Hardware from stainlessbottlestoppers.com

[Jeremy]

I got in on the group buy a while back, and I was wondering what size drill bit you guys use to drill and tap the wood for these particular ones. Also, is there "mandrel" for these like the one from PSI?

 

[KenV]

Depending on the hardness of the wood the drill size is a matter of choice. 75% engagement bit is 5/16 and tap is 3/8 by 16 for most stoppers.

Harder wood can come up in size a 64th or two to about 50% engagement.

Softer woods, I flood the threads with CA and after it sets, refresh the threads with the tap.

(There are a few 1/4 by 20 stopper bases, but do not remember them being stainless).

 

[nava1uni]

I use a 5/16 drill bit and yes there is a mandrel or you can use a 3/8" bolt with the head cut off and it held in a collet chuck. I use a mandrel from PSI that screws onto the spindle and then I turn two washers to the correct diameter of these stoppers and I use it between the back of the chuck and the stopper, then just turn down to that diameter at the threaded end.

 

[Jeremy]

Thanks guys. Nava1uni, by washers I assume you mean ones you turned from wood?