Opinions please

[Shaver]

Began looking for a mandrel saver and came across this. I already use his mandrel and am pleased with it, but never used a mandrel saver before.

Thanks folks.

 

[Phil Dart]

I can't comment on the product itself, having never seen it, bit the supplier is pretty sound I understand, and is well used by many on this forum. An alternative is the Axminster saver that Walter Hall recently reviewed in Woodturning Magazine, which he concluded was a good product. A bit more expensive, but difficult to get a better recommendation.

 

[Penpal]

I defer to Phil but I like the look of the one you photographed best if you can take your mandrel and check the fit of the one that you buy. Have success it pays to be sure.

Peter.

 

[Bigblackdog]

it will do the job. If the funds will stretch to it, a live centre with a removable point will be more useful in general. You can then make a nose piece from delrin to turn it into a mandrel saver.

 

[Shaver]

An alternative is the Axminster saver that Walter Hall recently reviewed in Woodturning Magazine, which he concluded was a good product. A bit more expensive, but difficult to get a better recommendation.

I'm wary about Axminster bits like that, I do use their machinery and can't fault their customer service, but I thought their mandrel was slightly different diameter than the other manufacturers on the market. Although I stand to be corrected on that.

 

[wm460]

I got one a bit like that, the hole in the centre was too big.

 

[Vic Perrin]

He is a good supplier so you should have no problems on that score

 

[Shaver]

He is a good supplier so you should have no problems on that score

Have decided to go for it, as I said I already use his mandrel, so must assume they will be compatable.

 

[Grump]

Have decided to go for it, as I said I already use his mandrel, so must assume they will be compatable.

Never assume init? It makes an ass out of u and me.
I think you'll be OK with this one and his mandrel rod.
I have same and all is good or was until I loaned it to someone with a fear it will never come home.

 

[silver]

If you are buying then get it off his web site, you will find it cheaper..

 

[Pierre]

Began looking for a mandrel saver and came across this. I already use his mandrel and am pleased with it, but never used a mandrel saver before.

Thanks folks.

I use one all the time, it really speeds up production.

PG

 

[Walter]

Mandrel diameter tolerances do vary, because of this I recommend that you use a mandrel and "mandrel saver" from the same manufacturer.

If you buy one from Axminster or that is Planet/Rotur branded or that you can guarantee is an original PSI product then you can be sure of the quality of the bearings which is the main criterion that determines the performance. If the supplier does not specify the manufacturer or is not prepared to guarantee it is an original product then there is a good chance it is a cheap copy. The genuine Rotur article from Snainton is only a few pounds more than the unbranded e-bay specimen.

Rotur Pen Mandrel Support - Pen Making Tools - Pen Making - Gifts And Projects

 

[Penpal]

The fit of the saver is vital.

Peter.

 

[qquake2k]

I can't comment on that particular mandrel saver, but it does look like a nice one. I have the version from PSI, and while I have no issues with the quality, I can't get it tight enough to keep the blank from slipping during turning. I don't know what the problem is. I have a Jet lathe, and the tailstock is rock solid. It's probably an issue with my chisel techniques.

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKMSTS2.html