Pipe making - drill bits.

[cbates55]

Hey Unclearthur when you modify the spad bit do you use a grinder or do you use a file? How do you make sure you don't lose the temper for the new cutting edge?

 

[jpmcwjr]

Uncle Arthur hasn't been around since about the time of his post. But Shaintiques is here, and hopefully others have some info.
Got any photos of your work in progress?

 

[cbates55]

Thanks jpmcwjr...

Nothing in the works right now but I want to get/make a proper chamber drill bit.

 

[downinit]

cbates: have you tried these sites:

JH Lowe spoon bits

Vermont Freehand spoon bits

 

[cbates55]

I successfully modified a regular paddle bit into a chamber bit as you can see in the image above. It was fairly straight forward to do it.
Here is what I did...

First I made a pattern of the shape I wanted at the bottom of the tobacco chamber. (I drew half of the shape and then folded it in half and drew the other side)
Then I cut this out and traced it onto the bit that I drew a center line onto it to line up the pattern.
Next I ground the bit to the lines I transferred to the bit. (I stopped just shy of the lines)
The final shaping was done by chucking up the bit in a hand drill and ran it in reverse. This let me use the belt sander to give me the final cutting edge on the bit that matched up on both sides.
After that I tested it on a piece of pine and then a piece of oak.
One down (3/4") two to go, 1/2" and 7/8" or 1".

 

[cally454]

You may want to round it more. Pine and oak are fine. Briar is a different animal. It may be the picture but it looks a little uneven it'll chatter like heck in briar

 

[cbates55]

@cally454

It may be the picture but it looks a little uneven it'll chatter like heck in briar

What I think you are seeing in the picture is the relief cut on the back of the one side.

 

[jeffers27]

I made a trial run of parabolic spade bits for a local pipe maker in Rhode Island and sold some extras on ebay.
They are in the style of Brad Pohlman but are parabolic in profile.
I am considering doing another run of bits in 11/16" 3/4" and 13/16'" sizes. They are machinist made, turned on a lathe, the cutting surface milled and surface ground and then honed by hand.
They cut really nicely producing no burning and clean "floral" chips.
would there be any interest?
The last remaining one can be seen here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/192834268785?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Please let me know if you are interested in pre-ordering them.
Jon

I would need orders for at least 6 sets of three at $180/set to justify the time.

 

[tomislavricov]

Hey guys, what about this bit?
I can't get below 420 RPM. Even at that speed, I can't drill a chamber. Should I go faster?

 

[sthaddix]

Maybe it’s obvious, but I had good luck using a twist drill bit for the majority of the bowl and then I just clean up and roundthe bottom with the ground spade bit discussed. The rest of the bowl provides perfect guidance.