Pepper Grinder

[Sean Troy]

The pepper grinder I'm trying to make calls for a 1 1/16" hole up the middle to fit the mechanism. I can't find anything that size to make the hole. I'm trying to do this for fun so I would rather not have to use a gouge to reach all the way up through the grinder. Can I use a 1 1/8" Forstner bit or would that be to much slop? Thanks for any help, Sean

[Keith Palmer]

Are you using the crushgrind? I had the same problem, but my instructions also listed a 26mm for the dimension and I was able to find one of those at my Rockler store.

I also just found these instructions (http://www.allthingspepper.com/pdf/SHAFTInstructions.pdf) saying to use a 1" hole and then turn the plastic top piece down to fit snug.

Hope this helps!
Keith

[Paul Atkins]

Could you use a 1 1/8" spade bit ground to fit? How about a boring bar setup after using a 1" bit? I've got to make 2 grinders in the next few days too.

[Sean Troy]

What I just found out was it is important to use the 1 1/16" bit. Forstner bit are the best. Woodcraft is supposed to have them I'm told. Sean

[Sean Troy]

My wonderful wife just called and found the bit at Woodcraft. Making Pepper grinders tonight ! This might be a new addiction.

[Greg Just]

I use my Dremel tool to grind the tabs off just enough to make it fit in a 1 inch hole for the Crushgrind mechanism. Looking forward to seeing your mills.

[Dale Coons]

I bought mine there--forstner.

[Thomas Canfield]

Sounds like a good excuse to buy the other set of Forstner bits that go up by 1/8" for the 1/16" to fill the gap of the normal set ending in 1/8". I picked up a Chinese set to 2 1/16" a few years ago for about $40 and don't use them very often but they are handy when the occasion comes up. Now I need to get a longer extension to compliment my 4" to go deeper.

[John Altberg]

Made my first mills the other night from the 6" kit from Woodcraft. Got the Woodriver (house brand) 1 1/16" forstner bit and the extender. Worked like a charm at 450 RPM on the lathe, as long as you back out and clear the shavings often. Also ground a small flat area on the shaft of the bit, so the set screws on the extender would grip better.

[Brian Brown]

Got mine at Woodcraft. I think the odd size for the holes in the peppermill mech. were designed specifically to sell more forstner bits.

[George Clark]

Packard Woodworks offers pepper mill drill bit kits, both
Colt Maxicut (expensive) and conventional forstner (inexpensive).


http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=packard&Product_Code=151140&Category_Code=


http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=packard&Product_Code=154012&Category_Code=

[Sean Troy]

Does buying woodturning tools and supplies ever end? First it was basic turning tools, then hollowing tools, of course I had to start turning pens and now this? Holy cow !!LOL

[paul wiser]

lee valley tools has a 1 1/16" forstner bit. that is what i use for the hole. however i found that a 1" works better if i sand it out a little with 100 grit paper to get a nice fit. good luck!!

[Harvey M. Taylor]

The reason for the one and a sixteenth hole is:the grinder mechanism is one inch, but if you drill a larger hole, the peppercorn will work around the grinding mech. and fall in your plate, which is what you dont want. My observation, anyway. Max.

[Josiah Bartlett]

I've used the Rockler mechanisms which have a round grinder with a sheet metal tab to keep it from spinning. They call for a 1-1/16" hole as well. I bored the hole to 1" and use a mortising chisel to cut slots for the ears of the tab. This results in a tighter fit and takes the torque of using it off the screws.

[John King]

If you plan on making several peppermills, don't waste your money on cheap forstner bits. They will dull in a hurry when cutting hardwood end grain. Buy the good stuff - Colt Maxi Cut forstner bits.

They are available at Packard Woodworks (http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=packard&Category_Code=drilling-bits-maxicut) and Craft Supplies USA (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Shop___Safety___Shop_Supplies___Maxi_Cut_Forstner_ Bit___maxi_cut?Args=).

[Mark Kohler]

If you are in fact usung the crushgrind mechanism with a shaft they call for three bores that are of the 1/16 variation. I have a forstner set to the 1/8th that I use, then make adjustments to fit.

Only the top 1/4" of the shaft actually NEEDS to be 1-1/16. I bore the hole at 1" then sand the top 1/4" down to a 1-1/16 opening.

The hole that accepts the grinder mechanism is called out at 1-9/16. I bore at 1-1/2 then shave the ridges off the mechanism (with a utility knife) to fit.

The hole in the top which accepts the stopper is called out at 15/16. I bore to 7/8 and shave the ridges off the mechanism to fit.

The grinder and stopper are adhered with epoxy to prevent any movement.

I attached an image to clarify. It's my first time attaching, hopefully it works out.



http://img13.imageshack.us/i/grinderpdf.pdf/