How to mount the mandrel

[absios]

I'm embarrassed to admit I am not quite sure how to mount a mandrel to my jet midi lathe. I haven't been in my shop for a while. I got a letter opener kit & I have the mandrel & bushings but how do I mount this on the lathe? Thanks for your help - I'm all new to this!

 

[Martin Braun]

Don't feel embarassed. Some of us (including myself) who have never turned pens might be interested in reading the reponses too. My brother is interested in turning pens, so I will be forwarding a link to him as well.

 

[Ron Sardo]

Everything you need to get started

http://woodturnerruss.com/Pen10.html

Scroll to the bottom of the page

 

[S. Clark]

It depends on the type of mandrel. Sounds like it probably isn't a morse taper or that would have been obvious to you. The other type I've used is simply a rod that you hold with a jacobs chuck or collet. One end of the rod is threaded for a knurl nut that will screw down against your pen bushing assembly. That end is steadied by the revolving center.

You can make a wood collet that'll hold the rod if you don't have a jacobs chuck.

 

[Claude]

Martin Braun
If you have not found the explanation you were looking for in the link proposed by Ron Sardo, could you tell us which pen mandrel you bought. There are only few available on the market and that will sure help us in helping you.

 

[Martin Braun]

Claude,

Thanks for the comprehension check. I have the #2 Morse Taper mandrel shown in the link Ron provided. It's made by Jet, but I'll be using it on my Delta Midi. I haven't tried using it yet, but based on the instructions in the link, I should be fine.