Pimo tenon tool question

[Aquinas]

I am a hobbyist pipe maker. I use the preformed stems. I have been fitting them by turning with sandpaper. Just a little at a time.
I am wondering if you guys think the pimo tool would be worth it for me. I don't make that many pipes so i'm trying to figure out if $67 will be worth it. Thanks and any advice is appreciated.

[Sasquatch]

I would say 65 bucks should go into a drill press which would let you use delrin tenons.

[bregolad]

seconded. delrin is the superior choice.

[Aquinas]

Do people use delrin tenons on preformed stems? Drill them out?

[KurtHuhn]

Yes. Line everything up and drill it. It's a shortcut until you can afford a lathe. And even after a lathe, it may prove useful under certain circumstances - like with square stock or if you need an off-angle tenon hole.

[smokindawg]

Yep, a drill press and use of delrin tenons would be my advice as well.

The pimo tool works, but is iffy and hard to set up and get the tenon right. It does work and can be used, but in my opinion, isn't worth all the trouble. (Just my opinion!)

[Aquinas]

Thanks for the advice. I picked up some 5/16" delrin on my last order. I have been meaning to give it a shot.