Hey all,
Recently, It was suggested that my mandrel dimensions were a little off.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to shape the mandrel, like an engineering tool to form the base/eye dimensions?
I currently use a staple of .155 and .140 at the eye.
BTW, I used a solid piece of 1/8 brass about 5 inches long.
You should have received a correctly sized mandrel from the pipemaker when you purchased the set. There is no “one correct size fits all”. The staple design can be unique to a pipemaker, and sometimes even to the set. Your best bet would be to go back to your pipemaker for the correct mandrel for your set.
A mandrel should normally be made from tool steel to withstand shaping the staples without losing its own shape. I would not trust a brass mandrel for this.
djm
Are you sure this is something you want to share in a public forum 
DJM,
Thanks for the reply. Umm actually, I am making the mandrel from Joe K’s instruction to fit Robbie Hughes staples which I have at home.
It is really surprisingly sturdy when hammered. You should try it even if it’s not your preference.
upiper71
I have mandrels from Joe K, so no need. He made both my sets. If you are making your own mandrel, I suggest you get steel tool rod from a local metal merchant and file it down to the correct dimensions. (Joe got his Hughes dimensions from making reeds for my first half-set, which was by Robbie Hughes).
djm