utaholdiron Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Anyone ever seen a mandrel like this one? I'm thinking of buying it ($350), but I'm a little concerned about the small end not coming to a point. Any information would be appreciated. The large end is 12 inches in diameter, it's around 4 feet tall and weighs around 110 pounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Large cone mandrels do not usually come to a point, they are hollow. Smaller cone mandrels are then utilised for smaller work, usuall fitting into a hardie hole, swage block or stake holder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beth Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 i would buy it! looks great - i just bought a smaller one and its lovely.. and yes, hollow and open ended.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Is it something you would use a lot? Otherwise it's a "lovely but expensive coat rack" as a friend of mine who doesn't use his says. I have a hardy sized version and one of the ballistic nose cone ones and would love to own a full size one as my common tasks have started including welding up hoops of various sizes---always one size *larger* than the cone to hand it seems! Oh yes, if it's in good condition that's a good price on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drewed Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Oh heck, I would just hook up the trailer, pay, and take it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 A cone is something that once I got used to using one, I can no longer imagine doing without. Unfortunately you live too far away to demonstrate rounding up rings and bands and enlarging and/or rounding curves that are too large to round up on the horn of an anvil. They are also good for making cone shaped objects such as nozels for the bellows that mate into the cone airway on a side-blast forge, and handy to make truncated cones for making jigs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 That's the kind of thing that can be hard to find, when you need it. So, my thought would be to grab it now, while it's availsble. It doesn't take up a lot of space, ... and it will never "depreciate". I've got a lot of stuff laying around that I haven't yet used, ... but I don't regret the investment, at all. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I have a couple of small ones that are solid, but my big one is between 4 and 5 feet tall is hollow with a solid top, about 1-3/4" diameter flat top. I've seen some that were a two piece cone. Had a hole in the top of the large one and a smaller cone fit into that and came to a point. I use the small ones more, but on occasion the big one is required. Like was said, it's a good investment. This is the only craft/business I know where you buy a tool, use it for 15 - 20 years and sell it for several times what you paid for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knots Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 If you make rings buy it . They are a great time saver. The price is good. Useing a wood mallet to finish form your rings avoids unsightly dings. I feel fortunate to have a Wally Yeater and use it on virtuall every project . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GNJC Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Good size, good condition & good price. As said above, if you need to make 'true' rings it's the only tool for the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McPherson Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Cone mandrels are like cops, never around when you *need* one, slowing you down when you don't. As to availability on the market, they are about as scarce as unicorns, or honest poiticians. I see one at auction every couple of years. Jump on it, you can always offer to trade it to other blacksmiths for anvils and post vices if you get tired of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utaholdiron Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 Thanks to all of you for your responses. I did end up buying the mandrel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KYBOY Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Glad you did..Ive been looking for one a long time..everyone I find ends up being $500-$750..Just too much for me.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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