Tea Clipper
Member
Caution, long post follows:
Background:
After seeing the tutorial for a pocket watch on Russ Fairfield's site, I knew I had to try one. I bought a starter kit from PSI and two big blocks of Cocobolo and Bocote. I used a bandsaw to slice a couple of 1/2" pieces off like you would bread from both blocks. Next, I installed the 1 3/8" Forstner bit in my drill press, and after clamping the wood down, began to 'drill' the wood. Actually, nothing really happened. I had to use a lot of force to get it to start cutting. It wasn't long before smoke appeared; however I'm not taking off hardly any of the wood, so if I want to get down 1/4", I'm going to have to make smoke. After going slow, making small cuts by letting off a few seconds after smoke, I eventually make my 1/4" cut. I take the piece out and notice that on the other side is a black mark (that is still bubbleing!) that had burned through matching the location of the center point.
Questions:
1) The above happened to both woods. Does this sound right?
2) Russ grinds down the center point for clearance. What would happen if I just grind it off completely.? Is it really needed?
3) If I need to keep the point, what if I drill a small hole for it?
4) The Forstner bit from PSI is brand new... I have no idea how to sharpen it... so I bought a Titanium Nitrate set (on sale at HF) and it performed somewhat better.
Well, maybe nothings wrong? Perhaps this is what to expect for the two hardwoods, and I'd have an easier time with a softer wood?
Any ideas/advice would be welcome. Thanks!
Background:
After seeing the tutorial for a pocket watch on Russ Fairfield's site, I knew I had to try one. I bought a starter kit from PSI and two big blocks of Cocobolo and Bocote. I used a bandsaw to slice a couple of 1/2" pieces off like you would bread from both blocks. Next, I installed the 1 3/8" Forstner bit in my drill press, and after clamping the wood down, began to 'drill' the wood. Actually, nothing really happened. I had to use a lot of force to get it to start cutting. It wasn't long before smoke appeared; however I'm not taking off hardly any of the wood, so if I want to get down 1/4", I'm going to have to make smoke. After going slow, making small cuts by letting off a few seconds after smoke, I eventually make my 1/4" cut. I take the piece out and notice that on the other side is a black mark (that is still bubbleing!) that had burned through matching the location of the center point.
Questions:
1) The above happened to both woods. Does this sound right?
2) Russ grinds down the center point for clearance. What would happen if I just grind it off completely.? Is it really needed?
3) If I need to keep the point, what if I drill a small hole for it?
4) The Forstner bit from PSI is brand new... I have no idea how to sharpen it... so I bought a Titanium Nitrate set (on sale at HF) and it performed somewhat better.
Well, maybe nothings wrong? Perhaps this is what to expect for the two hardwoods, and I'd have an easier time with a softer wood?
Any ideas/advice would be welcome. Thanks!