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Mandrel advice please

Lons

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I want to buy a mandrel as soon as I can decide which one.

I like the look of the Axminster adjustable kit at £33 and thought it might come on sale but they're out of stock anyway but I spotted one on ebay from "fun-e-turnz" who I've seen mentioned on here. It's cheaper at £24.50 delivered and looks good value.

I've assumed that the adjustable would be worth paying extra for, is this right?

I did a search on here and read the Axi threads but not seen the others so a bit stumped so any opinions, comparisons or alternatives? I'd welcome and take on board any views offered.


cheers

Bob
 

bellringer

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the axminster one i have just bought and it doubles as a collet chuck i would go with the axminster one
 

silver

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The axminster is as Alex has said a collet the Mandrel, the Rotur ones are a similar design but adjust with a grub screw rather than a collet fitting. The one that Helen from FET has is a collet type as well so should give as good a service as the axminster one.

There is not much between most manrpdrels now as they have standardised most fittings and bushing really well. The next thing you will be looking for is a mandrel saver.. One or two on here brought them and one or two made there own..
 

Jim

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I also bought the Axminster mandrel, now i just wished i had bought it years ago .. If you can afford this mandrel i would go for it ... :bwink:
 

Lons

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Thanks guys

Problem with the Axi one is that I might have to wait for as long as 4 weeks for delivery. I'll email F-E-T to ask if the ebay listing is a planet manufacture as I've read they are a reasonable make and it seems in stock.

I could probably make a mandrel saver, if not out of wood then brass or aluminium as I have a little Cowell metal lathe and stOcks of both metals as well as steel. Might even be able to make a basic madrel once I have a commercial one to copy.

cheers
Bob

ps. here's the link Woodturning Lathe Pen Mandrel - Collet Type - 1MT/2MT | eBay
 

Doug

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Take a guess
Might even be able to make a basic madrel once I have a commercial one to copy.

You don't need the threaded bit of the mandrel if you have a mandrel saver, so the mandrel can just become a plain bit of rod.

If you can make a saver then a mandrel is a PoP
 

Lons

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It looks simple enough Doug but I use the metal lathe only rarely and have never attempted a morse taper. Threaded parts are possible as well as it has the attachments but it would take me time to do and probably a few attempts whilst I'm anxious to have a crack at this pen turnery lark.
The Cowell was a gift from a kind old guy who used it even less than me and it's a beauty. I'd done him a few favours but it was an incredible gesture:thumbs:

Bob
 

Penpal

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Lons,

It would appear UK is the other way around time wise I will get another timepiece with date and 24 hrs on it Mark in Tennant Creek sent me a Zone map recently I will copy that and post it after as well thanks Mark.

I would prefer the mandrel unit you gave the reference to last. I can also show you by pm some comparisons mandrel saver stuff. Send me by pm your email addy if you want pics.

Kind regards Peter.:goesred:
 

Lons

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Don't you have a mobile with a world clock? just checked mine 23.13 on 23rd here / 10.14 on 24th Canberra.:whistling:

Weve been to Oz a couple of times in the last few years and my brother lives in the outskirts of Sydney. Hols were combined with NZ and we stayed in Sydney centre (which we love) but otherwise only got to Cairns and Noosa. We were planning a couple of months next year to se more of OZ but depends if my missus decides to retire or not.

Sent a pm re the mandrels. I've just found another on ebay though which looks virtually identical and cheaper still at £18.10 delivered so I'm tempted.

Bob
 

silver

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I have an Axminster one, a Rotur one, a craft supplies one, oh and a home made one, TBH, they all turn pens and all do the same thing....:rolling:

Still prefer the home made one....:whistling:

I also have a home made mandrel saver,, :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

Can't fault it......:wink:
 

Walter

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I must, at some time, have owned, used or tested every make and type of pen mandrel known to humanity.

As long as they are straight and run true there is little to choose between them.

The grub screw on the Turners Retreat one sticks out a bit which is annoying but apart from that just go for whatever you fancy or fits your budget.
 

Grump

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Lons you don't need a mandrel to turn pens.
All this crap about which mandrel and what mandrel saver and how much it costs.
Stick your bushes in each end and turn between centres, job done at no further cost, no P&P and waiting for the prat with the bike.
 
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