Quote Originally Posted by Jack Tyree View Post
I want to get started turning pens and have a question. Is it possible to turn pens between centers using the standard bushings you get where you get your kits.
A simple answer is yes you can. What you need is a 60º 'dead center' and a 'live center'. Place the dead center in the headstock and the live center in the tail stock.

What type of pens are you going to be making?

95% of all my pen making is done between centers. I am not a fan of pen mandrels as the are really pretty soft steel and bend easily if you are heavy handed like myself.. When I have to use a mandrel (not for pen making) I bought some 1/4" Stainless Steel tubing and I use that as a mandrel. Doesn't bend or rust.

This mystery wood (cherry?) was turned between centers using standard bushings. I did take a a #4 60º center drill and cup the ends slightly for the centers to make better contact with the bushings.