Pen Turning

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:40 pm

I think many Shopsmith turners use the Universal Tool Rest (Banjo) and don't see the original problem you were having. It looks like you found a perfect solution.

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Thu May 22, 2008 11:58 pm

another reccomendation if i may would to warn about possible out of round pens or a damaged pen mandrel. from your pics i see that you are using a cup style live center. the pen mandrels are machined for a 60 degree live center. the 60 degree live center would be best however you can gain some stability by drilling the pilot hole of the pen mandrel a little deeper so that the cup center is hitting on the cheeks of the mandrel and not hitting the point of the cup center. hope this is clear, bob

also #2mt 60 degree live centers are reasonable at littlemachineshop.com
to the best of my knowledge shopsmith does not offer one.

roy_okc · Post by **roy_okc** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:48 pm

paulmcohen wrote:I agree I use the router chuck not the drill chuck, it is designed for the lateral force.

Paul,

I take it you're using a pen mandrel that has a 1/4" end on it to fit the router chuck? Where did you get it? My Woodcraft shafts only have the option of MT#2 or the approximately 3/16" shaft.

Thanks,
Roy

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Fri May 23, 2008 3:12 pm

woodcraft. psi and several other vendors have mandrels that are 1/4 in diameter. i use a shopsmith pen mandrel that is no longer available and a woodcraft "replacement" mandrel shaft which also happens to be the least expensive one they have. it's about $3.00. both fit the 1/4 inch router chuck, bob

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Fri May 23, 2008 3:31 pm

roy_okc wrote:Paul,

I take it you're using a pen mandrel that has a 1/4" end on it to fit the router chuck? Where did you get it? My Woodcraft shafts only have the option of MT#2 or the approximately 3/16" shaft.

Thanks,
Roy

I got it from Woodcraft then they were a Shopsmith retail store (1990) and it came with a Shopsmith pen turning class.

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Fri May 23, 2008 3:54 pm

it is woodcraft part #141502, $2.99, bob

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=3759

seajay62 · Post by **seajay62** » Tue May 27, 2008 6:17 pm

bettyt44720 wrote:another reccomendation if i may would to warn about possible out of round pens or a damaged pen mandrel. from your pics i see that you are using a cup style live center. the pen mandrels are machined for a 60 degree live center. the 60 degree live center would be best however you can gain some stability by drilling the pilot hole of the pen mandrel a little deeper so that the cup center is hitting on the cheeks of the mandrel and not hitting the point of the cup center. hope this is clear, bob

also #2mt 60 degree live centers are reasonable at littlemachineshop.com
to the best of my knowledge shopsmith does not offer one.

You are correct about me using the cup style or pointed live center. Your avatar indicates that you do a fair amount of pen turning and your discussion in this area confirms it. I am taking your advice and have just ordered a 60 degree live center. Thanks Betty.

This is why I enjoy this forum. There is lots of experience available and people who are willing to share it.

Regards,
Joe

wood4me · Post by **wood4me** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:07 pm

what about the "Tompkins Turner" in woodworkers supply

i know nothing about turning a pen....

navycop · Post by **navycop** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:23 am

Correct me if I am wrong. The mandrel is the same for all pens? You just need different bushings?

nomoman · Post by **nomoman** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:09 am

bettyt44720 wrote:#2mt 60 degree live centers

So the #2 Morse Tenon is the right one? I saw a #1 Morse Tenon also listed.