Louis R. Moran wrote: (clip) I need to get one (a chuck) to accept the attachment to do pens (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^ If I remember right, that lathe has a #1 Morse taper in the spindle. You can buy a pen mandrel that fits that taper, and suppport it at the tailstock with a live center.
That's a great way to start, because they don't make great demands on your turning skills, and the results can be very impressive.
I just got a used ridgid lathe and it works fine. It doesn't have a chuck on it do I need to get one to accept the attachment to do pens ?. I am not familar with lathes at all.
----------------------------------------------- Louis, The Ridgid lathe is a clone of the Sears monotube lathe. Sears still carries Morse taper (MT1) accessories for that lathe. They also have a couple of 3/4 in, 16 TPI, faceplates. Their prices are better than most other suppliers. I would recommend you get the Work mandrel and Jacobs chuck combination. This will allow you to mount a pen mandrel between the chuck and rotating tail center. That will get you into pen turning at minimal cost. I would also reccomend checking the set screws that hold each of your pulleys in place. They tend to work loose and cause mysterious problems. Good luck. Ken Moon Webberville, TX
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