Bush Sizes

[Frederick]

Hi,

Hope all are well.

I am slightly confused about bushings. I realise that the size of the bush dictates the minimum diameter of the pen being turned I and also realise that one end of the pen may have a different diameter to the other, therefore different bushings of different sizes.
However, when buying pen kits in the store there is nothing that I can see on the packet saying what bushings are required. I have to rely on the shop assistant's knowledge. When they return with it, all that is on the packet is a serial number. If there are instructions accompanying the kit, bushing sizes may be given, but they are on the inside of the packet.
So my questions are:-

Do I have to purchase a set of bushings everytime i buy a pen kit to ensure the correct size?
How do I know the bushings I have are the correct bushings?
Is there a standard set that will service all pen kits or, at least one, that service one size of mandril?

These are possibly daft questions, but I can't seem to find an answer. Thanks in advance of any advice.

Cheers
Frederick

 

[rayf6604]

Usually each pen type will have its own bushings and whenever I’ve ordered bushes they’ve been marked up for the pen they with, so if you’re buying junior gent kits you want the junior gent bushing set etc. If a shop hasn’t got the bushings marked up that simply the only other way of telling if the bushes are the right size is to use a set of digital callipers and compare the sizes of the bushes with the parts of the pen kit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[21William]

If you have an iPad you can download the IAP bush and tube app. This has all the data on bushings for dozens of kits.

Generally though just buy the bush kit with the pen. Make a note of what bushes you have so you don’t end up buying them again. It’s probably a good idea to label the bushes after use.

 

[Phil Dart]

Generally, each manufacturer will produce a set of bushes for each of the pen kits they make. Although they should be regarded as consumable because with use they do wear down, they last a long time so once you have the bushes for a particular kit you don't need to buy them again each time you buy the same kit.

There are two principle methods of sizing your blanks on the lathe, one being to mount them between centers and measure with calipers, the other to mount them between bushes on a mandrel. Therefore, unless you are into TBC (turning between centres) which a great many people are, it is fair to say that with or without the input of a retail assistant, every time you buy a kit that you haven't tried before, you will need to spend a few quid on the bushes for it too.

Mandrel shafts vary a little in diameter between manufacturers (don't start me on that topic) but in simplistic terms, most makes of bushes will fit on most makes of mandrel. Some makes of bushes won't fit on some makes of mandrel.

With a bit of experience of different pen kits, you will begin to learn those bushes that will double up for more than one type of kit, and as has already been mentioned, there is a very useful table produced by the IAP in America which lists many bush and tube sizes. However, not all manufacturers feature on it - Beaufort Ink doesn't for instance.

 

[Frederick]

Hi
Thanks for the comprehesive reply. It;s appreciated. Hopefully, after a period of time I will accumulate a bank of them and may not have to buy a set every time.
Cheers and thanks again
Frederick
BTW apologies for the misspelling of Mandrel.

 

[Frederick]

Generally, each manufacturer will produce a set of bushes for each of the pen kits they make. Although they should be regarded as consumable because with use they do wear down, they last a long time so once you have the bushes for a particular kit you don't need to buy them again each time you buy the same kit.

There are two principle methods of sizing your blanks on the lathe, one being to mount them between centers and measure with calipers, the other to mount them between bushes on a mandrel. Therefore, unless you are into TBC (turning between centres) which a great many people are, it is fair to say that with or without the input of a retail assistant, every time you buy a kit that you haven't tried before, you will need to spend a few quid on the bushes for it too.

Mandrel shafts vary a little in diameter between manufacturers (don't start me on that topic) but in simplistic terms, most makes of bushes will fit on most makes of mandrel. Some makes of bushes won't fit on some makes of mandrel.

With a bit of experience of different pen kits, you will begin to learn those bushes that will double up for more than one type of kit, and as has already been mentioned, there is a very useful table produced by the IAP in America which lists many bush and tube sizes. However, not all manufacturers feature on it - Beaufort Ink doesn't for instance.

Hello Phil,

Thanks for the help as usual. People on here are just so helpful. You also anticipated my next question about mandrel sizes and thier relationship with bushes, so thanks again there.
BTW apologies for the misspelling of Mandrel earlier. I will have a look at IAP table and will keep a record of the bushes I have; might save me a few pennies later on.

As always, thanks for the help.

Regards,
Frederick

 

[Penpal]

Importantly bushes should be a close fit on the mandrel,I taper the the bushes away from the centre to help prevent them being glued up by CA. Also to allow easy use of chisels and sandpaper. I rely only on each kits measures using calipers. Because the calipers batteries use is static I set the calipers to either end turning to one end and then the other and making the design of the pen suit the joining section to prevent the skinny out from the cap effect. Turning end to end can result in the spear look especially in some new kits. I prefer to dictate the shape of my pens.

Peter.

 

[Frederick]

If you have an iPad you can download the IAP bush and tube app. This has all the data on bushings for dozens of kits.

Generally though just buy the bush kit with the pen. Make a note of what bushes you have so you don’t end up buying them again. It’s probably a good idea to label the bushes after use.

Hello William,

Thanks for the help and advice. I think I am getting the gist of this now. I will have to buy the bushes for each model I try for a time and hopefully I may have enough to do most jobs later. As I said in previous posts, I will look at the IPA app and keep records.
Cheers and thanks again,
Frederick

 

[Frederick]

Hello Peter
I don't think I am skilled enough to do this yet, but will be soon I hope. I like the comment "I prefer to dictate the shape of my pens.". I concur.

Regards
Frederick

 

[Pastor of Muppets]

Hi Fred,

I was in the same boat as you a months ago buying bushes with every pen kit I ordered. You soon end up with quite a collection too. I bought a box with two trays divided in to small compartments from hobby craft to store them in. But as time goes on you will develop a core of pens that you turn regularly. I have bushes that I have only ever used once and I have bushes that I have already had to replace. Without wanting to sound too sycophantic Phil's bushings are a work of art so I use his sirocco and mistral as my go to pens for gifts (I'm not selling my work at the moment) as I find the quality exceptional.

 

[Morse]

Hi Fredrick.
This is the one I use from Axminster

Plastic storage pots item number 200231

I keep the bushes in the packet and keep a log of what bushes I have.
Three different size/price available

Dave

 

[wm460]

I bought a couple of small boxes from spotlight, with containers like this in side,

Crafters Choice Large Plastic Stack Pack

 

[Bill Mooney]

I limit myself to about 5 different models of pens. This keeps the need to buy so many different bushes down.

 

[Dalboy]

I can't remember the last time I brought bushes for pens when I do make pens I used tapered bushes that came with the mandrel and use calipers and measure every kit as I make them. I have found that I am getting a better fit. Also by doing it this way I find that I get no blanks sticking to bushes and also seales the end a little in the process.
You will find that some on here will take the mickey as I don't make a lot of pens and it is a celebration when I do

 

[21William]

I can't remember the last time I brought bushes for pens when I do make pens I used tapered bushes that came with the mandrel and use calipers and measure every kit as I make them. I have found that I am getting a better fit. Also by doing it this way I find that I get no blanks sticking to bushes and also seales the end a little in the process.
You will find that some on here will take the mickey as I don't make a lot of pens and it is a celebration when I do

Whatever works for you is fine.

Sticking bushes is a common theme among some on here by the sounds of it!

A picture of your tapered bushes may help the OP if you can manage it?

 

[Frederick]

I can't remember the last time I brought bushes for pens when I do make pens I used tapered bushes that came with the mandrel and use calipers and measure every kit as I make them. I have found that I am getting a better fit. Also by doing it this way I find that I get no blanks sticking to bushes and also seales the end a little in the process.
You will find that some on here will take the mickey as I don't make a lot of pens and it is a celebration when I do

Hello Derek

This is what I am going to do now I (somewhat) understand the basics. I will accrue a small number of bushes for the most popular pen kits and the start using the verier gauge when my turning skills have improved. Enjoy the sunshine.

Regards
Frederick

 

[Frederick]

Hi William

Sorry don't understand "OP". I have seen some tapered bushes and have a general idea how to use them. I have a friend who has a metel lathe, so may turn some out of that plastic that does not stick to CA glue and some out of metal. I can then choose what diameter I want i suppose (he says confidently).
Cheers
Frederick

 

[Frederick]

Off topic a bit.
Just had a look at where you live. Looks a great place to be. Kicks the backside out of this part of the UK. Clean, uncramped, bright and well ordered. I bet there's no trouble or rowdyness either.
Cheers
Frederick

 

[21William]

Hi William

Sorry don't understand "OP". I have seen some tapered bushes and have a general idea how to use them. I have a friend who has a metel lathe, so may turn some out of that plastic that does not stick to CA glue and some out of metal. I can then choose what diameter I want i suppose (he says confidently).
Cheers
Frederick

Sorry “OP” is Original Poster.

 

[21William]

Hi William

I have seen some tapered bushes and have a general idea how to use them. I have a friend who has a metel lathe, so may turn some out of that plastic that does not stick to CA glue and some out of metal. I can then choose what diameter I want i suppose (he says confidently).
Cheers
Frederick

You need to be a bit careful not to apply too much pressure with tapered bushes as it can splay the end of the tube and split the blank if your not careful.