From threaded inserts to T nuts

[Drcal]

For quite some time I have had problems properly tapping blanks for bottle stopper turning. Basically, I was experiencing spinning blanks.

Some of you may recall that several days ago, I was experimenting with threaded inserts in bottle stopper blanks. As it turned out, it was really difficult getting the insert threaded in the end grain. As one member said in a post, it was easier for me to try my hit and miss efforts at tapping.

Today, I tried T nuts and it actually worked with a slight, interesting style variation.

Because the flange is almost a full inch in diameter, I countersank a 1" hole with a forstner bit about 3/8 inch deep and then drilled a hole in the center the size of the part of the T nut with the 3/8-16 thread. I made sure it was a snug fit and glued the whole nut in with CA.

It worked for threading onto the mandrel and it worked for threading to the chrome stopper. The look is a recessed chrome stopper. I think it is Ed Davidson whole hides the top of his chrome stopper in the base of the blank (another style chrome stopper).

The photos were quick ones, not great but they tell the story.

I will do this again. The T nut is a little over a buck at Lowe's, considering I have a few dollars in the chrome stopper, that's not cheap.

Carmen

 

[aggromere]

They really look nice. That's a great solution, one that i would never have thought of.

 

[rjwolfe3]

Awesome idea. I will have to check that out myself.

 

[alphageek]

Excellent twist! Sometimes our failures inspire the best work we do!

 

[KenV]

You must have gone for the stainless ones -- the galvanized steel are about $3 for a half dozen.

Have used these as well as the brass threaded inserts (go in best with a bolt in the drill press) when the woods will not hold threads.

I some times have problems finding the ones with the three holes and have to use the prong version - but predrill holes for the prongs and set with a drop or two of epoxy.

I like your over drilling -- will have to try that.

 

[WoodWorkinthe530]

I'm just about to do my first stoppers. I like the idea of the T-Nut and the look of the counter sink but is there any concern about moisture getting into the area around the T-Nut?

 

[rherrell]

I use these for end grain, they work really well and they use an Allen wrench to install so screwing them in is easy. Not sure of the size you use though.

http://tinyurl.com/36kmk7j

 

[Drcal]

I turned 2 more of these today - a piece of cake!!! which for me and all my failures at turning bottle stoppers ...is saying a lot.

Carmen