Ligero problem, is it just me?

[darbytee]

Okay guys and gals, I've tried turning three ligeros now and have blown out the top barrel near the bushing on each one. I do still have an occasional blowout but three in a row is excessive even for me. My theory is that the 17/32 bit leaves too much of a gap with the tube. On the other hand I've seen Anthony and others post ligeros that came out beautifully. I'd love to try a 33/64 bit but I don't have one and I bought this 17/32 one specifically for this kit (meaning I don't want to buy another one). Anyone have any insight?

 

[DCBluesman]

Fred--I've not had that problem with the Ligero, but I have the 33/64" bit. I don't remember what glue you use for your tubes, but if you use CA, you might want to consider polyurethane glue or epoxy to fill the gap. While it seems trivial, 1/64" is faily significant (It's thicker than the wood it is trying to support). Another option would be to turn to your 80-grit gouge when you get close.

 

[ctEaglesc]

Do you plug your tubes and put glue in the blank?
Ca glue works fine but I have been coating the inside of my tubes with thin and re-drilling and have no problems.

 

[Geo in Winnipeg]

The instructions call for a 17/32" and a 31/64" drill. Where does the 33/64" drill come in? Am I missing something or has there been an update? I have a few Ligeros but haven't tried them yet. I wouldn't want to mess them up.

 

[darbytee]

Lou and Eagle, thanks. I should have given a little more detail. I use gorilla glue and I do plug the ends with baseplate wax before gluing, but I normally just put glue on the tube and twist as I insert it to ensure I get good coverage. Eagle, could you explain what you mean by re-drilling?

George, sorry for any confusion. The 33/64 was just me implying that I thought it would work better than the 17/32 for this application. It's not anywhere in the instructions.

 

[Geo in Winnipeg]

It's ok Fred, I'm used to being confused so no problem [] I just thought maybe there had been some changes or improvements made.

 

[ctEaglesc]

With all the glue ups I am doing,I have made it a practice to drizzle thing CA in the hole of the blank after I drill them.
This insures a solid urface inside the pen and works well on softer woods and corn cobs.
After I drizzle the CA in teh tube I run the drill bit through them.
I have had very few problems with blow outs and CA glue and that is all I use.
On those that did blow out I noted very little glue on the tube where the wood was missing.
I also scuff my tubes very roughly and my bench sander.

 

[wayneis]

Fred I use a long nail to mix and spread glue inside the holes of the blanks, then I roll the tube in glue, that way I know for certain that every bit of tube and the inside of the blank is coated with glue. I haven't had a blow-out in months. I use epoxy 5 minute glue on all materials, woods, acrylic, celluloids everything.

Wayne

 

[bdar]

After talking to Eagle about his glue up method I have not had a blow out since changing. I always scuffed up the tubes but never thought of lining the hole with glue. I have used both CA and Rapid Cure expoy and have not had a failure since. I re-drill the blanks on the lathe and when I am in the house I have a 7mm drill epoxied into a handle so I can clean a few up while watching the tele.

Bdar