How to save your mandrels with equal pressure

When applying pressure to create friction and heat to cure a finish, it is easy to place the cloth on one side of the pen blanks and push. Problem is, if you are not careful and apply too much pressure you can bow and even bend the mandrel. The best way to apply pressure evenly is to lightly pinch or squeeze the pen barrel between your fingers. Properly applied the pressure cures the finish without putting undue pressure on the mandrel.