02-20-2017, 09:19 PM
(02-20-2017, 03:57 PM)texx Wrote: i have been making and selling pens for about 10 years and i stopped using a mandrel about 8 years ago , i only use the mandrel for the 7mm pens all the rest are turned between 2 centres on custom bushes that i made, makes for a much better end result .
i stopped using the barrel trimmer about the same time and i have my own method of trimming them now which is a lot better and quicker .
johno
Hello Johno,
Beautiful pens you made. I don't know if there is a market here for unbranded pens. Else it will be a fun way to make some money to fund my hobby.
While I was deciding what to buy together with the kits and blanks, I was thinking of making custom bushings which is also a mandrel when I read about folks bending their mandrels while tightening the whole setup. With this, I can either hold the one end in my 4-jaw scroll chuck or turn between centre and the other end in a live centre. But due to my inexperience and don't know size pen I'll making most of the time, I decided to try out what's available in the market first.
As for trimming the blanks, I'm using facing cut on my proxxon PD400. Its a longer process but I don't have to buy another piece of tool just for the purpose. I saw on YouTube one gentleman using a sanding disc at the headstock end and the blank sliding on a hole locating punch in a chuck at the tailstock end. I may try that out.
Would you be able to share how you are doing it?
Thanks!
Wong
Wongster
http://www.wongstersproduction.com
Proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Mar 2012.
http://www.wongstersproduction.com
Proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Mar 2012.