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Proper size drill bit?

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Proper size drill bit?

#1

Proper size drill bit?

Dominic Greco in Richboro PA

>

Hi Everyone,

Since I'm hosting my annual "Holiday Craft Show" here at work next week, I wanted to turn some smaller items to add to my inventory.

I have several of those PSI Bottle Stopper kits on hand and thought they would be perfect. Back when I purchased the kits, I also bought the Bottle Stopper Chuck PSI sells for use with these kits. The kit even comes with a drill bit sized to fit the screw on the chuck.

When I went to turn a stopper last night, the blank spun right out of the chuck (I had just finished the profile and had backed off the tailstock). The hole had become over-sized due to the "punky-ness" of the spalted beech I was turning. But the Beech isn't the only culprit. I've also had this happen with Walnut and Cherry before.

I believe that the drill bit included in the kit gives you a hole that, on some occasions (as with wood that will "give" a bit) is just a shade too big for the chuck screw. I'd like to buy a smaller drill bit.



  • Does anyone know the size of the drill bit included with the PSI kit? Knowing that size will let me figure out the next size drill bit down from that.


  • Or does someone have a recommendation for a drill bit to use?



P.S.: I'd post this on Yahoo's Bottle Stopper site, but our Web Tracking Software (Websense)blocks that site.

See ya around,

My ugly mug

Dominic

Re: Proper size drill bit?

#2

Re: Proper size drill bit?

-e-

>i've used the craft supply kits ...which i think are the same as the psi, and use an 11/32nd bit.

check out a previous post by brad adams:

"If you have #1 jaws or spigot jaws on your chuck, just go down and buy a dozen 6" long 3/8 bolts to use as mandrels. They work great in my oneway stronghold with spigot jaws. The 6" length keeps you clear of the chuck. I batch process about a dozen at a time,leaving the stoppers on the bolts until the finish is completely dry.'

Re: Proper size drill bit?

#3

From Stopper Group

Stuart Johnson

>There has been a long thread on the stopper group regarding this. I use a 3/8" pin chuck not the mandrel but this post might help:

> i have the 3/8 jig (stopper mandrel) and use a 21/64 drill bit

usually,

> sometimes a 23/64 drill bit.

Stuart

Re: Proper size drill bit?

#4

Re: Proper size drill bit?

woodspinner

>Dom

I get a little agresive in all I do and have the same spinn out problem. Bring up the tailstock lightly against the piece and it will hold. Even if it spinns a little just reduce your tool pressure. Finish off the tip last.

I just put a drop of thick CA in the hole when I mount to the stopper base.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

Re: Proper size drill bit?

#5

Thanks everyone!

Dominic Greco in Richboro PA

>

Once again, I am in your debt! :>)

On my way home I'll go and check if I can find a 21/64" and 23/64" bit at the hardware store.

Thanks again!

See ya around,

Dominic

Re: Proper size drill bit?

#6

Ric Taylor

Re: Thanks everyone!

Ric Taylor

>What? Just a plain hardware-store drill bit? I don't think that would give the results that woodturners demand. You really need to invest in a specially-made $30 drill bit from a little-known craftsman in Latvia.

Re: Proper size drill bit?

#7

Re: Proper size drill bit?

Bob Lemon - Sacramento CA

>Dom, How about putting in a second screw that is offset so that the heads will fit between the jaws.