Had a couple of requests as to how I make these. I am sure there are several ways to skin this cat, but this is how I do it. I turn them like bottle stoppers.
I use a foster or spade bit that comes closest to the plug size of the head, I bore this hole about 3/8 deep. This leaves me a little room for counter sinking the head and squaring the blank end if I have to. But I ussually have the blank allready squared. Still leaving the blank in the vise and centered, I then drill a hole for the threaded mandrel, I use a Q or R bit. This is undersized hole, as I tap the hole with a 3/8 x 16 tap. This gives me a secure hold on the mandrell without haveing to worry about stripping the threads.
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I use a Beale chuck with the mandrel, or you can use a drill chuck. I ussually have a small waist block on the end.
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Turn to your desired shape and finish. This is the sample I recieved from Jeff of a stabilized afzalia burl, just sanded and ready for CA finish.
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After the blank is finished and buffed, I set the head with 30 min epoxy and your ready to roll.
Hope this helps.
A couple of Brea acrylics, some of the darkest masur birch I ever had, bocote and brown mellee. Heads are 24mm & over stuffed 28mm. Thanks for looking.
