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.
Similar Posts
How to make a bottle stopper
By: Marlen Kemmet A good bottle of wine deserves an equally classy bottle stopper. And few of the stoppers available…
Make a Tool and Supply Tray for your Lathe Bed
Keep your turning, sanding and finishing tools and supplies close at hand with a custom-built tray. To make the tray…
How to avoid pen barrel blowouts
“How to avoid pen barrel blowouts” By Barry Gross This happens to the best of us and if someone says that…
Washer does double duty
When turning bottle stoppers and other projects where the outside diameter of the wood to the mating metal part is…
How to use a wrench or wood caliper to check the diameter
When turning bottle stoppers, bottle openers, and other projects where you want a specific diameter from one project to the…