Thread: Mandrels

Originally Posted by artme

Just wondering why The 1/4" mandrel is the standard when so many kits have larger barrels. Surely a mandrel size of say 8 or 9 mm would give a more rigid shaft on which to work. I know this would mean all the bushes would need to be redone, but so what!

Artme , so many pen turners start with the cheaper and versatile slim style kits which are based on a 7mm tube which basically will not fit on a 1/4" rod, so the standard rod is a few thousandths smaller in dia , I think Berea do a slightly thicker rod ,with the collet style holders you could have both ,but I understand where you are coming from , why I only turn between centres ,and use the mandrels for finishing . cheers ~ John