Thread: Closed end turnings

Plenty of info on the internet, a quick Google on "cCosed End Pen Turning" will turn up lots of links.

Here are 2 youtube videos to get you started

https://youtu.be/aDKmzHIODr8

https://youtu.be/Fkt0mSUKJiI

Additonally if you go to the library of the IAP forum there is a lot of information there.

I make my own closed end mandrels specific for each kit, but I have a metal lathe.

Just for 1 offs I turn a wooden mandrel to make my closed end pens and bring the tailstock up for support until I need to do the final cuts on the end. You could also use transfer punches as the mandrel

DSCF7483.JPGDSCF7465.JPGCouple of pics of one I made double ended using magnetic kit.

Peter.

I are bought a spare mandrel shaft and have come up with an idea. Has anyone put a tapered screw like thread on a pen mandrel shaf? On the opposite end to where the original thread is. I found that if I pre-drill a 5.5mm hole before the tube sized hole, the thread on the brass nut end will actually tighten into the acrylic blank (just a test piece) therefore locking the blank into place. Of course bringing the tailstock up behind will give added support until cut off and finishing/final polishing.
i will put some diagrams up later when drawn to give a better picture of what I'm describing.

I find the best way to do closed end pens is with a pin chuck.
If you have a collet chuck for your wood lathe, then all you need is access to a metal lathe to turn some mandrels for the pin chucks.

This is similar to how I make mine.
http://content.penturners.org/librar...s/pinchuck.pdf

EDIT- I just read this tutorial properly, looks like Skiprat did this on his woodlathe.

Here's a diagram, does anyone here think I'm mad or could work. It's only going to cost me $9.00 if it doesn't, which is cost of replacing the mandrel rod. I'll do it with the nut on so I can unwind and make sure threads are correctly aligned.IMG_3382.jpg

This is how I do mine, make one for every kit I want to do a closed end on.

Closed End Pen Mandrel - 7mm

I wouldnt hold too much faith in that thread holding while you are roughing down the blank. But the only way you will know for sure is to give it a try. Maybe take the corners off your blank before you put it on the lathe.

Originally Posted by Ironwood

I wouldnt hold too much faith in that thread holding while you are roughing down the blank. But the only way you will know for sure is to give it a try. Maybe take the corners off your blank before you put it on the lathe.

I will definitely give it a go, and see what happens, the tail stock should give it enough support and pressure, but I will try and round off the edges first. Anything to try and reduce vibrations etc.

i also don't have access to metal gear to create what big shed suggested. Failing that I will try some other alternatives I have seen. Just wanted to sound it out with the experts.