Newbie from Warwickshire

[Doghouse]

Good day, I am completely new to woodturning. I have just purchased a midi lathe, and have been busy setting it up, but as yet have not turned anything.
I’m keen to get into pen turning, but not sure which mandrel to go for. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

 

[Bill Mooney]

Welcome aboard Gavin. I’m sure you will get help & advice when you ask for it.

 

[flexi]

Hi Gavin, welcome aboard....as pen mandrels go there are plenty out there...... personally I use an Axminster one with a mandrel saver.....a lot less fuss and a good bit of kit.
Axminster Evolution Series Compression Pen Mandrel - Pen & Pencil Kit Accessories - Woodturning Kits - Lathe Accessories - Machinery Accessories - Accessories | Axminster Tools & Machinery
You could also just 'TBC' turn between centers, but you will need a corresponding tail center and tbc bushes

 

[alan morrison]

Welcome, Gavin.
I have a compression mandrel from Axminster tools with zero problems. You won't get much change from £50.

 

[Penpal]

Hi Gavin I use a mandrel saver,welcome to the forum. I am not familiar with your location however look around for a woodturning group near you so you can get up close and personal with which way to travel from now on.

Peter.

 

[fortress]

Hello and welcome Gavin, yes, I use an Axminster evolution mandrel also, and I TBC too. Where in the UK are you?

 

[pittswood]

Welcome Gavin to the pen forum. I also have the Axminster Evolution mandrel. No one can beat it.
Kelvin

 

[Phil Dart]

Hi Gavin - welcome to the Forum

All roads seem to lead the the Axminster Evolution mandrel in the end, although my own road hasn't quite made it there yet. I just wish they'd make the rod itself a bit fatter. Personally I use the Axminster Deluxe mandrel, and I've used Planet in the past too. Both of those have a fatter rod than the Evolution, but nether comes with the mandrel saver that the Evolution has, which is the main reason people seem to flock to it.

 

[Doghouse]

Many thanks for the welcome messages. Obviously the Axminster setup is the one to aspire to. What I didn’t mention was that being a pensioner, the budget is fairly tight, especially with other accessories that I will require. I have already gleaned tips from the forum, regarding diy pen presses etc.
Many thanks once again.
Gavin.

 

[Chriscb]

Welcome Gavin,

I have a mandrel and saver gathering shavings if it’s of any use to you. It’s an m2 taper. You don’t need another expensive pen press - you’ve already bought one. Use your lathe and a gadget made by Charnwood that’s essentially two m2 tapers with soft ends. Ditto for drilling, just buy a Chuck for the tailstock and pen jaws to fit your turning chuck.

Eb*y is a good source of 7mm pen mechanisms, and if you’re interested I’ve just cut up some oak and ash for pen blanks. (At no cost bar postage).

Regards,
Chriscb

 

[alan morrison]

Gavin, like Chris said you can get by making pens without a lot of expensive equipment. You can also use your bench vise or your pillar drill as a pen press.
I have blanks of elm, spalted beech, and other bits and pieces to get you started if you want.
Alan

 

[Penpal]

Gavin as a fellow pensioner for nigh on 24 years I speak the language. Googled as you can Warwickshire Woodturning groups and there are several. I notice the population is roughly the same as where I live,a starting point E Mail can be robsheahanAvirginmedia.com Nth Warwickshire and Hinkley Woodturners Secretary.

This way can be easily the cheapest as well as best way forward IMHO nothing beats bums on seats with fellow woodworkers especially to see the various ways to go. Kind regards Peter.

 

[wm460]

G'Day Gavin,

Welcome to the forum from the warming up centre of Aust. I think.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Doghouse]

Have sent PM.

 

[Doghouse]

Have sent PM

 

[Pierre]

Have sent PM.

That wasn't a nice thing to do sending Boris to him now he'll think you dont like him!!

Welcome to the madhouse.

PG