Pen turning Mandrel

[Diver]

Hi Guys. I have a dilemma about pen mandrels. I want to have a go at pen turning. I am totally new to turning and have acquired a second-hand lathe with 1mt head stock and 2mt tail stock. It's a first lathe so if/when I get into it I will probably get a better/new (2mt?) lathe. My question is should I buy a 1mt mandrel now which I can't use with a 2mt lathe or wait until I have a new lathe or buy some kind of converter?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Get a 2mt - 1mt sleeve when you need one. Available from most suppliers. Westcountry Machinery 4 Wood Search

 

[J-G]

1MT to 2MT Sleeves are readily available

 

[Diver]

Pardon my ignorance but is that to convert my existing 1MT to 2MT and therefore buy a 2MT mandrel or just get a 1MT mandrel now and get the new sleeve when I have a new 2MT lathe?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

For what they cost get one now -it allows you to use a 1MT in a 2MT taper headstock but you can use 1MT stuff in your existing tailstock now if you find stuff at a good price. You can buy MT drill bits which save using a chuck, and the smaller ones are 1MT only.
https://www.ukdrills.com/morse-taper-shank

 

[Diver]

Thanks for the advice. I'll order one now.

 

[Diver]

For what they cost get one now -it allows you to use a 1MT in a 2MT taper headstock but you can use 1MT stuff in your existing tailstock now if you find stuff at a good price. You can buy MT drill bits which save using a chuck, and the smaller ones are 1MT only.
https://www.ukdrills.com/morse-taper-shank

It's the other ways around Phil. 1MT headstock. 2MT tailstock.

 

[Diver]

Get a 2mt - 1mt sleeve when you need one. Available from most suppliers. Westcountry Machinery 4 Wood Search

I tried Westcountry and they send the wrong one so I called them to explain again and they tell me there is no such thing. I asked axminster who say the same but that I should ask Charmwood who also say the same thing. Its actually an expander rather than a reducer that's needed.

 

[Robbo3]

If your headstock is 1MT then get a 1MT mandrel. If at a later stage you get a lathe with a MT2 headstock then you can use the cheap MT2 to MT1 sleeve to adapt it.
If you decide to get a MT2 mandrel then you will need a MT1 to MT2 adaptor to drive it. This adaptor projects from the headstock rather than sitting within it.
E.G. (not a recommendation)
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleeve-Lengthened-Reducing-Adapter-Milling/dp/B08S76TGRC/ref=sr_1_6

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It's the other ways around Phil. 1MT headstock. 2MT tailstock.

Yes, if you need to use a small taper drill it will be a 1MT so will need a sleeve to use in the tailstock (where it's usually used).
If you get a mandrell with a 1MT. you can use it in a 2MT headstock with a sleeve.

 

[Diver]

If your headstock is 1MT then get a 1MT mandrel. If at a later stage you get a lathe with a MT2 headstock then you can use the cheap MT2 to MT1 sleeve to adapt it.
If you decide to get a MT2 mandrel then you will need a MT1 to MT2 adaptor to drive it. This adaptor projects from the headstock rather than sitting within it.
E.G. (not a recommendation)
- Taper Drill Sleeve, MT1 to MT2 Morse Taper Drill Sleeve Lengthened Taper Reducing Adapter, for Lathe Milling : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Thanks Robbo

That is exactly what I need. I decided to NOT get the bits from several different places as I didn't really know what I needed. I consequently went straight to Axminster and told them my dilemma. They suggested their starter kit, assuring me the adaptor was readily available. I ordered the starter kit. Clearly it isn't READILY available but you found it (thank you). Axminster suggested I ask Charnwood. I did. Charnwood told me there is no such thing.

 

[Diver]

Yes, if you need to use a small taper drill it will be a 1MT so will need a sleeve to use in the tailstock (where it's usually used).
If you get a mandrell with a 1MT. you can use it in a 2MT headstock with a sleeve.

Hi Phil

I think it will be the 1MT mandrel just so I can get on and have a go. Next job, find some pen kits etc.

Thanks again

 

[Phil Pascoe]

You don't say what length the bed of your lathe is. If it's a short bed you'll need MT drills (or an ER chuck and collets) as they take less room than a chuck + a bit.

Don't be tempted to try too many different pen kits, many require odd sized drill bits that you won't have..

 

[Diver]

You don't say what length the bed of your lathe is. If it's a short bed you'll need MT drills (or an ER chuck and collets) as they take less room than a chuck + a bit.

Don't be tempted to try too many different pen kits, many require odd sized drill bits that you won't have..

It has a turning capacity of a stated 457mm and a turning diameter of 305mm,

I looks like most pen kits use a 7mm drill bit. Any suggestions?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Can't help on that one - none of the ones I use are that small.

have a look at Pen Kits | Wood Turned Pen Kits | Pen Blanks | Fountain Pen Nibs their instructions are comprehensive.
Pen Kits | High Quality | Pen Turning Kits | Pen Making | Pen Blanks are good as well.
Home | The Turners Workshop do some excellent blanks.

 

[powertools]

This thread seems to have gone very of topic. My advice would be to buy a pen mandrel kit that suits the lathe you have at the moment and see how you get on.
As for kits as a beginner like you I have purchased kits from CS Crafts and have been very pleased with them.

 

[Diver]

This thread seems to have gone very of topic. My advice would be to buy a pen mandrel kit that suits the lathe you have at the moment and see how you get on.
As for kits as a beginner like you I have purchased kits from CS Crafts and have been very pleased with them.

Thanks for that. I will be ordering a 1MT mandrel and stuff from CS Crafts and like you say "see how" I get on.