Smooth facing of rod stock

For discussion of fitting and shaping stems, doing inlays, and any other stem-related topic.
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Walldepartment
Posts: 33
Joined: Sun May 26, 2013 12:24 pm

Smooth facing of rod stock

Post by Walldepartment »

I use a Diablo precision Forstner bit to face my rod stock. It makes a flat surface, but it's not smooth. It leaves little rough holes. It used to not do this. Has the bit dulled or is there something I'm doing wrong?

Also, on my last pipe, the same forstner bit was used to face the shank and it left some small cracks. I think I forgot to turn down the speed on the lathe before I drilled, so that might be why. But maybe it's related.
NathanA
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Posts: 364
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2010 1:52 pm
Location: Lancaster, CA

Re: Smooth facing of rod stock

Post by NathanA »

They are pretty easy to sharpen and smooth out with some diamond needle files. Harbor freight has a cheap set.
Without Wax (Sincerely),
Nathan
www.armentroutpipes.com
Walldepartment
Posts: 33
Joined: Sun May 26, 2013 12:24 pm

Re: Smooth facing of rod stock

Post by Walldepartment »

So sharpening them is a pretty regular routine?
Charl
Posts: 1901
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 3:03 pm
Location: South Africa

Re: Smooth facing of rod stock

Post by Charl »

Yip, it's got to be really sharp and very good quality. Personally, I prefer using using a cutter on the lathe to face.
wdteipen
Posts: 2817
Joined: Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:05 pm

Re: Smooth facing of rod stock

Post by wdteipen »

You shouldn't have to have a super smooth stem face. Just sand it up the grits and polish it.
Wayne Teipen
Teipen Handmade Briar Pipes
http://www.teipenpipes.com
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