reshaped spade bits

For discussion of the drilling and shaping of the stummel.
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bscofield
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reshaped spade bits

Post by bscofield »

Would anyone be willing to post a pic of a spade bit they've re-shaped to cause a rounded bottom of the bowl?? I want to try and do this I'm not sure what I'm looking for... any tips? Pics?
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TreverT
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Post by TreverT »

You can see three different spade bits on this page:
http://www.talbertpipes.pair.com/briarc ... ling.shtml
I ground the bottom two from normal spade bits while the top one was here when we bought the workshop. Hope this helps!
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Trever Talbert
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bscofield
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Post by bscofield »

Thanks Trever! When you get the spade bit ground down to the shape you want, do you do something in particular to the edges to keep it so that it's sharp? Do you just try and retain a similar angle on the edges as the spade bit has on it's edges originaly?
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Nick
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Post by Nick »

Here's another question from some one who'll be grinding away soon. Do the pointed bits shown in Trevor's pics make a significant difference over rounded ones?
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TreverT
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Post by TreverT »

bscofield wrote:Thanks Trever! When you get the spade bit ground down to the shape you want, do you do something in particular to the edges to keep it so that it's sharp? Do you just try and retain a similar angle on the edges as the spade bit has on it's edges originaly?
My reply here will be drastically different from that of a real machinist, who would tell you about precise grinding angles and so forth. Me, I just sharpen the edges regularly by hand and eye. I move it on the grinding wheel and have learned to look for the red sparkles that mean I am sharpening the actual edge, and I have a steady hand and can get a relatively even curve. It is nothing to compare with what a knowledgeable shop guy could produce, but it serves me well enough.
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TreverT
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Post by TreverT »

Nick wrote:Here's another question from some one who'll be grinding away soon. Do the pointed bits shown in Trevor's pics make a significant difference over rounded ones?
Pointed or rounded doesn't really make any difference, as long as the edges are sharp and the bit is balanced (meaning, the same on both sides, and even that isn't needed if your lathe is burly enough). That's why I like spade bits, since I can grind them to my exact shape needs - I have about 18 different bowl bits now that were made from spade bits, as well as some others. I try to pick ones that will give me as precise a result as possible for the needs of the pipe shape. That's why we end up with round bits, cone bites, tapered bits, etc.
Happy Smoking,
Trever Talbert
www.talbertpipes.com

My Pipe Blog:
https://talbertpipes.com/category/pipeblog/

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marks
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Post by marks »

I will touch mine up from time to time by hand on a sharpening stone to keep them sharp. It makes for a smoother bore, and much less or no chatter.
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bscofield
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Post by bscofield »

how much size do you generaly lose on sharpening?
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bscofield
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Post by bscofield »

I modified my first spade bit yesterday! I couldn't be happier!! It worked great! Got a nice rounded bottom to the chamber and the little bit of grinding I did to get the new shape an "edge" worked real well on it's own. Went through the wood like butter! Considering the un-modified spade bit was burning way too much, this was a relief!

I don't know about you guys but my counterinks in the chamber were squeeling like banshees!! :D

Seriously you guys, Tyler, without this site I wouldn't even be making pipes I don't think! You guys rock!
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marks
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Post by marks »

Glad you had good results, Ben.
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Nick
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Post by Nick »

I saw a really neat looking bit at Woodcrafters last night. Probably going to have to get it. It was esentially a half cylinder with a rounded end. Looks like it would make a perfect bowl bit.
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Jeffery_Suter
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Post by Jeffery_Suter »

Ben,

I'd love to see a pic of your bit...
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KurtHuhn
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Post by KurtHuhn »

nick wrote:I saw a really neat looking bit at Woodcrafters last night. Probably going to have to get it. It was esentially a half cylinder with a rounded end. Looks like it would make a perfect bowl bit.
Nick,

Was that a spoon bit? I had no idea you get those there. Was that at the Woodcrafters/Rockler store over on Main, or the Woodcraft over on Cemetery Rd? I sense a trip to Columbus this weekend.
Kurt Huhn
AKA: Oversized Ostrogoth
artisan@k-huhn.com
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