Peppermill

December 24, 2019

@Woodbutcherbynight This will answer most of your questions on this subject and maybe we coul all try this . It is not really that hard once you start just get snug fits and approach tenon size carefully.

I have had the blank to turn this peppermill for almost a year and the test was done in walnut, the finial piece is a blank of colorply or some other brand of the same . It is red and blue but the Tru Oil made the blue look black. Both pieces came out fine and I just happen to have a good bit of walnut in the shop, but I would suggest a test piece before you commit to expensive wood . My ply blank was $28 and it is probably even higher if you have to order and pay freight as I got it at a symposium.

Now Gunny asked how. Craft Supply has a video I got most of the specifics from the video and sheet instructions.INSTRUCTIONS AND VIDEO.

I had to call a buddy as the video wants you to use a 1 1/16 bit but you can use a 1 inch for the thru hole. To start turn the blank down round and cut tenon on both ends. Mark for the top usually 2-3 inches. You will cut a tenon on the upper part of the base and a spigot 1/2 long on the top( do this after parting the bottom off because you need to size it for a snugg fit into the bottom).

Mount the bottom in chuck and drill the bottom with forstner 1 5/8 for a depth of 1/2 inch. Then drill the thru hole of wither the 1 1/16 or 1 inch about half way thru. Reverse the blank in chuck and drill from the other end. Now mount the top in chuck and drill a thru hole 9/32 . Now turn the spigot 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length to fit the bottom snuggly. The spigot will need a hole to fit the slightly over 3/4 drive plate. I used a 3/4 forstner and then carved just a little bit to get the fit.

Now comes the "fun" part. You will need to turn a drive center to fit the bottom of the base. So it will need a tenon to fit the center and then a wider tenon to fit the 1 5/8 recess. Oh this piece will need a tenon to fit chuck. Mount the base on the drive center and insert the spigot on the top into the top of the base. Then bring up the tailstock with cone center. Turn the body and top to your desired shape. Might help if you draw that out before starting to do this step.

Noe put it together and check for fit . You may need to shorten the rod. NOTE if you do the 1 inch thru hole the bottom grinder will not fit so you will need to carve away a little to fit the bracket (that u shaped piece) so the mechanism will fit.

Have fun . It would be fun to have everyone try to make one and then we could have a contest for best piece @John Morris