Drilling Acrylic Bottle Stoppers

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dasimm

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
137
Location
Colleyville Texas
I am about to do my first Acrylic Bottle Stoppers - but I have a newbie question. When I did the wooden blank I was able to force the blanks onto the stopper mandrel by screwing them on and having the mandrel thread the wood. Was a challenge for some of the burls but I managed.

My concern is that the acrylic has much less give and if I force it it might shatter the blank. Should I tap the acrylic or can you do it the same way as wood blanks?

Any tips are appreciated. Thanks.
 
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I have the PSI setup. I've been able to drill the wood and acrylic the same way, using the 23/64 bit.

With Tru-Stone I up the bit a little, but I don't know the size I use. (my memory is going).. - Might be 3/8, but do not go by my memory..... Use your calipers.
 
I drill and tap all of my stopper blanks. I also put a dab of wax on the mandrel threads so the blank threads on and off easier.
 
I drill and tap all of my stopper blanks. I also put a dab of wax on the mandrel threads so the blank threads on and off easier.


I drill and tap as well. The only challange is getting the threads straight.
Thanks Dick, I like the wax idea:smile:.

Carl
 
I drill and tap on the lathe using a chuck to hold the blank. Drill at slow speed. When I use the tap I place it in the drill chuck and do it by hand, turning the headstock. I have found that this give me straight threads. I also place piece of tape on the drill bit so I don't drill to far. Just about 1/16 to an 1/8 deeper the threads on the stopper.
 
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