Pipe making - drill bits.

[shaintiques]

Hey guys who make pipes,
What kind of drill bits do you use to drill the bowl particularly? Could you post pics? Has anyone ever used a router?

 

[unclearthur]

I use modified spade bits. http://www.pimopipecraft.com/tools.html

 

[mukihr]

i used modified spade bits before but converted to modified HSS drill bits - they cut a lot better in my opinion... much calmer drilling...

 

[stephendownie]

I use these guys. Brad Pohlmann was good enough to make a few sets a couple years back.

 

[juozapas]

Tools of the trade...nice !! :worship:

 

[bubbadreier]

Yep, got to love seeing what you guys are using to make your pipes!

 

[ejames]

I use some modified spade bits also. Would like to have a set like Stephendownie has--would also love to have one of Mr. Downies pipes!

 

[jasongone]

those spoon bits are such a cool design

 

[shaintiques]

Can someone post a pic of a modified spade?

 

[unclearthur]

Modified spade bits.

 

[thesmokindragon]

Nice Unc, I just ordered the 3/4 and 7/8 from Pimo as well, tired of

Dig'in the bowl out with a spoon ;-)

 

[unclearthur]

I grind my own. I'm cheap! I can pick them up by the handful at any junk store for pennies.

 

[thesmokindragon]

I was going to try, but didn't want to hack that up too :-(

 

[unclearthur]

Just make yourself a template and go to it.

 

[ejames]

I traded a pipe I made for my bits. Got 4 spade bits, a tool that drills the mortise and faces the shank in one step and 4 new Imco G77R lighters. He ground the bits and made the mortise tool.

 

[smokindawg]

I use Modified spade bits, Ball nosed end mills and also some regular drill bits. But I cut the shank off my spade bits and use the short version......... Just seems more steady, whether it is or not.
I then use tapered bits on the stems and a good quality brad point 5/16 and 5/32 bit on the airway and mortise.

 

[shaintiques]

Ok thanks for the pics i think im going to try and grind my own

 

[unclearthur]

Just remember to bring the edge all the way back especially with any taper. You are cutting with the whole bit not just the point .

 

[stephendownie]

How did the drill bits turn out?

 

[shaintiques]

Im almost done grinding the first probably will finish it later today. Then do some test drills and see