Squaring Blanks

Sorry for the newbi question, but what is the recommended way of squaring off barrels when they are not metric? I was looking at trying out some pens which have an imperial barrel size (Such as the Omegas from TM) or odd metric size (such as 9mm). I don't own a disc sander, so is there a sensible option to true up the barrels?

Cheers

Adie

Adie they are a couple of things you can do. You could turn some sleeves to fit your barrel trimmer into the Omega tubes. Corian works quite well for that. An alternative is to glue abrasive onto a faceplate mounted on your lathe which is in effect a disc sander. If you have a set of transfer punches and a drill chuck for your lathe then you can use a transfer punch in the drill chuck to hold the blank and trim using the disc. Better still, if you look though the posts you will find a jig shown where a drill chuck is held in the jig and used against the disc which gives you more control and better use of the abrasive. I would attach the link if I know how to find and attach it using an iPad but I don't!

I have a collet chuck,transfer punches and a metal lathe.
Turned this up on my lathe,

Cut some sand paper to size, double sided sticky tape on the back.



Used like this, what ever pen you make there is a tranfer punch to suit.

The simplest is on the lathe as Mark has done the most efficient for me is a dedicated disk sander.

Peter.

I have something very similar to what Mark has posted, and can confirm it works a treat ..

this site is amazing. Nearly every day I pick up more tips and ideas

Hear hear to that Peter, great place for tips and info.