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Turning plugs

2K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Wildwood 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I need some 3/4 inch long plugs to fill in holes drilled into a workbench top on the wrong side. The top is yellow pine laminated 3 inches thick and rests on 1 1/4" diameter dowels protruding about 5/8 inch. After completing the top I stupidly drilled my 1 1/4 inch holes on the top side of the top instead of the bottom. Now I need to plug those holes. I have 1 3/4" square stock about four inches long. I can turn it between centers or hold it in a scroll chuck and support it with a tail center. Does it make any difference? I will be turning into end grain. Should I use a bowl gouge?
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
To me a wood plug looks like one in this picture:

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Wood+Plugs+for+Furniture&Form=IQFRDR#view=detail&id=32DDE35698542532D39E7AE7AE283377B2F6FE61&selectedIndex=1

Can certainly turn between center or mount in a chuck turning to diameter & length. Besides ruler & caliper would only need gouge & parting. Mounting in your chuck makes turning easier, because can square up on end that will be seen with a gouge. Just make sure whatever gouge you use is sharp.

If go to link, and click on Videos, Stuart makes it look easy.

If go to Fundamental #3 Video 2: Importance of Sharpening Part 1
It is the 4th video down the page. Will see how wood mounted in a chuck, tool rest placement, and how to get a clean square cut across end grain. Stuart uses a bowl gouge.

http://woodturning.org/education/
 
#7 ·
But there's a new problem I'm wrestling with. I bought a 20 mm brad point bit for the dog holes, thinking that would be close enough for the 3/4 inch holes needed for the holdfasts. Wrong!
Strangely, the 5/8" diameter shanks on the holdfast I've been using on my own workbench for the last 30 years holds pretty well in the 20 mm holes in the new bench, but the larger 11/16 inch diameter holdfast I just bought from Woodcraft doesn't hold well. You have to give it a heavy whack with a hammer. You'd think it would be the other way around. I've been thinking about using a center punch to roughen the surface as shown here: http://www.theenglishwoodworker.com/?p=1329
 
#8 ·
Wood Ingredient Beige Fluid Plastic wrap


I am glad everything worked out for you, workbench base looks like an outstanding.

All the refrigerator magnets I make are end grain turned. As long as you use sharp tools do not need much sanding. I am working on a small end grain crepe myrtle bowl right now. Need to rub out finish.

People should not sweat end grain turning.
 

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