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hope you get sorted quickly.
Far from it, I agree with what you say apart from having had a more satisfactory experience with my Axi mandrel.
Penpal
Grand Master
Mandrels exposed for what they are inconsistent, would be interested in finding the elusive silver steel rod with its actual measurement.
Peter.
Peter.
mike fox
Apprentice Member
Me too! I was also looking at "Turning Pens and Pencils" by Christiansen and Burningham and in there they show a "split mandrel" which is basically two centres with a short piece of rod sticking out of each one, which is I guess another variation on TBC? But again never seen those advertised for sale!
wm460
Grand Master
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
- Posts
- 23,104
- First Name
- Mark
This is my favorite mandrel made by a NZ Fitter and turner, there is a pin in the MT that corresponds with milled flat on the mandrel shaft, self adjusting to fit most blanks..
Penpal
Grand Master
I am so impressed by the A881 mandrel set up sold by Vince it epitomises and answers many questions. THe self adjusting collet under pressure takes up the difference in mandrel sizes and the 60 degree insert will serve its purpose.THere is a U Tube video.
Peter.
Peter.
Split mandrels went out of fashion for a while. Penn State Industries recently re-introduced one in the USA calling it a TBC mandrel, but again, I don't know of a UK supplier.
Turn Between Centers Mandrel System #2MT at Penn State Industries
mike fox
Apprentice Member
Thanks for the further info, you would think these good ideas might travel across the Atlantic a bit more readily, there must be quite a big market for these items over here?
I heard back from Axminster Specialist AfterSales to say they are happy with what their Skill Centre turners have said that you would expect that "run out" when the shaft end is unsupported. The thing is though it has that run out (2mm) even when turning the mandrel by hand so it isnt some sort of centrifugal force making it run out!
I had sent the video of the shaft running with the run out but now he wants me to send a video of it with the Evolution mandrel support in place (which I bought when they replaced the original shaft), but to me that proves nothing aas the run out may be masked but there will still be the inherent eccentricity causing vibration. I have asked for my money back but have heard nothing else and so am at a loss now!
wm460
Grand Master
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
- Posts
- 23,104
- First Name
- Mark
What was wrong with the Split mandrels Walter?
I don't think there was anything wrong with them Mark. I guess they just fell out of use because no-one was making them.
Also lots of people marketing fancy new mandrels (that were mostly inferior design/quality to the split mandrel concept)
GSteer
Registered
I asked the folks at PenKitsDirect about this last week due to my continuing annoyance at mandrel accuracy in general, they should have stock on their next order which they indicated was a few weeks away, waiting on more info/costs.
mike fox
Apprentice Member
An update I did ask for the refund and was told they Axminster will send a return label, but they also said that my video was not conclusive proof as it was showing the unsupported shaft under power so could be due to "whip" (centrifugal force etc). I have sent them another with me just turning the shaft by hand and it still shows the 2mm run out. Not sure why they have been so difficult over what is relatively inexpensive (bearing in mind the money I have already spent with them and probably would have done in future - but not anymore) item to replace or refund without all this hoohaa. Simon Ayers has now passed my video on to one of the woodturning tutors who will report back as to why this is acceptable tolerance in the kit! A shame because my initial impressions of Axminster and their equipment had been quite good.
I hope those split mandrels are ready soon!
I hope those split mandrels are ready soon!
As mentioned earlier, this is my setup.
The chuck and collet were about £10, silver steel was about £2 and the mandrel saver was £14 I think. I chose 7mm for the silver steel but you can use other sizes with the right size collet.
The chuck and collet were about £10, silver steel was about £2 and the mandrel saver was £14 I think. I chose 7mm for the silver steel but you can use other sizes with the right size collet.
Penpal
Grand Master
Out of character many suppliers of mandrels say you can only use mandrels made for the task when they sell them, thereby admitting a problem could occur. If you use a mandrel saver it will be nullified if the mandrel is sloppy in the saver.Some Mandrel savers start life with no actual measurement given.
Since brass tubes vary a little in sizing, mandrels vary in sizing, sleeves vary in fit,mandrel savers sure are inconsistent reducing many of these problems using between centres could be the very answer.Compromise, the lot of every penmaker
Peter.
Since brass tubes vary a little in sizing, mandrels vary in sizing, sleeves vary in fit,mandrel savers sure are inconsistent reducing many of these problems using between centres could be the very answer.Compromise, the lot of every penmaker
Peter.
Penpal
Grand Master
As mentioned earlier, this is my setup.
The chuck and collet were about £10, silver steel was about £2 and the mandrel saver was £14 I think. I chose 7mm for the silver steel but you can use other sizes with the right size collet.
Cheapest mandrel saver mate, brand name? I like the collet use but the fit of the brass tubes and sleeves change with mandrel size.
Peter.
I often wrap a bit of PTFE tape round the mandrel if the bushes are loose, and some masking tape around the end because it is loose in the mandrel saver. That said, I've started turning between centres
mike fox
Apprentice Member
I finally had an answer back from Axminster yesterday but pretty unsatisfactory. The expert who had previously checked my deluxe mandrel when sent back obviously didnt bother with my video showing the run out when unsupported as all he quoted was the run out on a dial gauge when supported at the tailstock end. But surely it would be within bounds if held in place but that doesnt stop it being bent and as a consequence fighting against the restraint of say a mandrel support? Also if the shaft is bent and is supported by a mandrel support will it not wear the mandrel support inner surface quicker as it is rubbing against this surface more heavily?
They did send me a return label but I am pretty fed up with them and have pretty much given up dealing with them, and certainly wouldnt buy anything else from Axminster.
Hopefully the bushes for turning between centres (with the 60 degree facing for the live and dead centres) will be available soon in this country, or maybe the split mandrel?
Penpal
Grand Master
