Integral Tenon question

For discussion of fitting and shaping stems, doing inlays, and any other stem-related topic.
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Gainey Pipes
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Integral Tenon question

Post by Gainey Pipes »

Upon returning from this year's Chicago Pipe Show I decided to learn how to turn integral tenons. Up until now I have been using delrin. I tried turning a tenon on a scrap piece of Ebonite and for the most part it came out pretty nice with a good fit. However I am not happy with the finish on the stem face (see picture). I was wondering if anyone might have any tips for getting a better finish there. Maybe it's a different profile of cutting tool or maybe it's just a technique? For this particular one I used a standard left hand tool making a pass for the tenon diameter and then backing it out across the face of the stem.

Thanks!!
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sandahlpipe
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Re: Integral Tenon question

Post by sandahlpipe »

Make sure your bit is super sharp. There's a thread on the forum about profiles for lathe bits that I found helpful. Also, make sure your corner isn't a sharp angle. You want the edge to be sharp, but not the corner. Otherwise, it's like trying to carve with the point of a knife. I usually round over the corner to about a 1/16" radius or so.

I also take small passes and then use 1000 grit sandpaper to carefully polish the surface.


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caskwith
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Re: Integral Tenon question

Post by caskwith »

Sharp, sharp and sharper again.

Also I hope you are using a right hand turning tool ;)
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oklahoma red
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Re: Integral Tenon question

Post by oklahoma red »

Like everyone says, super sharp tools then sand (very fine grit, you don't want to change the profile) then polish (spinning on the lathe) with the same compounds you use on the rest of the stem. Merka Polarshine is a good 4 step liquid polish system. Once you get the technique down the tenons and stem face will shine like a diamond in a goat's arse.
Chas.
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Joe Hinkle Pipes
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Re: Integral Tenon question

Post by Joe Hinkle Pipes »

I didnt know you were on the forums. Welcome! It looks like the material is slightly overheated? what speed are you turning? I'm making tenons on A wood lathe, but the same thing is true. Super sharp and moderate spindle speed. I polish with both compounds after the tenon is finished. no sanding.
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baweaverpipes
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Re: Integral Tenon question

Post by baweaverpipes »

High speed, sharp tools, tripoli. NO SANDING!
Gainey Pipes
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Re: Integral Tenon question

Post by Gainey Pipes »

Thanks for the replies everyone.. so what I am taking away from this is that sharp tools are definitely the trick. Since my original post, I made another tenon with a freshly sharpened hss and it turned out much better!

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PremalChheda
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Re: Integral Tenon question

Post by PremalChheda »

Check out the MIT lathe videos that Jeff posted in the tools and tooling section to get a better idea of turning.
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