Flashback's peppermill project has me wanting to turn a few projects. Or at least try to turn a few projects. Its been a few months since I turned some stair spindles and every once in a while I will make a few pens to keep busy.
But the peppermill looks lovely.
Watching a few Youtube videos I see some turn then bore while others bore the blank then turn.
Since the SS has the quill on the drive side, from your experience, what might be best.
I haven't even decided which kit to work with....but I have the wood, lots of wood, and I think I will have the time.
Thanks in advance,
Gary
Gary Kalyn
Kalynzoo Productions
Woodworking
Porter Ranch/Northridge
Los Angeles, CA
Making a peppermill, one has to consider several things. A lot of peppermills require several different size holes. For example, the Mini Mill that I made requires three different sized holes to be drilled.
Because of this factor, I felt that it was best to drill the holes first, before turning the design. My line of reasoning was that I started with a block of wood that could easily be held in place during the drilling process, as opposed to trying to secure a round shaped finished turning.
I purchased the suggested drill bits, and the expanding Jam chuck that is used with the ShopSmith's drill chuck. Additional items needed are a drill bit extender, and a small drill bit (1/16").
The expanding Jam chuck was very important, and played a key role in the process. Having a drill bit extender was also important because it insures a flat round shoulder to hold the bottom plate of the mill, that is held in place by two small screws.
The only negative about the mini kit from Pennstate is that the bottom plate is a tad too small. I found that I had to drill the two pilot holes at a slight angle towards the outside into the "meat" of the design. The two holes of the bottom plate were just too close to edge, and would blow out the wood.
