Delrin installation...

Patrick · Post by **Patrick** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:13 pm

I have read some insturctions on setting up a delrin, but can't understand it, as no photos of the item is shown. Does anyone have a simpler explantion and maybe some photos of what they look like, the purpose, and how to install?
Thanks!

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:56 am

Since you posted this question under the "Stummels" section, I'm not sure if you're referring to a delrin mortise insert/sleeve or a delrin tenon.

If you're actually referring to delrin tenons, then these 2 links should help: viewtopic.php?t=1530

http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Using_Delrin_Tenons

Incidently, the Pipedia article should also answer your other question in the "Stems" section on how to make a contrasting stem band/ring.

pennsyscot · Post by **pennsyscot** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:01 pm

helpful site:
http://www.downiepipes.com/production1.html

hazmat · Post by **hazmat** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:34 am

So, I was reading the link that was posted to Mr. Downie's site and I noticed he said he wet sands the stem and stummel. Just curious, what does wet sanding achieve that standard, dry sanding doesn't? Curious...

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 11:05 am

Different things for different materials. For stems it would provide a slurry of abrasives and a lubricant that allow a grit of a given size to give a much smoother and finer finish than it would dry. An 800 grit wet sand would provide a superior surface than a 1200 grit dry sand.

For wood, it raises the grain, which is then sanded back down. In this case, it's helping to close all the pores of the wood and make a much smoother surface that may last a longer time - since any grain that might get raised in regular use has already been raised to some extent. At least that's my theory. But, ask a dozen pipe makers....

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:32 pm

Also, in theory, the wet slurry constantly "washes" the sandpaper, thus keeping it fom clogging up. Especially useful with the finer grits of sandpaper. But, ask an Oversized Ostrogoth and a dozen pipe makers....

hazmat · Post by **hazmat** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:07 am

Yeah, I kind of expected the "ask a dozen pipemakers" phrase to pop up here, but you both answered the question and now I feel just a wee bit smarter

Thanks, fellas.