Anybody Turned a Pen Blank on a Drill Press?

[Cadorman]

I'm going over to my local Rockler this morning to pick up a Purple Heart pen blank (3/4 x 3/4 x 6 actual) to make a tremolo bar end for the Jackson. I've never done this, so looking for input.

I figure I will start by sanding all four edges making an octagon and cut it in half lengthwise before chucking it up in the press. Then just turn on the drill and hit it with a sanding block to shape and round it.

Do you think it will work?

 

[syscokid]

One way to find out, right?

 

[iblive]

One way to find out, right?

Agree. Take photos of finished product.

Made an adapter to connect vacuum line from the power brake booster to the new carb on my SB Chevy. Two brass adapter pieces and some JB Weld. Chucked it into my handheld drill to make it look “pretty.” Painted it black. Can’t tell I didn’t get it at my local NAPA.

 

[Cadorman]

Agree. Take photos of finished product.

Made an adapter to connect vacuum line from the power brake booster to the new carb on my SB Chevy. Two brass adapter pieces and some JB Weld. Chucked it into my handheld drill to make it look “pretty.” Painted it black. Can’t tell I didn’t get it at my local NAPA.

What carb did you put on it?

 

[Cadorman]

Here are the guinea pigs. I got 2 for $6.41 with tax. 3/4 x 3/4 x 6 inches.

 

[Cadorman]

Anybody need a 4' x 4' x 5' powder coat oven? It's only been used a few times to heat treat aluminum bicycle frames. And it's on wheels. 220V single phase.

 

[Cadorman]

Marked for center.

 

[Cadorman]

Cut in half and ready to drill for mounting hole.

 

[Cadorman]

Hole drilled. Wish I still worked so well.

 

[Cadorman]

Fits perfectly. I could leave it like this? Wait a minute, I could shape it into a.....

 

[Cadorman]

Going to attempt to use the machine vise as a V block. Paper towel is to keep it from getting all scratched up.

 

[Cadorman]

Almost
A few minutes outside with my trusty palm sander and it is nearly round.

 

[Cadorman]

Going to try this now.

 

[Cadorman]

It appears to be working.

 

[jtcnj]

NIce! i need a vise for mine.
I think it should be fine if you dont put much side pressure on it.
I think I read regular use of this can damage bearings.

 

[Cadorman]

Call me lazy. It's like turning brake rotors. Kinda. No pressure is being applied. Just allowing the wood to hit it on the high spots.

 

[iblive]

What carb did you put on it?

Swapping a Rochester Qjet for a Holley. Vacuum port on the Holley was several sizes smaller.

Guess my point was if you don’t have a lathe some form of drill can be made to work.

 

[Cadorman]

Swapping a Rochester Qjet for a Holley. Vacuum port on the Holley was several sizes smaller.

Guess my point was if you don’t have a lathe some form of drill can be made to work.

Good call. I hate Quadra-Jets.


I did turn it into a lathe. Got the file on a compound angle so just a wee bit of the edge touches. Then I rotate the table into the wood maybe .5 mm and run the arbor up and down very slowly a couple of times before I move the table in again. Now it is cutting like a brake lathe.

 

[RVA]

Reminds me of this

Wood Switch Tips

I was looking for 3 way toggle switch tips, and the price annoyed me. So I had the idea to try and make them. So far, I Ordered this drill bit and tap set www.amazon.com/dp/B0849LDH5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_HRTBR960Y72KFM7FAEQA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I watched this video And I already have...

www.thetonerooms.com

 

[iblive]

Good call. I hate Quadra-Jets.

View attachment 70170
I did turn it into a lathe. Got the file on a compound angle so just a wee bit of the edge touches. Then I rotate the table into the wood maybe .5 mm and run the arbor up and down very slowly a couple of times before I move the table in again. Now it is cutting like a brake lathe.

Got a former coworker that understood Qjets and knew how to tune them. He preferred them over Holleys. But for us commoners…. a Holley has always seemed easier to work on and tune.