Today in the shop (turning a bottle stopper)

[jsburger]

I guess I now have come to the conclusion that my problem is related to the turning blocks being laminated plys. I tried another block today with a 5/16" hole and found it didn't cut much threads either so I tried in a solid piece of oak and the threads were perfect. Live and learn I guess
Danny

Try a 'real' bottoming tap.(after starting it with a 'normal' tap)

I am using a bottoming tap, but I can see the threads don't have much depth to them and I've drilled the hole deeper too. I asked Ruth and she said she's had some problems with the laminated ones and some of her customers have had problems, but not all.
Danny

Since the problem is only in laminated wood, maybe try a slightly smaller drill for the tap hole.

The hardness of the laminated wood might make a difference. That may be why Ruth is seeing different results from her customers.

[reible]

Another thought, I've heard but not tried, so if you do get this to work please let us know.

Thin CA glue in the hole before threading, just get the sides of the hole and let it dry. Then tread and after that add another bit of CA to the fresh cut threads. Let it dry and then recut the threads making sure you are recutting them, if you don't start the same place it is likely you could end up worse off.

I just placed an order for some of these blanks from Rockler, might be here by the weekend, not sure when I'll get to testing them.

Do you have the resouces to try a smaller bit? If you have a fractional bit set then go down a 32nd or 64th and see if that helps.

I'm glad you were able to contact Ruth, maybe she will have some advice later on this subject especially if others are seeing the issue.

Ed

[JPG]

I guess I now have come to the conclusion that my problem is related to the turning blocks being laminated plys. I tried another block today with a 5/16" hole and found it didn't cut much threads either so I tried in a solid piece of oak and the threads were perfect. Live and learn I guess
Danny

Try a 'real' bottoming tap.(after starting it with a 'normal' tap)

I am using a bottoming tap, but I can see the threads don't have much depth to them and I've drilled the hole deeper too. I asked Ruth and she said she's had some problems with the laminated ones and some of her customers have had problems, but not all.
Danny

Total rewrite!!!!!

Drill a 5/16"

Do not try the arbor screw.

A 'real' tap should work, however a bottoming tap may be difficult to start.

[reible]

My 10-Piece Spectraply Project Blanks arrived early. Will not get to try them until maybe Sunday.

I was wondering if anyone has made any other progress on turning them. I did some searching but didn't find much. If I get some more time this evening I'll try again.

Ed

[ChrisNeilan]

I have not used spectra ply brand, but my homemade "spectra ply" turned out great. I used a 5/16 drill and it threaded on fine. One change in the process i have made is to turn the stopper from start to finish on Ruth's mandrell. No need to re-true the stopper.

[reible]

I have not used spectra ply brand, but my homemade "spectra ply" turned out great. I used a 5/16 drill and it threaded on fine. One change in the process i have made is to turn the stopper from start to finish on Ruth's mandrell. No need to re-true the stopper.

Do you do the small under cut where the mandrel/stopper mounts? How are you finishing that area since the mandrel is in place? And are you drilling in drill press mode or in lathe mode?

Ed

[ChrisNeilan]

I have not used spectra ply brand, but my homemade "spectra ply" turned out great. I used a 5/16 drill and it threaded on fine. One change in the process i have made is to turn the stopper from start to finish on Ruth's mandrell. No need to re-true the stopper.

Do you do the small under cut where the mandrel/stopper mounts? How are you finishing that area since the mandrel is in place? And are you drilling in drill press mode or in lathe mode?

Ed

I am undercutting with a fostener bit, and the fit is such that i don't really have to sand that area. The stopper covers it. I do apply a little friction polish there just to seal it. I have been drilling in drill press mode, but primarily due to habit. Lathe mode probably would be easier!

[dannyshamoon]

So i feel like a total idiot now. Seems my problem is I have some wobble or wiggle in the drill bit when drilling. I can't tell if it's from the quill shaft or the chuck. Used a hand drill and my previous problem went away. Sorry for making this a confusing situation. I was able to save one of the blanks by inserting a wood dowel and re-drilling with a hand drill.
SORRY guys.
Danny

[JPG]

Do not beat thyself up over this.

Consider it a valuable lesson learned!






And you have reminded us all of that possibility.

[reible]

We do love pictures of completed projects, hint hint.

I did get my set of project blanks but I'm on to other things first. I am looking forward to tuning a few to see how well I do. I'm out of the stoppers so I need to get a few ordered from Ruth soon.

Did you happen to figure out why the drill was wondering?

Ed

So i feel like a total idiot now. Seems my problem is I have some wobble or wiggle in the drill bit when drilling. I can't tell if it's from the quill shaft or the chuck. Used a hand drill and my previous problem went away. Sorry for making this a confusing situation. I was able to save one of the blanks by inserting a wood dowel and re-drilling with a hand drill.
SORRY guys.
Danny