TM Alpha FP in a "Vape Swirl" blank

[Freck Fraser]

My first FP made on a "Vape Swirl" blank from Turners retreat. Very happy with this one, lessons learnt previously carried out on this one.

As an aside I've stopped turning both parts of any "2 part" pens at the same time on the mandrel, as it appears I'm getting a bit of throw on it, dropped down to 1 section and theres no imbalance in the blank, if you know what I mean? The 2 ends of either blank in the middle of the mandrel were turning level to the bush on 1 side and rotate 180deg and I had a lip of approx 0.5mm. I'm not sure if the mandrel is slightly bent but it rolls fine on the lathe bed.

 

[Penpal]

Like a reflection swirl mate such a lot happening. I ca,nt remember when I last turned two blanks together, I first watched a guy make a pen it seemed unwise indeed to press against the blanks whilst turning with his fingers to stop the vibration . I made my first Mandrel from a long machine bolt, cut off the head and thread.

I also found bringing the Slimline blanks to the round I could choose then which to make top and bottom according to the grain match.

Peter.

 

[angelo49]

Beautifully done, Freck
!Nice Blank!

 

[fortress]

That is a great looker Freck, well turned.

 

[edlea]

Nice job ..like it.

 

[chas_41_uk]

Lovely pen Freck. And I know what you mean about the mandrel
I have the same problem and only turn one blank at a time also

 

[Phil Dart]

Lovely looking pen Freck. The mandrel problem is to do with the relationship between the i/d of the bush vs, the o/d of the mandrel. Its fine at either end which is the point of least "wobble, but in the middle, if there is a significant difference between the two that's where you get the problems.

I've long been an advocate of standardised mandrel sizes and bushing i/d's, but every time I mention it I get shouted down. In fact, as some people here will know, I was going to try to introduce a voluntary standard when I first launched the Mistral kits, and I had a small number of key manufacturers on board, but there was so much negativity amongst some of the old lags, they wore me down to the point that in the end I thought why bother. So consequently the problem still exists.

Not to hijack your thread though, that's a very handsome pen.

 

[Freck Fraser]

Grateful of the explanation Phil, just the kind of info I was looking for, and thanks also to Peter and Chas in mentioning they also had issues.

Lovely looking pen Freck. The mandrel problem is to do with the relationship between the i/d of the bush vs, the o/d of the mandrel. Its fine at either end which is the point of least "wobble, but in the middle, if there is a significant difference between the two that's where you get the problems.

I've long been an advocate of standardised mandrel sizes and bushing i/d's, but every time I mention it I get shouted down. In fact, as some people here will know, I was going to try to introduce a voluntary standard when I first launched the Mistral kits, and I had a small number of key manufacturers on board, but there was so much negativity amongst some of the old lags, they wore me down to the point that in the end I thought why bother. So consequently the problem still exists.

Not to hijack your thread though, that's a very handsome pen.

 

[Bammer]

Nice looking pen

I'm the same, 1 blank at a time now.

Not sure if it's what Phil says entirely, but if the bushes ain't tight on the mandrel shaft, you got no chance. I reckon there is a certain amount of flex which helps throw it out.

Wish I could use a metal lathe cos then I would make my own dam bushes

 

[Terry Q]

Great pen. The only time I have a problem like that is if I over tighten the tail and bow the mandrel.

 

[wm460]

That is a beauty Freck well done.

 

[Bill Mooney]

 

[Les ELm]

Nicely done.
I have been TBC for years now and never have any out-of-round issues.

Les

 

[bluntchisel]

Well done, Freck - that's a pen to be admired!

And I only turn one at a time nowadays, as well.

Bob.

 

[Penpal]

Love the blank and resultant pen.

Peter.

 

[Dalboy]

Great pen. I have been turning one end at a time for ages.