CW wrote:
Got my first pen on the lathe right now (Jet mini). First problem I noticed
was the tail center has a non standard point. It doesn't fit the mandrel
correctly. Are you sure it is your bushings and not the entire mandrel
running out? If you are using the stock center, chances are that this is
most of the problem. Just got back from Rockler to buy a proper center.
While I was there, I checked every lathe they had in the store. Both Jets,
large and small had the non standard center as did both Deltas and their
Chinese import. The correct center for that mandrel has a 60 degree included
angle. The stock ones are sharper than that and will enter to deep in the
hole and ride on the point.
.
"KarlB" wrote in message
...
NoOne N Particular wrote in
. net:


I noticed that the first time I mounted a mandrel into the lathe so I know what
you are talking about. The live center that came with the lathe does indeed
have a very pointed center. I am using a live center that I borrowed from my
old metal lathe and it does have the 60 deg point.

I am fairly certain that loose bushings are a problem. Most of the other
bushings I have fit much better than this particular set. I was thinking that I
might try to wrap some scotch tape or something around the mandrel shaft the
next time I use them. They shouldn't be worn out because I have only made about
6 or pens with them. Besides, they don't turn on the shaft anyway.

thanks,

Wayne