mandrel looks like a good deal.

Is the shaft replaceable?

Peter

 

[chas_41_uk]

I've got an Axminster mandrel saver, but not that one. The one I've got is this Delux Adjustable one
Not had a problem with it so far

 

[wm460]

Best mandrel I got was from a Kiwi, wish I bought a couple more of them at the time. 3 lathes I need 3 mandrels right?

Will post a pic if anyone interested.

 

[Jim]

They do look well made, let us know how you get on Phill ..

 

[silver]

Not tried axminster compression mandrel. But I do have a compression mandrel that my dad brought around 10 years ago.

Will post pics when I get back in from this drudgery..

Walter may remember I posted a pic on another forum a few years ago, but then again it just depends on which memory card he was using at the time..

 

[Walter]

Is the shaft replaceable?

Peter

It is on the Deluxe Adjustable Mandrel, don't know as regards the Evolution Series Compression Pen Mandrel.

Walter may remember I posted a pic on another forum a few years ago, but then again it just depends on which memory card he was using at the time..

Probably the selective one.

 

[Grump]

There all a waste of money, unnecessary and inaccurate.
You pens will never improve all the time you use one.
Cast aside your sticks and learn to walk without them init?