About 3 months ago I purchased a Delta 14" lathe and have been turning different
things to learn some of the tools and techniques. I have also turned a few pens
and I have to admit that the first couple lacked a little bit in the fit
department, but I am getting better.

I have purchased a couple of different types of mandrels. One is the
"precision" one piece from Rockler, and the other is the "professional"
adjustable from Woodcraft. I have tried several different styles of pens from
the slimline to an Atlas and a few in between.

Each type of pen requires it's own set of bushings, and sometimes these bushings
don't fit on the mandrel shaft as well as they should. Some of the bushings fit
nice and snug on the shaft and some don't. I have one set of bushings where the
ID of the bushing is at least .006" larger than the mandrel shaft, and this is
causing some concentricity (is that really a word???)issues . It is just about
impossible to get the center ring to fit the pen cap on all sides.

So here is the question. Do any of y'all have problems like this, and what do
you do to resolve them? (I guess that is two questions).

Let's go for the triple. As a third question, what mandrels and so forth do you
use?

OK. FOUR questions. Where do you get your supplies and kits? I have found
several places including Rockler, Woodcraft, Craft Supplies, Berea Hardwoods (I
really likey), and Arizona Silhoutte (also likey but they provide mostly Berea),
and of course, Penn State Industries. I also found out the other day that Berea
is the supplier for Rockler.

OK OK OK, FIVE questions. Last one I promise. What is your favorite style of
pen and why? (OK, that makes 6 questions.)

And since I already broke my promise, which style and type of pen do you sell
the most of? By style I mean Slimline, European round top or Flat top, etc.,
and by type I mean ball point, fountain, rollerball, pencil, or some sets?

Lastly, what is the difference between a ballpoint and a roller ball?



Thanks,

Wayne