How to stop bending your mandrel

Instructions often state, “don’t over tighten the tailstock when mounting the pen mandrel between centers.” Problem is you don’t know you’ve overtightened until it is too late and you’ve bent or bowed the mandrel shaft. Not only is it frustrating to have to buy a new mandrel, but you also lose a few days of turning in the shop. The solution is simple, a mandrel saver (under $20), supports the perimeter of the mandrel without putting lineal pressure against the end of the mandrel. The mandrel saver securely captures the tailstock end of the mandrel without applying pressure in the direction of the headstock. Problem solved! You’ll never bend a mandrel again.

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