pen making

[Buckeye]

There is a grub screw, tried to take the mandrel out once, but it was seized on so didn't bother to get it off. I can't remember why I tried but it wasn't that important. I had had it for a few months by then. The mandrel saver is excellent.

Okay, so at least there is the potential to change the shaft if you ever dropped it and bent the shaft.

Peter

 

[Penpal]

Results on the board will reveal which way you went Matt do tell.

Peter.

 

[Neil Lawton]

The planet Mandrel I have has a grub screw, and the shaft is replaceable, The one I have on the new Axi lathe is just a shaft, and can be altered in length by just reducing the amount protruding from the collet, much as the planet version can be reduced by undoing the grub screw and pushing the shaft towards the headstock.

I bought a new shaft for the planet mandrel when I turned an off round pen, but on inspection the original shaft was not bent in any way.
It was in fact the contact between the end of the mandrel and the point of the revolving centre that was the problem. They had become worn over time, allowing the shaft to wobble slightly.
The original shaft is still usable with a mandrel saver, which could also be called a centre saver in my opinion.

 

[mattkemp]

Ok thanks for the advice I will see what I find at the show and update you hopefully with a turned pen of some sorts lol

 

[bellringer]

Hi Matt. One thing that I found is that one of my mandrels has a grub screw holding the rod (TR I think). That makes me really nervous so I never use it. I much prefer the type with the collet (Planet Rotur or Axminster) it just feels safer. I second the mandrel saver, it works really well. You will find variations in the diameter of the rods and the bushes so you may need to do a bit of fettling. I certainly find the use of the mandrel very convenient as a relative newcomer myself, but turning between centres works just as well especially if you are more used to it anyway.

It will never run true with one grub screw you need at least 3 and and would need clocking in

 

[penfold1]

I am sure I have asked this before, but can't remember the answer if I have, is the mandrel rod replaceable?

Peter

Yes there is a replacement rod available but it isnt listed in shop. I messaged them for my replacement. It was around a tenner .