Having partly satisfied my pen turning urge I now am onto salt and pepper mills. Would any of you experienced spinners like to recommend the best method of boring the blanks. I have read a couple of alternatives, but was keen to explore the "on-lathe" method. In this regard I am interested to hear the most favoured type of drill bit. I am thinking that forstner bits would be the best suited but am open to your experiences.
Tks
Foxy

Forstner bits for sure depending on what size and which mechanisms you use ,will determine what sizes you will need , I am no expert and have made about a dozen 12" pepper/salt mills My original cutters were el cheapo ,but have since switched to Carbide cutters and find them much superior ,not that expensive on Ebay either . So far I have stuck with the crush grinders with a 25yr manufacturers guarantee A few of our Kit suppliers and stockists have them available . I started making them as a break from pens and enjoy the challenge (most times) lol.
Have fun with them ,cheers ~ John

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Have a look at these , It's something I bashed up for working S&P on the lathe

nothing fancy just quick and dirty - let me know if it does what you need

Salty

Attached Files

salt and pepper shakers.doc (131.5 KB, 183 views)

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I am interested in making pepper & salt shakers. Thanks for the info you supplied salty72. What size blanks do I need to start with??

depending on the length of the rod in the S&P kit you will need a blank approx 35mm longer and 50mm round is a good starting point..

remember you can also make the rod in the kit shorter

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Tks John (again) and Salty for your input. All very valuable. Can,t wait to generate some more shavings. Obviously there are a lot of alternative methods to turning the mills, found yours to be fairly straight forward Salty. Had you tried other methods before settling on this one?
Foxy

As someone who makes a few $$ from turning runs a business and works full time for an employer, I try to ensure I streamline everything as much as possible For me this is the fast method I've found. you can turn the top the other way around by this is a bit harder

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Hi Foxy,
I have turned a few pepper grinders mostly using redgum. Yep pretty tough stuff but very rewarding finish. I find an old fence post is about the right thickness, square it up and away you go. I think my first was about 8" long in the old measure, the longest so far is about 18". I have tried several methods of boring and have found a spade bit for a start to suit the mechanism or top piece is good, then drill through using a long auger. Yes I have made some smoke and come close to the side but I have learned too.
I use mechanisms from the local "C" wood work suppliers and have had no issues.

Contrary to pen turning, I drill through before final finishing.

Dave

Attached Images

Pepper Grinders (small).JPG (14.2 KB, 127 views)

As it turns out I finished these three yesterday, one from laminated hardwoods (was a support post) One from Huon pine and one from Black heart Sassafras , these use a crush grind mechanism that pushes in to the bored holes and is retained with a clip into a groove inside ,not meant to come apart all are just on 12" tall and approx 60 mm dia at base and ball top. So many ways to do these just have to find what you like and go for it

Attached Images

	lam2.jpg (55.6 KB, 47 views)
	huon 1.jpg (41.9 KB, 46 views)
	BHS 2.jpg (47.3 KB, 45 views)

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G'day all !Enjoy your stay !!!