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→Pre-molded stems
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== Stems == | == Stems == | ||
=== Pre-molded stems === | === Pre-molded stems === | ||
Pre-molded stems come in a fairly large variety of shapes and sizes. They are available in both Vulcanite and Acrylic/Lucite. These are useful for the beginner | Pre-molded stems come in a fairly large variety of shapes and sizes. They are available in both Vulcanite and Acrylic/Lucite. These are useful for the beginner pipe maker & pipe repairman. Extensive work is needed on most pre-molded stems to get them to fit the pipe properly, and conform to the shape of the pipe shank. If the stem is being fitted to a "bent" pipe, it will also need to be heated and bent to shape. In addition to fitting the stem to the stummel, most hand made pipe makers will make significant modifications to pre-molded stems by thinning the bits, and opening up the air ways. | ||
Pre-molded stem tenons are oversize so that they can be fit precisely to the mortise in the shank. Either the integral tenon is turned, sanded and buffed to the correct diameter, or a retro-fit Delrin tenon can be used. [http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Pipe_Making#Delrin_tenons]. | |||
[[Image:PTTT.jpg|thumb|Pimo Tool, courtesy [http://www.pimopipecraft.com/tools.html Pimos]]]Turning integral tenons to size is best done on a metal lathe. To accomplish this the stem must fit through the center of the lathe chuck. After the stem is mounted, turning the tenon to size can be handled much like turning a tenon on rod stock (see [[Turning Tenons]]). Without a suitable lathe, a device such as the Pimo Tenon Turning Tool can be used in either a drill press, or a mounted power hand drill (see [[Using the Pimo Tenon Turning Tool]]). J.H. Lowe and others also make tenon turning tools for this procedure. While there are many better alternatives, the Pimo tool is the cheapest, and will get the job done once mastered, but most pipe makers will soon see that a metal lathe is worth the investment. | |||
Using a Delrin tenon is an excellent solution on pre-molded stems, and avoids the pitfalls of turning an integral tenon. The trick with using Delrin is accurately facing and drilling the stem in preparation to gluing in the Delrin. Any deviation from 90 degrees between stem face and tenon will make it impossible to have a flush fit to the stummel. Again, a lathe makes this a simple procedure. A drill press or mounted power hand drill can also be used, but the stem must be held in a vice or jig to insure the finished tenon and stem face are kept perfectly square. First cut off the existing tenon, mount it in the vice or jig, face off the stem (Forstner bits are excellent for this), and drill mortise in the stem for the Delrin (see [[Using Delrin Tenons]]. | |||
[http://www.jhlowe.com/supplies.htm J.H.Lowe] and [http://www.pipemakers.org/ Pipe Makers Emporium] carry a fairly decent selection of pre-molded stems. For other suppliers see the Materials and Supplies section at the bottom of this page. | [http://www.jhlowe.com/supplies.htm J.H.Lowe] and [http://www.pipemakers.org/ Pipe Makers Emporium] carry a fairly decent selection of pre-molded stems. For other suppliers see the Materials and Supplies section at the bottom of this page. | ||