Survey of Opinions needed..

Re: Why are bottle stoppers pointed?

Ruth Niles

>Al, I would suppose the chrome stoppers are pointed to show more shiney chrome? The picture I posted is of the only ones on the market to date.

Re: Why are bottle stoppers pointed?

Chris Wright

>I have turned & seen many of the bottle cones with stands. The point is inserted into a tapered hole in the top of the stand and it makes a very interesting "combo" piece. Other than that, I can't think of why... ;-)

Re: Survey of Opinions needed..

Bill Neddow

>If you decide to market them, Ruth, count me in. I have tried using the chrome variety and hate that big chunk of chrome sticking out of the top of the bottle. It means the wood portion has to be reduced so much (to keep things in proportion) that you might as well be turning jewellery! I really love the fact that it is stainless steel and will not corrode. I have stayed with the silicone rubber stoppers up to this point. But I would switch over to your design, when it becomes available, in an instant!

Re: Survey of Opinions needed..

RonZ

>Excellent idea and you could count me in for some. You could probably charge more for the stainless but don't forget your old buddies here. =o)

The engineering side of me would like to see about another 1/4" of steel above the rubber part. First I like the rich look of the metal in contrast to the wood. Second, I see wine getting in between the rubber and the wood. If you had that extra steel it would seal better than the would and it would rinse off better and have less of a chance of wood/water contact. I would also make the hole 3/8" or 8mm or 10mm. The 3/8" jigs already exist and if you make it 8mm or 10mm, they would nicely fit on the worm screws provided by Vicmarc or Oneway, respectively.

Re: Survey of Opinions needed..

Keith Tompkins

>Hi Ruth, to me, stainless steel says "quality". After all, commercial kitchens are required to use stainless steel everywhere (bandsaws too), and medical equipment is usually stainless. Go for it!

Re: Survey of Opinions needed..

mainebowlman

>Ruth, great idea! Count me in!

I have made and sold about 250 stoppers over the last year. I really enjoy working without a tailstock (or jam chuck). It not only allows me to finish the stoppers' top on the lathe, it also permits me to cut recesses to inlay cabuchons or Maine State quarters in the tops. I've even made a few recessed tops that look like vases.

Consequently, I heartily agree with RonZ about having something that would allow me to use my current 3/8" chuck, or at least have a pin chuck design modelled after what's currently used. I also like Ron's idea of a bit of metal above the rubber to seat tightly and add a touch of elegance.

Anxiously awaiting...

Jack (in the rain on the plain in Maine)

PS: Anybody turn arks?

Re: Survey of Opinions needed..

dick mcneill

>I sell about 100-120 stoppers a year. I too would switch to yours in a minute. I've always been upset with turning supplies that don't fit or work. For years CraftsSuppliesUSA sold corks that were too thick to fit into real wine bottles. The now popular chrome stoppers are bound to corrode & aren't really designed to properly fit in bottles and look ugly overpowering the wood. Finally, off the topic, perfume pen applicators (what engineer came up with that name) do not work.It kills me because they sell like crazy, but I finally stopped making them after refunding a lot of money. I applaud you for taking the initiative, as a turner, to design a turned kit.

Re: Survey of Opinions needed..

Dick Hines

>Looks like one of those " wish I had thought of that" things. I would go to SS if I could get them.

Ron and Jack......

Ruth Niles

>The top or tenon is 3/8" to fit the woodworm. I thought about leaving a small rim of steel above the rubber; I agree it adds a little class.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Ron and Jack......

John Carr

>Great idea, Ruth! Stainless is definitely preferable to chrome. I'll take a dozen when you have them. I'll second Ron and Jack's motion on tenon size to use currently available chucks. Like Jack, I make a lot of stoppers with state quarters in the top, and not neesding tailstock support is a very good thing.

Now for a new challenge...

How will you incorporate an internal corkscrew? Corkscrew/stoppers are my best sellers.

Re: I do have samples

Gary Evans, Tallassee, TN

>Hi Ruth,

I just realized that I didn't let you know that your holly is on its' way. I think I sent it out on Wed. or Thurs.

When it gets a little closer to August, I would like to buy some of your new design stoppers to sell at the Nashville show, if you don't come down, and if you have some available.

Hope things are going well on your end,

Gary