Drilling Block for first time, bits needed?

[loosvelt]

Drilling Block for first time, bits needed?

All right guys I am moving on from pipe kits to drilling my own. I need to order all my bits to get this done. Can one a couple of you look over my list and make sure I am on track and not missing anything. Tried to use the search function best I could to throw the list together. (Right now I plan on making pipes with the same size delrin, airway, tobacco chamber size etc…I want to get good at the process before I start playing around with other sizes) So I need this combo to jive.

Drilling Tobacco Chamber: Spade bits (any preference to JHLowes or Pimo style?) large style (7/8” 1”…)

Drilling draft hole/shank airway and drilling delrin rod tenon: 11/64 standard drill bit (open airway style to go with my large bowls) and one countersink slightly larger

Drilling Mortise: 5/16 standard drill bit (or slightly smaller with 5/16 reamer also, do we use reamers in pipemaking?, trying various 5/16 for tolerances with 5/16 delrin) and one countersink slightly larger (i.e. 1/2, will probably can use the same one I use for tenon)

Facing Tool: Fuller X85L or just a good forstner bit

Stem: Tapered 11/64 drill bit, dremel with bit to cut slit, clean up with files..etc.


I probably forgot something so let me know fellas, thanks a ton.

[e Markle]

Granted, I'm a total newbie, but I'd suggest you just use the standard bits: 5/32 for your draft, and 3/4 for your bore. I wouldn't spend the money for the spade bits from Pimo or JH Lowes. I just bought 3/4 bits and ground/sanded them to the profile I liked. If you don't have a grinder or belt sander, I guess that's another story.
What are you using to drill - drill press or lathe? I wouldn't waste time with the forstner if you're using a lathe.

Just my 2 cents.

[KurtHuhn]

For a drill press or wood lathe I suggest:

Tobacco Chamber: Spade bits are good to start. The PIMO and JHLowe bits have different profiles, so choose based on what you need.

Airway: Long length HSS 5/32. Use this size to start, and see how you like it. Go bigger if you want, but I have found that you reach a point of diminishing returns, and bigger is not always better in this context.

Mortis: Use a short length HSS drill bit. Short length reduces deflection found in longer bits (wobble). You may need to experiment with a couple different brands to find one that's "just right" for your delrin. Screw the reamer.

Facing: Good, high quality, precision ground Forstner bit.

Stem: Use 5/32. 11/64 may result in you making a very thick stem. You can always redrill your airway with a larger bit if you truly don't like 5/32, but I think you'll find that a properly executed 5/32 airway will surprise you in how well it smokes.

[loosvelt]

Thanks fellas. I am using a drill press btw.

Kurt I am getting a self-centering vise for pen drilling. in regards to Good, high quality, precision ground Forstner bit. Do I need to find some without the little center point, or is it small enough not to matter for non-tenon side?


Kurt, I can't wait to show you my custom cigar cutter project I am working on this summer. Going to go with some chad nichols damascus. I want to make a "tactical" cigar cutter. In the spirit of making anything "tactical" I am making some tri scissor cutters with a tactical folder pivot and g10 or carbon fiber. I think it will be pretty funny, plus pretty darn cool looking. Working on making some protos out of 440-C or D2 before moving up to the damascus though.

[KurtHuhn]

Don't worry about the center point. You'll end up either drilling it out on the shank/mortis side, or sanding it mostly away on the button side if you use rod stock.

I'm looking forward to seeing that cigar cutter!

[kkendall]

To open the airways in the stem, I use a long tapered drill bit:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/us ... int+Drills

[Nick]

make sure to post the cigar cutter. It sounds really cool.