I am going to build a cork lathe using the photos on the Flex Coat site. The one thing that is not clear however, is what they use for a chuck. I'm assuming a standard chuck made from a PVC cap will not work.

I should have mentioned that I will be using a standard electic drill for a motor.

What I did on this was to buy a 1/4" mandrel from Andy Dear (Lamar Reel Seats-sponsor at left) and glue the rings up on it, turn the grip on the drill using the mandrel, and ream them out afterwards to fit the blank.


Putter
Williston, ND

What Flex Coat provides is a tapered mandrel that goes INSIDE of the blank for a "friction fit". You CAN get a self-centering chuck from Pacific Bay that's a "service part" for their dryer. Probably set you back $25 or so.

An inexpensive alternative is the mandrel/arbor for a small "sanding drum". They can be found at tool stores, woodworking stores, etc... it's a 1/4" arbor with a rubber sleeve on it that expands to hold a sanding drum. They're available in O.D's from 1/4' up to about 3". You have to get a size that's relatively close to the I.D. of your blank. You simply insert it and turn it to "expand" and grip the blank's I.D. Just stay away from the "dremel" type drum mandrels as their shaft (1/8") isn't strong enough for what you're doing.

Thanks for the help guys.

Couldn't you use a rubber "Well Nut" with a a piece of all thread, a washer and a couple nuts?

Bill in WV

I briefly thought about that William, but I think that expanding the nut will cause it to push in the direction of least resistance, which of course is right out the rod butt. Am I wrong for making this assumption. Perhaps someone can relate their experiences using this method.

Al,

Your right, I didn't think of that. It would have to be tapered.

Bill in WV

Bill in WV