Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

For discussion of fitting and shaping stems, doing inlays, and any other stem-related topic.
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DeflictedPipes
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Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by DeflictedPipes »

Can anyone offer some advice on how best to make ornamentation on a stem with a metal lathe? Maybe which tool, how fast to spin, and how to make smooth curves? I'm destroying a bunch of stock trying to make any kind of a smooth curved angle.

Is there a video of fancy stem technique anywhere? I haven't been able to find one.

Thanks!
Mike
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sandahlpipe
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by sandahlpipe »

You can either use the etch-a-sketch method or make yourself a tool with the profile of the ornamentation you're looking to do. Sharp lathe tools with cutting edges that have a radius will help a lot.
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DeflictedPipes
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by DeflictedPipes »

Thanks Jeremiah. I think I'm going to spend some more time on the grinder and learn to grind some tools this weekend. I need to get more practice sharpening too.
Mike
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RadDavis
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by RadDavis »

Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad
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Joe T
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by Joe T »

This may sound kinda scary, but I put the stock in the lathe and use etch-a-sketch method to get close to final dimentions, then use a hand file while the lathe is spinning to finish it.
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by scotties22 »

RadDavis wrote:Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad
^^^^ This. Or as Premal would say....IAWR :D
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caskwith
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by caskwith »

Joe T wrote:This may sound kinda scary, but I put the stock in the lathe and use etch-a-sketch method to get close to final dimentions, then use a hand file while the lathe is spinning to finish it.

Perfectly acceptable lathe practice, just made sure your file has a handle and you are sensible about where you put your hands etc.
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Thomas Tkach
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by Thomas Tkach »

scotties22 wrote:
RadDavis wrote:Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad
^^^^ This. Or as Premal would say....IAWR :D
Which of the following does that stand for?

International Association of Waterworks in the Rhine
International Association of Women Runners
Institutetute for Air Weapons Research
Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wasserwerke im Rheineinzugsgebiet
On land, at sea, at home, abroad,
I smoke my pipe and worship God.

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sandahlpipe
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by sandahlpipe »

How about, "I Am With Rad"?
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Fail early, fail often. Your success depends on it.

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scotties22
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by scotties22 »

I agree with Rad.
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Alden
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by Alden »

Thomas Tkach wrote:
scotties22 wrote:
RadDavis wrote:Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad
^^^^ This. Or as Premal would say....IAWR :D
Which of the following does that stand for?

International Association of Waterworks in the Rhine
International Association of Women Runners
Institutetute for Air Weapons Research
Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wasserwerke im Rheineinzugsgebiet
I Am a Walrus RrrrtRRrrrtRRrrrtRRrrRRRRt
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PremalChheda
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by PremalChheda »

DeflictedPipes wrote:Can anyone offer some advice on how best to make ornamentation on a stem with a metal lathe? Maybe which tool, how fast to spin, and how to make smooth curves? I'm destroying a bunch of stock trying to make any kind of a smooth curved angle.

Is there a video of fancy stem technique anywhere? I haven't been able to find one.

Thanks!
If you are having trouble cutting it with the lathe tool, use a file instead. If that also causes an issue, use sandpaper rolled over a dowel.
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Rodneywt1180b
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by Rodneywt1180b »

I have a wood lathe. I use files and the 80 grit gouge a lot. I'm not proud. Whatever works to remove what you don't want is fine with me.
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Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Post by pipedreamer »

I do both Rad' and Caskwiths' way.If I'm going to do a lot, I use the wood lathe!!!
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