Lathe work

patharris · Post by **patharris** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:00 am

I need to purschase a pen mandrel for my Shopsmith and did not see it listed in the Shopsmith catalog. I would like the one that can accomodate the various size bushings rather than just the 7mm. Also, I am looking to purschase and alumiuum cone drive center and not sure were to buy one.

bkhop · Post by **bkhop** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:10 am

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solicitr · Post by **solicitr** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 12:16 pm

The Woodcraft mandrel also worked fine for me- it's sold as either 1 Morse or 2 Morse, but the taper plug simply unscrews so the shaft can be used with a Jacobs chuck. (As I understand it, bushing ID/ mandrel diameter is standard, and is certainly much smaller than the tube/drill diameter).

mtobey · Post by **mtobey** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:29 pm

Nope- there are "A" and "B" shafts. However, the PSI rod is threaded into 5/8" connector and they can be exchanged back and forth. Not long ago I bought, shall we say back-ups? I have three PSI units but my two sizes of rods come from Lee Valley. Woodcraft may have the shafts -but - I have heard that all of their bushings are made to fit their rod. Don't know if that is true.

patharris · Post by **patharris** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:49 am

Thanksgusy for your help. It appears that the mandrel from Pennstate comes withthe 5/8' shaft fixture so that I don't have to use a Jacobs chuck. Or Atleast I hope so. Is there also an adaptor to house a#2Morse taper with drive center? I have the Standard drive center with the cleats and spur, but would like to avoid the cleats to avoid some catch problems.
Thanks again,
Pat Harris
Lexington, SC

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 2:37 am

patharris wrote:Thanksgusy for your help. It appears that the mandrel from Penn State comes with the 5/8' shaft fixture so that I don't have to use a Jacobs chuck. Or At least I hope so. Is there also an adapter to house a#2Morse taper with drive center? I have the Standard drive center with the cleats and spur, but would like to avoid the cleats to avoid some catch problems.
Thanks again,
Pat Harris
Lexington, SC

I have never seen a 5/8" Female to #2 Morse Female adapter and I have looked. I assume the Penn State adapter you purchased is the PKM-CL ithas a 5/8" hole with setscrew on one end and a rod or hole for the rod on the other. It mounts directly on the quill shaft.

The Shopsmith drive center has a 5/8" hole on one end and a setscrew that holds it on the shaft. Personally I never use it, I have other ways to hold work on the drive side.

I don't understand what catch problem you are trying to avoid.