I think it would be a good addition to machine shop capabilities for a low expenditure to purchase three turning mandrels for the metal lathe. This will allow the technique of turning between centers to be properly done, especially now that we already own both a left and right handed turning tool holder.
Great for doing fly wheels and other large radius to length objects requiring turning on both faces and achieving a balanced result. And would be very helpful in giving the advanced lathe class - “Turning between centers” that I would like to give.
MSC Direct has such mandrels:
09600164 1/4" diameter for $10.61
09600321 1/2" diameter for $12.71
09600487 3/4" diameter for $16.76
The general description can be found on MSC Direct, Big Book page # 1591
These are of hardened steel and have the slight taper about the nominal size as would be expected for a lathe mandrel but I didn’t see any indication of a flat being furnished on these mandrels for the lathe dog screw, so it might be up to us to grind one on (probably needed). We would also have to mill center points in the ends for the live bearing in the tail stock and the dead point connection at the head stock.
Regards,
Bob