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Newbie from Warwickshire

Doghouse

Apprentice Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2019
Posts
9
Location
Uk
First Name
Gavin
Good day, I am completely new to woodturning. I have just purchased a midi lathe, and have been busy setting it up, but as yet have not turned anything.
I’m keen to get into pen turning, but not sure which mandrel to go for. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
 

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,159
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Hi Gavin I use a mandrel saver,welcome to the forum. I am not familiar with your location however look around for a woodturning group near you so you can get up close and personal with which way to travel from now on.

Peter.
 

fortress

Registered
Joined
Apr 11, 2016
Posts
5,178
Location
Astley
First Name
John
Hello and welcome Gavin, yes, I use an Axminster evolution mandrel also, and I TBC too. Where in the UK are you?
 

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,455
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
Hi Gavin - welcome to the Forum

All roads seem to lead the the Axminster Evolution mandrel in the end, although my own road hasn't quite made it there yet. I just wish they'd make the rod itself a bit fatter. Personally I use the Axminster Deluxe mandrel, and I've used Planet in the past too. Both of those have a fatter rod than the Evolution, but nether comes with the mandrel saver that the Evolution has, which is the main reason people seem to flock to it.
 

Doghouse

Apprentice Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2019
Posts
9
Location
Uk
First Name
Gavin
Many thanks for the welcome messages. Obviously the Axminster setup is the one to aspire to. What I didn’t mention was that being a pensioner, the budget is fairly tight, especially with other accessories that I will require. I have already gleaned tips from the forum, regarding diy pen presses etc.
Many thanks once again.
Gavin.
 

Chriscb

Full Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2014
Posts
204
Location
Sutton Coldfield
First Name
Chris
Welcome Gavin,

I have a mandrel and saver gathering shavings if it’s of any use to you. It’s an m2 taper. You don’t need another expensive pen press - you’ve already bought one. Use your lathe and a gadget made by Charnwood that’s essentially two m2 tapers with soft ends. Ditto for drilling, just buy a Chuck for the tailstock and pen jaws to fit your turning chuck.

Eb*y is a good source of 7mm pen mechanisms, and if you’re interested I’ve just cut up some oak and ash for pen blanks. (At no cost bar postage).

Regards,
Chriscb
 

alan morrison

Fellow
Joined
Feb 26, 2019
Posts
2,378
Location
Co. Down N Ireland
First Name
Alan
Gavin, like Chris said you can get by making pens without a lot of expensive equipment. You can also use your bench vise or your pillar drill as a pen press.
I have blanks of elm, spalted beech, and other bits and pieces to get you started if you want.
Alan
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Gavin as a fellow pensioner for nigh on 24 years I speak the language. Googled as you can Warwickshire Woodturning groups and there are several. I notice the population is roughly the same as where I live,a starting point E Mail can be robsheahanAvirginmedia.com Nth Warwickshire and Hinkley Woodturners Secretary.

This way can be easily the cheapest as well as best way forward IMHO nothing beats bums on seats with fellow woodworkers especially to see the various ways to go. Kind regards Peter.:thumbs:
 
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