pizza cutter

[bandaideman]

Well boys , girls and puppy dogs too. I turn a little mostly pens but Rockler had a good price on pizza cutters so I picked one up. Tomorrow I will most likely start on my 4th handle for it. I have an oak, Cherry and osage orange. I had trouble with centering the hole for the cutter. I tried turning handle first then the hole. When I screwed in the adaptor or what ever it is called in to the hole the last turn cracked the handle. the next one i made the hole then turned  turned the handle and again the handle cracked. So today I drilled the hole put in the adaptor all was  well. I centered it on the lathe (I thought) but once it was all done the hole was off center. Each one I have cut off the cracked part or the lopsided adapter and now have 3 too short to use handles. I figure they would make pretty bells if I find the bell to go on it. I need suggestions if anyone has done one before. Today I think was the trick b ut monting in on the lathe it was not centered exactly on the center of the hole/ So Help please.

[LarryEA]

Any pictures of the 'failed' parts.

I may be the only one who can't 'see' what you are trying to do.

 

Larry

[spirithorse]

I do not use a lathe but, the cracking problem sounds as if the hole is either not the correct dimension (too small) or

More Likely the hole is just not deep enough and when you make the last turn or two, oops, the crack.

I'd just check those dimensions first.

God Bless! Spirithorse

[bandaideman]

Sorry Larry no pics. Spirithorse I think the hole size was too small. It calls for 1/2 in which I used but today I went to a different bit and it was easier. Evidently my drill bit with  1/2 in on it was not. I used another 1/2 inch spde type drill and it was just a couple frog hairs bigger and so I think I got that down. The main thing is some how when I finish the handle is out of round and the hole is off center. A little can be tolerated but not what I am getting. so tomorrow I will turn the handle then try the bigger bit and hope for no crack.

[Dan]

Make sure the end that you are drilling into is squared to the wood blank. If not, that could be causing the trouble. Are you drilling the hole with a hand drill, a drill press, or on the lathe? Pictures would help too.

[amazingkevin]

You never fail till you stop trying, but some of our talented pen makers will come to the rescue and save you with there prior experience.

[Clayton717]

do you have a 4 jaw chuck to use. that would help hold it square after you drilled the hole and put your live center in the hole. Then when you turned the hole should be centered in the handle.

[bandaideman]

All good ideas. I have a 4 jaw chuck thanks for the Dah moment Claton. I use a drill press and vise to keep It square to the blank. I think the chuck would do the trick. I will let you know how it comes out later. Pictures are issue because I am not the brightes bulb and doesn't seem to matter which forumn I am on posting just is not a doable thing for me. That and right now I don't have a camra. Thanks again for all your help

[Phantom Scroller]

When I turn pens for bic re- fills or anything I need a centre drill hole in, I use the four jaw chuck to hold the wood and a drill chuck with the drill in at the other end and push the drill into the wood slowly.

If you use a small pilot hole first taking it easy in and then withdraw the debris and then the proper size drill will follow that hole. Then do the turning.

 

Roly

[bandaideman]

Just stopped in to say  have success and an handle of oak on the cutter. Now wears the pizza

[amazingkevin]

Sicilian for me !