pen turning

[wlg64]

]I was told the ss live center 505602 was not a good live center for pen turning? Has any one had any experience with this? Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance, wlg64
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[eagleta2]

]I was told the ss live center 505602 was not a good live center for pen turning? Has any one had any experience with this? Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance, wlg64
[/SIZE]

I know that many may disagree...but I've been using the live center for turning pens since starting out in this hobby...longer than I care to admit to.

I have a generic mandrel that chucks into the drill chuck also.

Yes, it would be nice to have a fancy mandrel and 60 degree live center, but I'd rather spend the money on kits and etc...

Just my 2¢

Geo

[wlhayesmfs]

When I first started turning pens about 8 years ago All I had was the live center that came with my MKV and the mandrel that I put in the drill chuck. It wasn't until about a year ago I purchased the mandrel saver from Penn State and have been using that ever since. So I also went with what I had available and not what everyone said I needed to turn nice pens. Just after I collected more from pen sales did I invest in more tools. Now I have the SS pen mandrel and several other nice goodies but are not needed to turn quality pens.
Hope this helps.

[nuhobby]

]I was told the ss live center 505602 was not a good live center for pen turning? Has any one had any experience with this? Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance, wlg64
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I use my SS Live Center all the time for pen-turning. The formerly sharp tip has been slightly rounded over with sandpaper or something a few years ago, so it now mates solidly with the opening in the threaded mandrel.

[terrydowning]

I purchased my mandrel with the adaptor for SS from PennState. Attaching a couple of pictures what it looks like. This is a 7mm one for slimline pens. Excuse the rust on it, as I use it for both wood and acrylic and you use wet sanding pads for acrylic, thus the cause of the rust. I better clean it up before showing it in a photo again. Hope this info helps you.

I recommend changing that live center for a 60 degree live center or a mandrel saver. The 60 degree live center is designed for metal to metal contact where the SS Live center is not.

[sarge43]

I bought mine from pen state however other places have them. I attached a link that shows one that will fit a SS from another site. As for starter kits, I purchased one when I started pen turning and I think it was worthwhile, however I prefer my chisels from Sorby that I use on spindle turning for pen turning as well. I use the gouge just to starting rounding the blank, and then I am more comfortable using a skew, which to me gets the blank smoother faster and requires minimal sanding.

http://woodenpost.com/products/turning_supplies.htm

I want to get into pen making also, however, I have observed on my shopsmith that my lathe tool rest is too big. I know shopsmith must have the correct size for pen making. Can you advise me of what kind you have by part number?

Your assistance is well appreciated.

[sarge43]

Do you know what tool rest I will need on my lathe (shopsmith) in order to use it for pen making?

[wa2crk]

Sarge;
Use the SS 4" lathe tool rest #555314. About $25 from SS. By the way I think that the 60 deg live center is the better choice. I believe that the mandrels are drilled open at the tailstock end with a standard twist drill and that it fits the 60 deg point better. Just one old guy's opinion.
Bill V

[fjimp]

[quote="wa2crk"]Sarge]

Bill I agree good advice on both points. Jim

[terrydowning]

x2
Although I had a second standard tool rest that I had cut down to 4" I'm now looking to build (or buy) a 1" and a 2" rest for working really small pieces.