I'm try to locate a source for a 60deg cone dead drive center #2 MT for turning pens without a mandrel. I located one from Craft USA but no mater what I type in their search window I cant find it again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! 

Thanks Charles. I had found this one earlier and I will probably with it since it is carbide tipped. I was hoping to get the Craft USA one along with an order for some pen kits. I'm still looking for more info about turning without a mandrel but it does look to be a better way to achieve concentric barrels for pen turning. There is some info on the IAP website. Thanks again for the link.

Charles Nicholls said:

unless there is an affiliate here that has one try this

http://penturnersproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&...

not sure if 2MT but I bet you could find it if this isnt. OK that was tthe 1MT heres the 2MT

 

http://penturnersproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&...

 

Thanks again Charles, I just ordered the dead center and while I was at http://penturnersproducts.com I found and ordered their 4 inch SS tool rest. I've been looking for one of those as well and the prices are very reasonable and these tools are made in the good old USA.

 

John have you looked at this website for sponsorship?

I just looked through the latest catalog from Penn State.    60 degree live center@ less than $20.  #1MT #LCENTU1.

I have a live center, it's the "Dead Center" I was looking for. If your a pen turner check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6wTnychR1U&feature=related

I highly recommend Johnny at Pen turners products. I have a few sets of his between center bushings.  I turn most of my pens between centers.  I usually use stock bushings but have found the joy of Johnny's.  IAP is where I found out about turning between centers.  I also finish between a live and dead center for 7mm pen kits.  No bushings.  Johnny sells bushings for the slims and euros but I haven't gotten any yet.

I have a lot of bushings from Woodcraft and a few from PSI but in the future I will probably get a few from Penturners products. At least the ones I turn the most. Once my dead center shows up I will be checking the run out on the bushings I already have and may replace them if there not concentric. On his web site there is a video on checking runout on your lathe and one part of interest was unless your blanks are cut square your runout will be off no mater how true the bushings are.