Mandrel shaft solution

[Doug]

Or at least the way I went about sorting the inaccuracies in my mandrel that were driving me mad.

I decided the best option was to fit a 1/4" shaft to my mandrel, this would mean I couldn't use it for slimlines etc as those brass tubes wouldn't fit but more on that latter.

I started by enlarging the hole in my mandrel with a hand held tapered ream

This gave the sort of fit on the shaft that I'd hoped for as previously I'd had to shim the old shaft, you can see the mandrel on the back of the vice in the next photo.
I then turned my attention to the bushings & once again reamed these out.

I also found I needed to ream out my mandrel saver but as with the mandrel & the bushings the amount of material I had to remove was minimal but the fit I now have is as spot on as I think I could get, it just means any new bushings I get I will had to ream out to suit the 1/4 shaft.

As for slimlines etc I've managed to concoct a couple of mandrels out of bits & pieces I've come across as I've been sorting my pen turning stuff out. the shorter shaft of the middle one in the photo will only allow one half of a pen to be turned at a time but fits the tubes better than the longer one (bottom mandrel)which ironically is the new shaft I bought

 

[TK woodman]

Why can't you use 1/4" shafts for slimlines? I use 1/4" bar for all my pens I'm not sure the shaft is the problem?

 

[Terry]

Good idea Doug !!!

 

[Doug]

Why can't you use 1/4" shafts for slimlines? I use 1/4" bar for all my pens I'm not sure the shaft is the problem?

The slimline tubes I have have smaller internal diameter than the external diameter of the 1/4" shaft so won't fit over it.

 

[wm460]

Great idea Doug.

 

[Jim]

Well thought out Doug ..

 

[Penpal]

Much ado mate if it fits your needs congratulations there sure is variation in everything we touch re mandrels etc to get to the situation you have is novel. I ream on the lathe for accuracy never did trust freehand reaming. Like the bushing box.Bit like going to the dentist turning pens the space needed for the tools, the blanks, kits, bushes etc whatever happened to the old Slimline approach. I have been reading so much about the multitudenal kits now on the market, the price of bushings, the various drills and sizes recommended quite an industry right enough. All the best mate.

Peter.