Making a Faceted Stem from Vulcanite Rod Stock (video set)

[LatakiaLover]

Here's the link for anyone who'd like to watch the process:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... np9jz7X0Sp.

Some photos of how the project turned out:

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[JMG]

George, any reason you don't countersink the end of your tenons? Any reason why others do?

[LatakiaLover]

George, any reason you don't countersink the end of your tenons? Any reason why others do?

I usually do. I'm mildly convinced a conical tenon-end works better than not having one whenever there's significant airspace---a gap---between the tenon and shank airway.

In this case the stem was a by-the-book Dunhill copy, though, and they never did anything but a simple, straight hole.

[sandahlpipe]

I’m halfway through and really appreciating the level of detail you’re putting in.


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[sandahlpipe]

I’ve finally finished watching the whole playlist. Your explanation of dwell time is excellent.

I’m trying to find the bits you suggest for cutting a slot. I know you said they’re used in decoy carving, so I spent quite a while searching online and all I’m finding is burrs. Do you have a link or a model number that I can go off of?

Thanks!


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[LatakiaLover]

A few years ago these things were easy to find and inexpensive. It now appears that someone cornered the market and jacked the price way up.

Still worth it to guys like us, though, imo. Once you nail the technique, slots get done both reliably and fast:

https://mdiwoodcarvers.com/products/ste ... ing-drills

[sandahlpipe]

I appreciate it. I ordered a few. I figure if it’s as easy as you demonstrated, it’s worth a try. The pottery saws do ok, but they flex and I still find necessary to use modified jigsaw bits and back and forth. These are the sorts of things I’m happy to find by watching your videos.


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[LatakiaLover]

What you saw on the vid was 100% live and legit. They really do work that well.

Prep them for slot cutting use by rounding off the last millimeter or so. (They are hypodermic needle sharp, and the tip will catch/scratch the sides of the funnel when doing the rocking-motion thing if left like that.)

Also, remember the key is slow rpm and (relatively) heavy pressure. Spin 'em fast and they'll just melt material and wander.

[Doug535]

Premal is now carrying the carving bits for $12ea on his storefront rawkrafted.com that's cheaper than what I paid a few months ago from another online shop. Watch your pressure, I snapped one the second time I used one.

[LatakiaLover]

Premal is now carrying the carving bits for $12ea on his storefront rawkrafted.com that's cheaper than what I paid a few months ago from another online shop. Watch your pressure, I snapped one the second time I used one.

Excellent. Mr. C was here a couple months ago and took a lot of notes (so to speak). He must have tracked down the source.

Snapped one? Yikes. 1) You are stronger than you know; 2) The ones available these days are Chinese copies; 3) Some sort of grain flaw in the metal

[Doug535]

One of those 3 for sure. Also, Premal has a 15% off sale going on til tomorrow I believe.