pen mandrels

Any recommendations for mandrels or any warnings to stay away from any particular ones? Thanks

what do you want to turn

I would think primarily exotic woods, and an occasional plastic . I would like to do mostly twist type, but the wife would like a fountain pen. What else can I provide?

I recommend the "maxi" style, the one that allows you to adjust the mandrel shaft in and out. Another nice thing is you can have a extra shaft on hand, just in case something some how gets bent Be sure to get the right size MT to fit your lathe. Oh, don't forget you need to use a 60 degree cone in the end of the pen mandrel. The tip of a regular live center will tear up the mandrel.


http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKM-FLC.html

Thanks, I did get a 60 degree live center when I was hunting for a live center last week. I'll order the mandrel(s) in a day or two, I just wanted to get an idea of what to look for. I'll also ask more questions at the class tomorrow as well.