Several questions

sawchain · Post by **sawchain** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 1:34 pm

I have recently purchased a SS510 with the standard accessories, but I would like to do some pen turning and was wondering where I could get a 7mm or a 8mm mandrul. A home built one would be great. Also I was looking on E-bay for some wood for turning and they have some that is waxed sealed.
after you turn something doesn't the wood dry out and crack after it dries?
I have been looking here on the forum and like what I see good advice and projects . Thanks

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 2:08 pm

sawchain wrote:I have recently purchased a SS510 with the standard accessories, but I would like to do some pen turning and was wondering where I could get a 7mm or a 8mm mandrel. A home built one would be great. Also I was looking on E-bay for some wood for turning and they have some that is waxed sealed.
after you turn something doesn't the wood dry out and crack after it dries?
I have been looking here on the forum and like what I see good advice and projects . Thanks

Just do a search on this forum on Pen Turning and you will find several sources on mandrels. There is able a debate about just putting them in your Shopsmith drill check, I personally don't recommend it due to the lateral force that turning applies but others have been successful.

Many turners use Hut Wax to seal their pens, it makes them look great. I don't know if it has other properties.

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 2:13 pm

Here is a good source for pen turning http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKM-CL.html

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 2:35 pm

in pen turning the tubes are almost 7mm on the outside diameter while the inside diameter is 1/4". the 7mm drill bit gives a little clearance for gluing. therefore the 1/4" router chuck is a better choice for haolding the mandrel. although drill chucks are NOT designed for latteral forces the latteral applied during pen turning is minimal. several sources sell drill chuck mandrels. i've got a shopsmith mandrel(no longer offered) that i don't use anymore that will be soon be offered on "the bay" along with some kits, exotic blanks, barrel trimmer and a book by thomas hutchinson. a starter kit so to speak. i've been going to make a pen press to make the setup complete thus the holdup. adding your location to your profile may get you some local help/recomendations.

paul269 · Post by **paul269** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 11:25 pm

When I first began making pens, I had the same question about turning green pen blanks that I purchased from woodcraft. http://www.woodcraft.com The salesman at Woodcraft told me they would not crack as they dried, but he was wrong and several pens were ruined. You can see a photo of one that cracked on me in this post https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=1316

You can make a mandrel if you can find the stock the correct size, but they are only about $20.00. If you purchase one with the #2 Morse taper, the taper will unscrew. With the taper removed, I then mount this in my Jacobs chuck.

iclark · Post by **iclark** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:21 am

in addition to the SS-sized 7mm mandrel at the URL in Joe's post, Penn State also has that mandrel in a starter kit at:
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/pen-t ... -sets.html

both the mandrel and starter set are showing up on sale.
I got the starter kit at the end of December. it came in quickly and it looks good (to this pen turning newb) but I have not tried it yet.

also, if you add your general location to your forum profile, you might find someone here that is local to you volunteering to help you get started. this is a great group of very knowledgeable people that you have found (the others here, that is, I'm just a beginner

)

Ivan

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 5:35 am

I bought the Penn State mandrel that Joe suggested for turning fly rod reel seats - It works like a charm and is on sale currently for under 20 dollars. Alec

drl · Post by **drl** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:56 pm

My MSO gave me the starter pen turning set from Penn State for Christmas. I have made 7 pen/pencil combinations and all turned out very nice. The Shellawax that came in the kit provides a very nice high gloss and seemingly durable finish. The SS mandrel is very a convienent way to go but would suggest a live center for the tail stock. Penn State is also offering a free pen turning DVD that is informative. A lot of fun and after gluing up the blanks one can have a pen/pencil in less than an hour start to finish. Kit came with everything, even the turning tools even though the tools are not top quality, the skew works fine.
Regards,
Dwight

W3DRM · Post by **W3DRM** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 2:47 pm

I do quite a bit of pen turning on my SS510 and have used the following as my setup.

Shopsmith:
... p/n: 514632 - 1/4" Router Chuck (Currently on-sale for $15.18) http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/rm_routerchuckshield.htm

Woodcraft items:
...p/n: 141502 Replacement Mandrel Shaft ($2.99) http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=141502&FamilyID=3759
...p/n: 141063 Knurled Brass Nut ($1.50) http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=141063&FamilyID=3759
...p/n: 141503 Compression Stop Nut ($1.99) http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=141503&FamilyID=3759

I would suggest getting a couple of each of these items so you can several blanks set up and ready to go without having to change setups. It will save you a little time and also give you a backup.

I only use the compression stop nut when turning single blanks so it is not really needed for most turnings.

W3DRM · Post by **W3DRM** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 2:59 pm

I would suggest that anyone who turns pens or pencils or is interested in doing so should take a look at the "International Association of Penturners" website. It contains information that is of benefit to anyone interested in pens. Joining the IAP is free. The link is as follows:

http://www.penturners.org