Hi all! this is my first post here.
My problem.......
Been trying to turn some bottle stoppers. Got a mandrel from Woodcraft. The blanks keep stripping out!
Jason,
If you are using the stoppers that use a 3/8"-16 thread I've found that a 5/16" drill bit does a better job of cutting threads. I have yet to tear threads out using this setup. Now if you are turning toppers that use a 1/4"-20 thread, use a #7 drill bit. I started using the 5mm bit that was recommended and the threads tore out the first time. You can always use some CA glue on the threads after you tap the threads. DO NOT screw the wood blank onto the mandrel unless you have let the CA thoroughly dry, like overnight to be safe, then run your tap into the wood.
I usually hang out in the milling form, but haven't been milling much due to a pinched nerve in my back. So I've been doing a bunch of turnings on my lathes. Here in CA, Bay Area, wine toppers sell real well due to the many wineries around the area. I could hardly keep up with people wanting them. I also have a couple of local wineries near me that will take all I can make them.
Here is a picture of the last batch I made. I am making a display stand from a cut off piece of 3" thick spalted Sweetgum, it just makes showing them nicer. I also make toppers for use in olive oil bottles. I keep them small, most people don't like a big stopper in a bottle of wine.
In this batch I used wood I have milled. Bing Cherry, spalted Sweetgum, CA Valley Oak, Blue Oak, Black Walnut, Tulip Magnolia, Black Locust and Italian Cypress. You'll even see one I inserted a 12ga. shotgun low base case head at the top. Duck hunters love them!
jerry-
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