pen turning mandrel problem

rdewinter · Post by **rdewinter** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:57 am

I'm trying to turn some pens for Christmas presents. Having trouble finding the best solution to attach a #2 morse 7mm mandrel to the headstock. Currently using a saw blade arbor to hold mandrel but it's not the best solution. The #2 mandrel won't fit into the drill chuck, so that's not a option.
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Any suggestions for attaching mandrel to headstock?

I know I need to replace the dead center in the tailstock with a live center.

Bob
San Diego

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:39 am

See if you can remove the rod from the #2 Morse taper part, the mandrels for the Shopsmith either come without that part of have a 5/8" hole like the other Shopsmith accessories.

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 3:05 am

Bob,
You are in luck. Penn State Industries has the Shopsmith pen turning mandrel on sale right now for $17.95, reg. $24.95 ...

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKM-CL.html

rdewinter · Post by **rdewinter** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 10:50 am

Paul,
If I read your post correctly, yes I can unscrew the rod from the #2 Morse taper part, then just chuck the rod into my 1/2" chuck and use that to power the mandrel. That's brilliant! That's what I love about this forum, people who use their brains and experience and share it. Thank you.

Bob
San Diego

kd6vpe · Post by **kd6vpe** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:47 pm

Well folks,
I had just ordered the PennState mandrel myself to try to make pens. Here is what I did yesterday. I fount the mandrel to work out just fine on the shopsmth in fact the set screw is the right size for the shopsmith. I used a woodrcraft kit with the mandrel and everything fit fine. I plan on using this pencil for marking my turnings it's fat and study. Next I will move on to the pens for gifts. I was a lot of fun just have to pay attention to the drilling part. I wasted a few peirces of wood until I got it right. Have fun.
Jim

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:29 am

rdewinter wrote:Paul,
If I read your post correctly, yes I can unscrew the rod from the #2 Morse taper part, then just chuck the rod into my 1/2" chuck and use that to power the mandrel. That's brilliant! That's what I love about this forum, people who use their brains and experience and share it. Thank you.

Bob
San Diego

Thank you for your answer George, but I think I will try Paul's suggestion first.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:45 am

Even though I suggested using your drill chuck it is not a good long term solution. A drill chuck is not designed for side pressure.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 3:06 pm

Can't you unscrew the mandrel from the taper and insert the shaft into the chuck? I don't use the tapers. I haven't had any problems using the chuck to hold the shaft.

BPR

jbooher · Post by **jbooher** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:21 pm

Yes you can take the morse 2 taper off and used your drill chuck.

James

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:40 pm

ryanbp01 wrote:Can't you unscrew the mandrel from the taper and insert the shaft into the chuck? I don't use the tapers. I haven't had any problems using the chuck to hold the shaft.

BPR

In the post previous to yours, Paul stated that you could do this. But, it is not a good long term solution because the drill chuck was not made to take the sideways pressure caused from lathe work. Yes, it will work for a while but eventually your chuck will break. So, why not just go ahead and buy a mandrel that will fit your Shopsmith and do it right? It will save you not having to buy a new drill chuck AND a mandrel later.