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hello , help about metal lathe

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 3:55 am
by Mouwes123
Hello guys!!!
, i am new in pipe making.
my name is Tamir ,
first of all, thank you all for this amazing forum!
I am trying to read most i can from this wonderful forum..
I started to do my first pipe these week ..
And i am working with the wood on Metal lathe.
I have little problem but she is big for me...
I do not know which Carbide bits to use on the lathe for wood cutting and shaping
i didnt find on the forum anything that can help..
I know that lot of pipe makers make diy bits but i dont know where to start ..
For now i am using Carbide bits for metal but its shaping the wood not so nice..and not so good i think.
maybe you can help me ...
Thanks a lot ,
Mouwes.

my lathe from germany.... very old ( about 80 years old) very nice style
i will upload photos in the next few days.

Re: hello , help about metal lathe

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 4:42 am
by magicbilly
a lathe is used for making the circular or spherical shapes, such as the bowl, tobacco chamber, shank, tenon, mortise, etc. if your trying to carve shapes into the pipe you could use a chisel and mallet, a dremel with a carving bit or rasp or just about


visit the "tools" section, its got the info you are looking for. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodturning

most people use a "bowl spade" for cutting the tobacco chamber found here http://www.jhlowe.com/tools.htm

Re: hello , help about metal lathe

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 1:41 pm
by The Smoking Yeti
I personally just grind my own bits out of HSS blanks- they work well, and quite frankly I always do thorough sanding after spinning on the lathe, it's tough to avoid some amount of tearout with briar. Here's a good guide to grinding your own bits!

http://www.sherline.com/grinding.htm

Re: hello , help about metal lathe

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 4:26 pm
by andrew
Premade carbide bits are meant for metal. They make a big mess out of wood. Use tool steel.