PKMSTS2 Live Tailstock Mandrel Saver #2 Morse Taper

The hole of the mandrel saver is a little to big and the pen mendral would actually move a lot the farther I got away from the headstock. When I would turn the part of the pen that was closer to the tailstock, I would have a lot more blow outs and it just made it more difficult overall to turn. But, if I was turning a piece that was really close to the headstock, it would turn super smooth. I could actually wiggle the end of the mandrel around inside the mandrel saver. This in turn made the pens not line up 100% to the bushing. But I bought the heavy duty live tailstock and all problems have been solved. I would definitely recommend just using a live tailstock and just be gentle when putting pressure on the mandrel so you don’t bend it. Just works out better in the end.

Where to start? I agree with the other 5-star reviews, this thing is a must-have for pen turning, it removes the need for the end nut and it completely eliminates mandrel wobble. I could go on and on but I'd just be repeating what others have already said. In short, it was totally worth the money and I wish I purchased this much sooner, it would've saved me a TON of frustration when I started turning-n-learning :)

To date the cover plate over the live center bearing keeps unscrewing. Once the plate comes off it binds against the shaft and your live center is no longer rotating.Honestly, would it have killed them to put Locktite on the threads to the cover plate stayed in place?

It seems the hole in the end of the mandrel saver is oversize allowing the free end of the mandrel itself to rattle around. This makes the wood blank closest to the mandrel saver very difficult to turn with precision. Others have mentioned a possible bearing problem with this mandrel saver. In my case I think the bearing is OK but the center hole is too big for my 7mm mandrel.

This works perfect for my 7mm pen mandrel. It is true in alignment, and so far I have not had any problems with it.

If you are a pen turner, this is a must have for your turnings! The mandrel saver eliminates the issue of bending your mandrel if you are applying too much pressure when you are using friction polish and any other process you use to finish your pens. So much better then the brass fitting and a live center. I have turned pens with both and will not turn them without the mandrel saver now. Great product. Very happy with it.

I am a newbie woodturner. I have never tried to turn a pen without a mandrel saver, so I have nothing to compare it with. All I know is that I have not had any trouble with the mandrel bowing so I assume it works as it should. Since it works, I have no intention or using a mandrel without it and taking a chance it might bow and become useless. I'd rather spend a little extra money up front than have to replace a more expensive part more often.

Not only does the mandrel saver take the pressure off the mandrel rod, it also saves a bit of time in set up because you don't have to thread the knurled nut on and off. I would have given it five stars except I had to use Locktite to keep the threads holding the parts of it together from coming loose. Once I used the Locktite, I have had no issues at all. Overall a great product.

If you have ever bent a pen mandrel by over tightening your lathe tailstock, you will know that it is the sort of experience which makes you want to chuck your wood working tools around the workshop.This purpose made hollowed out tailstock piece really does a good job at preventing mandrel damage. If you are making pens for selling on, this bit of kit will pay for itself really quickly.

Just started pen turning and this mandrel saver is a great aid. Feels like good quality, shipped quickly, well packaged and reasonably priced imo.

Though cheaper than many others, this live centre for a pen mandrel works fine. I've used it several times.

Very useful tool to have for pen makers on the lathe.

A great bit of kit