Hi all,
I have an interesting Mandrel conundrum, no, the sheep are okay, as I am trying to replicate a tapered cylindrical wooden cigar shape objecst. from 1" to 3" long, preferably 50 of each size.
Briefly, has anyone come up with a design for a straight rod mandrel for pen turning from 2.5mm to 5mm roughly, for use with collets, rather than a morse taper?
However, the internals are the problem going from 2.5mm ID. to 4.5mm ID. max, and this is essential, as I have used 6mm ID before, and it is pretty bad.
Not having many options I researched a reasonable pen lathe, without realising that the mandrels here are 7mm, which I found unusual as what Biro insert would need that.
So I bought a Proxxon Lathe, DB 250 wood turning lathe and ended up with a right rough mess using between centres, gently.
Even an ordinary lathe with a morse taper mandrel is of little use.
So how did these people make these things in 1850?
I then bought steel threaded rods 2.5 mm to 5mm which were too soft and bounced, with the aluminium frame, holders under too much wear, when used lightly.
I then bought steel rods, made up spacers etc, but the flex is too much, even at minimum speed.
Now I am an old rusty codger who barely uses this laptop, but I can think, and I reckon a trick was missed here when the internals had to be 7mm, and how that limits tremendously fine pens, taper,s and curves.
Somebody must have thought it too limiting for no good reason.
Presently I am looking at HSS (high strength steel)) steel, threading them, but that has limitations too with dies, so far.
So I would appreciate any comments with a direction to solve this one.
If I do find a process to overcome this conundrum I reckon it would be helpful to many of you, who seem to be limited in diameter.
Kind Regards,
Black Sheep, no wool.
