"Emily P" writes:

Thanks for your help! I'll check out the pen turners set.

When I bought the Jet mini they threw in a Nova midi chuck for $20.00.
Can I do the small spindles with this set up or will I need to pick up
additional chuck accessories or centers to get started?

For small spindles, all you need is the standard centers that come
with a lathe. Use the spur center (with the X-type edges) to grip one
end, and the live tail center on the other.

You will have some waste on the left side because you don't want to
get your tools too near the spur center. Metal hitting metal makes me
wince.


They do have smaller spur centers (with a smaller X) and even a small
Steb Center ($$$).

See
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=3841

for a small spur center - $25.

But I think the advantage is being able to cut closer to the end
safely without as much waste wood.

You could use your chuck to hold one end, and use your tail center
for the other. It seems like overkill, but you can do that.

Long thin spindles may need support. But with the mini-lathe - I'm not
sure you will need a spindle rest.

There are other choices, like the Beall collet system, but that is
very expensive, and you need dowels or round wood before you put it in
the collet. It's usually used when you need to work without a life
tail center.

--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.