I’m making my first pen-kit this week (hopefully)! With some degree of wild abandon I bought a few different blanks of Caribbean Rosewood and Bocote which look like they have amazing grains.
I don’t however, have a 7mm Mandrel or 106A Bushing Set to set up on the lathe. Wondering if there’s anything to this effect around the shop where I haven’t looked. Alternatively, does anyone knows something I can rig together instead? For example, can I use some pieces of wood, piping, or plastic to the same effect?
I have a pen turning set and so does @WDaynes. I think he setup a bin in the woodshop that have pen turning supplies so check there and if not reach out to either one of us.
There is a pen mandrel in the lathe drawer. Where did you buy the kit, what kit is it, what bushings do you need (I have several so I might have the set you need), what drill bits do you need?
So I know I don’t have that bushing, (all of my bushings and personal pen stuff is kept locked in my storage). There should be a 10mm drill bit in the drill bit drawers. You can use the disk sander instead of a pen mill just make sure it’s square. There is a mandrel in the lathe drawer.
Sounds like @Phillip_Ma may have the bushings - reckon I could rig something together with some scrap wood or some washers if we don’t have the metal bushings?
The tolerances are tight. The bushings need to one part to fit into the brass tube snuggly and the other to the minimum thickness the wood should be. You can probably find the exact measurements online. The center hole needs to be precise or you’ll end up with a wonky pen at best.
Thanks @Phillip_Ma and @WDaynes for the insight, guidance and extra gear for this project! I’ve made 2 pens I’m really proud of and they’ll make some excellent xmas gifts!
