I have used the new mandrel on several pens now and it is by far the best mandrel you'll find. I prefer to turn between centers but often the bushings and/or bushing adapters available for turning between centers are just lousy. This has pushed me back to using a mandrel for some of my pens. I realize many see the price and shake their head, but this is truly a precision machined tool. And for some the accuracy of this mandrel may even be better than the lathe you have and might not find any benefit from it. But for those looking for a mandrel that runs true, smooth and strong, then this is the mandrel to buy. Seriously, it’s not magic, but it is a world apart from anything other mandrel that I have used, and I've tried severel. My only complaint is the case, or lack thereof. It comes in a clear plastic tube that is threaded in the center where it separates into two halves. It looks more like a shipping container to me than a case and doesn’t store easily with my other tools. I would rather have a regular case like the one their pen mill comes in, even if as an option. Hey Woopecker's, can you offer a case for the mandrel, please? Thank you 👍 Almost forgot, even if you decide not to buy the mandrel, and you use a “mandrel saver”, you should at least try the solid shaft to use on your mandrel. It is extraordinarily strong and well worth the $11.99+ S&H, SKU: USPMDSHAFT. Then after seeing its quality and using it you might get a better idea of what turning with the entire mandrel would be like, maybe?
Great video! Thanks! I have always (and continue to) drink "Woodpeckers' Koolaid." I have added this set to my collection and look forward to my first project with it. For those who have a problem with Woodpeckers' pricing, I can only tell you that the value received is well worth it. Being made in the USA is a plus. And regarding customer service: I have always had very good responses and service from the company. Being retired, woodworking is my full time avocation, and Woodpeckers tools give me a lot of enjoyment.
Quick Question: Wondering… is Woodpeckers Precision Pen Mandrel System compatible with the DELTA Midi Lathe, model 46-460, which has #2 MT head and tailstock tapers?
How do you make sure your tail stock is co-linear with your head stock? I see how the two tapers ensure the mandrel aligns with each, but that does not guarantee that they align with each other. Do instructions come with the set on how to make sure the two are co-linear? Do you make a tool for this?
I've been using mine for about a year, initially it was great. However sometimes now it is starting to turn slightly off centre. I tend to have to tighten up the end stock really tight so the blank doesn't slip when turning. When I do that though, it can cause a tiny vibration and turn slightly off centre( although a lot less than the old system I was using). If I loosen off the end stock the vibration can disappear, but then the blank is too loose and slips again. What am I doing wrong? All my bushing are new and excellent condition. I thought it might have been that, but it didn't help replacing them.
Needed a new pen mandrel recently and looked into replacement options. Ended up not going with Woodpeckers. There is no question it is made of incredible materials and to very high quality, but two factors ended up steering me toward a different product. A- Price. Woodpecker unit was by far the most expensive, despite offering very little difference to the competitor I was looking at. B: Customer service - The other company when I reached out via online called me, discussed different options and choices, and even offered a discount for my military service. On top of that- they shipped direct right away. I did not get even a similar response from Woodpeckers when I reached out. Clearly Woodpeckers has their niche market and it was made abundantly clear that I am not in that market.
@@denisebat6892 Wouldn't feel right recommending another brand on this video. Just wouldn't be fair to WP. Email me at jdcrae@gmail.com and I'll give you the info.
Sorry that we did not get back to you. Did you send and email or how did you reach out to us do I can look into this and make sure we are better at get back to our customers. Thank you
@@JDCrae thank you for getting back to me and again I am sorry for your experience with us and we will work harder at being better at communicating with our customers.
Only showing a splash of the kit felt disappointing but still a nice vid. Hope you'll do a better deep dive instead of a shallow teaser next time on this system.
I have used the new mandrel on several pens now and it is by far the best mandrel you'll find. I prefer to turn between centers but often the bushings and/or bushing adapters available for turning between centers are just lousy. This has pushed me back to using a mandrel for some of my pens. I realize many see the price and shake their head, but this is truly a precision machined tool. And for some the accuracy of this mandrel may even be better than the lathe you have and might not find any benefit from it. But for those looking for a mandrel that runs true, smooth and strong, then this is the mandrel to buy. Seriously, it’s not magic, but it is a world apart from anything other mandrel that I have used, and I've tried severel. My only complaint is the case, or lack thereof. It comes in a clear plastic tube that is threaded in the center where it separates into two halves. It looks more like a shipping container to me than a case and doesn’t store easily with my other tools. I would rather have a regular case like the one their pen mill comes in, even if as an option. Hey Woopecker's, can you offer a case for the mandrel, please? Thank you 👍
Almost forgot, even if you decide not to buy the mandrel, and you use a “mandrel saver”, you should at least try the solid shaft to use on your mandrel. It is extraordinarily strong and well worth the $11.99+ S&H, SKU: USPMDSHAFT. Then after seeing its quality and using it you might get a better idea of what turning with the entire mandrel would be like, maybe?
Great video! Thanks! I have always (and continue to) drink "Woodpeckers' Koolaid." I have added this set to my collection and look forward to my first project with it. For those who have a problem with Woodpeckers' pricing, I can only tell you that the value received is well worth it. Being made in the USA is a plus. And regarding customer service: I have always had very good responses and service from the company. Being retired, woodworking is my full time avocation, and Woodpeckers tools give me a lot of enjoyment.
Im in the market for a new lathe because I love turning pens and candlestick holders.
Super! Thanks!
Quick Question: Wondering… is Woodpeckers Precision Pen Mandrel System compatible with the DELTA Midi Lathe, model 46-460, which has #2 MT head and tailstock tapers?
Yes, it is.
Thanks!
How do you make sure your tail stock is co-linear with your head stock? I see how the two tapers ensure the mandrel aligns with each, but that does not guarantee that they align with each other. Do instructions come with the set on how to make sure the two are co-linear? Do you make a tool for this?
TTTYou can buy a double ended tool that fits the headstock and tai and the same time. Yhis enables alignment
Saludos desde ciudad de México Miguel Hidalgo Col. Pensil excelentes videos
I've been using mine for about a year, initially it was great. However sometimes now it is starting to turn slightly off centre. I tend to have to tighten up the end stock really tight so the blank doesn't slip when turning. When I do that though, it can cause a tiny vibration and turn slightly off centre( although a lot less than the old system I was using). If I loosen off the end stock the vibration can disappear, but then the blank is too loose and slips again. What am I doing wrong? All my bushing are new and excellent condition. I thought it might have been that, but it didn't help replacing them.
Dan, contact customer service and we'll get you taken care of. If it's off-center, it sounds like the collet is twisted or worn.
@@WoodpeckersLLC thanks. Will do.
I just received the kit. What RPM do you turn your pens?
Greg, Speed is your friend when turning pens. Don't be afraid of 1500 or more. I turn pens at around 2400. Turn it down when you start sanding.
Thanks 😊
Needed a new pen mandrel recently and looked into replacement options. Ended up not going with Woodpeckers. There is no question it is made of incredible materials and to very high quality, but two factors ended up steering me toward a different product. A- Price. Woodpecker unit was by far the most expensive, despite offering very little difference to the competitor I was looking at. B: Customer service - The other company when I reached out via online called me, discussed different options and choices, and even offered a discount for my military service. On top of that- they shipped direct right away. I did not get even a similar response from Woodpeckers when I reached out. Clearly Woodpeckers has their niche market and it was made abundantly clear that I am not in that market.
Hi Jeff. Who did U buy from. Agree that Woodpecker is outrageous.
@@denisebat6892 Wouldn't feel right recommending another brand on this video. Just wouldn't be fair to WP. Email me at jdcrae@gmail.com and I'll give you the info.
Sorry that we did not get back to you. Did you send and email or how did you reach out to us do I can look into this and make sure we are better at get back to our customers. Thank you
@@WoodpeckersLLC I emailed. Never heard back.
@@JDCrae thank you for getting back to me and again I am sorry for your experience with us and we will work harder at being better at communicating with our customers.
Only showing a splash of the kit felt disappointing but still a nice vid. Hope you'll do a better deep dive instead of a shallow teaser next time on this system.
$130.00... and yet I've never had the problem in which you speak. No thanks.