Bottle Stoppers Getting Stuck

Re: Bottle Stoppers Getting Stuck

David Walser

Paul -- I've not experienced the problem you describe. The only difference in our processes is that, after cutting threads with the mandrel, I soak the threads with thin CA glue. Then, after the glue has cured, I re-cut the threads (blowing them out with compressed air afterwards). With this method, I've never had a problem with the stoppers being hard to remove from the mandrel. The stopper might require a 'firm' twist to break it loose, but I can always do it by hand without needing to resort to some way of grabbing onto the stopper with a make-do wrench. I think this may because the CA glue makes the threads act as if they were cut in an acrylic blank.

Note: I typically turn stoppers in batches of 5. I do each milling operation -- drilling, then tapping, reinforcing the threads with CA, etc. -- on each blank before going on to the next step. This means that by the time I've soaked the threads on the 5th blank with CA glue, the 1st blank is ready to have its threads re-cut. No need for accelerator.

HTH

Re: Bottle Stoppers Getting Stuck

Paul Grenier

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

Re: Bottle Stoppers Getting Stuck

John K Jordan

Whew! When I read the title I thought it was about the stopper getting stuck in the bottle - and I just bought a bunch of her new style stoppers at the NC symposium. It was great to talk to Ruth too, I haven't seen her for years.

I don't turn them on her mandrel but just drill a hole a for about a 60% thread (instead of the standard 75%) and tap, then turn in a chuck. I don't remember the drill size but I can look it up.

BTW, I like to turn them this way so I can more easily see how the curves of the wood flow with the shape of the stopper.

(This wood is Pink Flame from the late Jim King)

Maybe check the bit against the thread tables. If you epoxy these you can drill an even larger hole to make even shallower threads to deal with. If you turn without the mandrel you could even make the hole a slip fit. I made these for years using epoxy with the non-threaded stoppers and none have come apart.

Oh, I checked Ruth's site and the tables. Here web site indicates the mandrel comes with a 5/16" and a 21/64" drill bit. 5/16" will give you a 77% thread, good for general machining applications but maybe too tight for wood. A 21/64" bit will give a .328" hole. You could go with a Q bit for a 50% or maybe even an 11/32" bit. I also see Ruth's mandrel now includes a "3/8" nylon spacer washer to prevent the wood from getting a death grip on the mandrel. "

Hey, maybe just ask Ruth: 717-486-5232 ruth@nilesbottlestoppers.com (from her web site)

JKJ

John, interesting to see that some .......

JamieDonaldson

...........of Jim King's wood is still around. I'm hoarding several pieces as well, especially my last chunk of Queenwood. He was a very interesting guy, and I was able to meet him in person to hear some stories!

Re: John, interesting to see that some .......

Stuart Johnson

I have a small piece of "unknown" burl left from Jim. Jim briefly discussed the possibility of importing through Houston and asked if I was interested in it. I wasn't but sure like the idea of access to such woods.

Jim King and wonderful wood

John K Jordan

>>>John, interesting to see that some ..................of Jim King's wood is still around. I'm hoarding several pieces as well, especially my last chunk of Queenwood. He was a very interesting guy, and I was able to meet him in person to hear some stories!

I too am hoarding some pieces, including a big block of Queenwood. After wondering and asking about Jim King I finally found a note from Paul Hines who runs the wonderful Hobbithouseinc wood pictures web site. Under his heading of Pink Flamewood he told about communication with Jim, then later, that he learned of his death.

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/pink%20flamewood.htm

He mentioned the only remaining pieces of the pink flame (a local name in Iquitos, Peru according to Jim, no species name known) were probably in the hands of a few craftspeople. Since Paul is a serious wood collector but has never seen this wood, I'm going to send him some samples.

Here are some things I made of the Pink Flame wood. It may give some a heart attack, but I often cut up big blocks of beautiful wood to make small things! Hey, more people can enjoy it that way. :-)

JKJ

Re: Bottle Stoppers Getting Stuck

George Taylor

I used to have that problem consistently but what I found that works for me is to unscrew and then screw the blank several times before turning. You don't have to screw the blank completely off, just back and forth a couple times. Still holds well while turning. I use this both for wood & acryllic blanks.

Re: Jim King and wonderful wood

Stuart Johnson

Jim told me one time that two of the same kind of tree grown a few yards from each other would have completely different wood in both the grain and color. That is why many of his burls were marked unknown or with a generic name.