Lathe mandrels

[beaglebriar]

Just wondering what everyone likes for mandrel material?

I know aluminum is probably the standard but there's a lot of machinable plastics out there. So what's your favorite? Any particular length that works best?

 

[Deets066]

Just wondering what everyone likes for mandrel material?

I know aluminum is probably the standard but there's a lot of machinable plastics out there. So what's your favorite? Any particular length that works best?

Length would be determined by what size jug you got, as they get bigger, so do the mandrels.

 

[Termitebuffet]

Just wondering what everyone likes for mandrel material?

I know aluminum is probably the standard but there's a lot of machinable plastics out there. So what's your favorite? Any particular length that works best?

About 10" , or so enough to get the carriage behind the work while cutting a base ....I've got some plastic , but many are aluminum

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...

 

[huskihl]

I buy everything 8-12" long. Delrin and uhmw work, but they're more expensive than aluminum

 

[Stump Shot]

Irlene was my favorite Mandrell.

 

[beaglebriar]

Irlene was my favorite Mandrell.

You're so much help...

 

[Deets066]

I deal a bit with the local steel supplier/distribution. Most times can find drops for pretty cheap. Or if I happen to have a job at one then they are free

 

[beaglebriar]

Are you guys getting your stuff local or from eBay?

 

[Deets066]

Are you guys getting your stuff local or from eBay?

I've done both

 

[Stump Shot]

You're so much help...

Ok, ok been using aluminum for the mandrels and plastic for piston holders. I think the shortest is 9 inches for a small cylinder, but is very little wiggle room and have to be careful not to back into the chuck as it swings.

 

[Stump Shot]

Are you guys getting your stuff local or from eBay?

The bay has some deals if you are patient.

 

[beaglebriar]

I'll check locally first I guess. Sounds like 12" long stuff is the safe way to go so I guess I'll start there. Thanks for the tips fellas.

 

[ranchdadmike]

Irlene was my favorite Mandrell.

Best answer material^^^

 

[Moparmyway]

Everything i have is 12” aluminum

 

[Termitebuffet]

Are you guys getting your stuff local or from eBay?

Bunch off eBay ...or McMaster carr

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...

 

[beaglebriar]

Bunch off eBay ...or McMaster carr

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...

Thanks bud. I'll get something rolling here soon. My cheapness is a little bit of a road block...[emoji16]

 

[Stump Shot]

Ok, ok been using aluminum for the mandrels and plastic for piston holders. I think the shortest is 9 inches for a small cylinder, but is very little wiggle room and have to be careful not to back into the chuck as it swings.

After actually looking, the 9 inch ones are double ended and the short singles are only 5 inches, damn old age kicking in. Lol

 

[Mastermind]

Most of mine are UHMW. 8 - 12" with a different size on each end.

 

[Al Smith]

I use hard nylon threaded on a 1" cold rolled shaft held in a collet .Picture of same is on one of my hard drives some place .Just replace the threaded nylon with what ever size you need ,runs true .

 

[Termitebuffet]

I use hard nylon threaded on a 1" cold rolled shaft held in a collet .Picture of same is on one of my hard drives some place .Just replace the threaded nylon with what ever size you need ,runs true .

This is a great idea

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...