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DIY madrel for turning bottle stoppers?

1K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  SMP 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have 3/8-16 allthread. Rather than buying the $12 mandrel rockler sells, I thought I could just make on from allthread. Has anyone done this? It seems I can just stick a locknut or 2 nuts locked together 1/2" up or so, then jb weld a 5/16 washer to the nuts or something. Curious if anyone else has made their own?
 
#2 ·
I use allthread for making chucks for my lathe. However, it bends easily and I have to replace them.

I use a regular but and a flanged but locked together and a fender washer. I make a sand paper wager by gluing sand paper back to back, cutting out and punching a hole. This helps the work piece from moving.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have seen homemade ones on pen making forums. A lot of purchased ones also cut threads for the stopper to screw onto. Will you allthread cut threads and is it the correct threads to receive a bottle stopper? I can't remember what the correct threads are.
 
#4 ·
Go for it. I think you will need to make sure your washer is the same size as the top of the bottle stopper kit and you will have to be sure it runs true and that the washer is square to the threaded rod. Ideally you would make it so that the base threads onto the spindle to ensure it runs true. But, if you have a good chuck, it may run true enough.
 
#5 · (Edited by Moderator)
Get a grade 8 bolt about 3" long, and cut the head off of it. It should be those that are threaded about 1" overall, and smooth shank up to the head. Then get a flange nut and screw it on until it bottoms out where the threads end. The flange should be facing the end of the thread. Lock it in with some CA.

To make sure the face of the flange doesn't wobble, I use the diamond carbide, turn on the lathe, and remove any wobble that might be present. This requires an extremely light touch and your tool isn't very secured, but if the tool rest is close enough, no worries.

After installing the nut, grind off any excess thread off the bolt. You only need the same length that is on the bottle stoppers…....

What chuck will you use to mount this into? ......... Jerry (in Tucson)
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I use allthread for making chucks for my lathe. However, it bends easily and I have to replace them.

I use a regular but and a flanged but locked together and a fender washer. I make a sand paper wager by gluing sand paper back to back, cutting out and punching a hole. This helps the work piece from moving.

- Redoak49
Good tip on the sandpaper thanks

I have seen homemade ones on pen making forums. A lot of purchased ones also cut threads for the stopper to screw onto. Will you allthread cut threads and is it the correct threads to receive a bottle stopper? I can t remember what the correct threads are.

- PaulDoug
The ones I am getting are 3/8-16

Go for it. I think you will need to make sure your washer is the same size as the top of the bottle stopper kit and you will have to be sure it runs true and that the washer is square to the threaded rod. Ideally you would make it so that the base threads onto the spindle to ensure it runs true. But, if you have a good chuck, it may run true enough.

- HokieKen
I'm not dead set on the same diameter, as I am getting the "mini" stopper inserts, and IMO that's a little narrow for the stopper, I prefer it have an overhang aesthetically. So I think if its close(think the stoppers are 3/4") then I can eyeball an overhang.

Get a grade 8 bolt about 3" long, and cut the head off of it. It should be those that are threaded about 1" overall, and smooth shank up to the head. Then get a flange nut and screw it on until it bottoms out where the threads end. The flange should be facing the end of the thread. Lock it in with some CA.

To make sure the face of the flange doesn t wobble, I use the diamond carbide, turn on the lathe, and remove any wobble that might be present. This requires an extremely light touch and your tool isn t very secured, but if the tool rest is close enough, no worries.

After installing the nut, grind off any excess thread off the bolt. You only need the same length that is on the bottle stoppers…....

What chuck will you use to mount this into? ......... Jerry (in Tucson)

- Nubsnstubs
Hmm, good idea there, I do have some 3/8 bolts that have the smooth shaft. They may be closer to 2" but I only really need a little over 1/2" of thread. Just a regular 1/2" chuck.
 
#7 ·
Hmm, good idea there, I do have some 3/8 bolts that have the smooth shaft. They may be closer to 2" but I only really need a little over 1/2" of thread. Just a regular 1/2" chuck.

- SMP
Ok, a 2" bolt should work using a drill chuck. I have a dedicated SN 2 chuck that I've taken the jaws out of. To get a comfortable clearance from the chuck, that extra inch is good to have for me…........ Jerry (in Tucson)
 
#8 ·
If you're putting this in a drill chuck, how are you mounting the drill chuck to the spindle? If it has a MT shank, you're going to have a hard time turning unless you use a center in the tailstock. The lateral force from turning will break the fit and your chuck will come loose.
 
#12 ·
I've made several mandrels for various applications, and none have cost more than a few pennies for the proper sized bolt. I also put them on threaded wooden faceplates that thread directly onto the spindle - which pretty much removes any alignment/runout/slippage problems. Most of them have the bolt/threaded portion epoxied in place, but I also have a one that can have the threaded portion replaced to accommodate different length blanks.

Wood Table Gas Machine Circle


Cheers,
Brad
 

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