[Quickstep]

I want to be able to turn a small bead, say 3/8", on a pepper mill. What the time tested way to do this if I don't have a beading tool? I've looked on youtube, but all I've found are big beads.

 

[Dave Paine]

I want to be able to turn a small bead, say 3/8", on a pepper mill. What the time tested way to do this if I don't have a beading tool? I've looked on youtube, but all I've found are big beads.

Many beading tools available.

Either "roll your own" with this tool. A beading/parting tool. I have similar one. Great for parting. I am not yet good at making beads with this. I can get a curve, but not a nice consistent bead.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2005238/15455/woodriver-38-beading-and-parting-tool.aspx

Another "roll your own" a detail spindle gouge.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2003728/24317/crown-propm-detail-gouge-38.aspx

There are dedicated beading tools, essentially machined scrapers like this one. Easy to use, but if the wood is subject to tearing, you will need to sand.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2000407/3898/sorby-38-beading-tool.aspx

D-Way make a very good beading tool.

http://d-waytools.com/tools-beadiing.html

 

[NCPaladin]

A 3/8" bead isn't real small to me.
If you go here John shows turning beads with both a spindle gouge and the skew. john60lucas if the link is bad.
http://www.youtube.com/results?sear...0j6.16.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.eLgYtmsqk4E

I usually use a skew leading with the heel but most people don't like the skew.

 

[sawdustfactory]

No real difference between turning a big one and a small one, just tool size and detail. Great to practice on scrap is a bead and cove stick. Use different tools until you feel comfortable with them. Do different sizes. Let the shavings fly and have fun.

 

[EastexToolJunky]

Ditto on the practice. Get some scrap and a detail gouge and practice rolling.

 

[Tambotie]

Hi Practice with the skew to make beads and for coves the spindle gouge. These are the tools I have been using for the past 37 years from 1/12 scale chair legs to table legs all it takes is practice practice and more practice. Tamboetie

 

[Quickstep]

I tried doing some with a Sorby Spindlemaster. I had some success, but I got a lot of catches, including some pretty scary ones. It it just a matter of practice, or is that just the wrong tool?

 

[Dave Paine]

I tried doing some with a Sorby Spindlemaster. I had some success, but I got a lot of catches, including some pretty scary ones. It it just a matter of practice, or is that just the wrong tool?

Practice is needed with any tool.

The Sorby Spindlemaster gets mixed reviews. I think Sorby are trying to make a tool which is less prone to catches than a skew. Their marketing videos make it look so easy.

I think you would be better off learning to use another tool, skew, beading tool, etc.

Some folks find it easier to use certain tools than others.

In some of the replies are folks who have been using skews for a long time.

A skew is a very useful tool, but it can be one of the more difficult. I for one am working on trying to improve my success rate with a skew. Normally when I feel I am doing well, I make one more pass and BANG, catch. Drat - or should I say expletive deleted. :laughing:

 

[Quickstep]

Thanks, Dave. I'm pretty much a newbie, so it's all new to me. I really should practice on some scrap, but somehow I always end up trying new techniques on "real" projects and a catch not only scares the bejebees out of me, it makes a mess of the piece. As a result, I tend to put those tools aside and not try them again. The beading tools look like they'd be relatively easy to use, but I'd need to do a lot of beads to make them feel worth what they cost.

 

[Dave Paine]

As a result, I tend to put those tools aside and not try them again. The beading tools look like they'd be relatively easy to use, but I'd need to do a lot of beads to make them feel worth what they cost.

I understand.

If you want to justify a multi-purpose tool, I have this one from Sorby. Nominally used for hollowing, but it has many potential uses.

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Mer...Code=packard&Category_Code=tools-srby-ht-mtss

It also has available some cove cutters and bead cutters.
This is the 3/8in / 5/8in.
http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Mer..._Code=108707&Category_Code=tools-srby-ht-mtss

All the inserts are shear scrapers. The pro is very easy to use. The con is some woods tear out.

Give this some consideration.

 

[duncsuss]

I really should practice on some scrap, but somehow I always end up trying new techniques on "real" projects and a catch not only scares the bejebees out of me, it makes a mess of the piece.

Been there, done that ...

My (partial) solution was to book myself in at the local Woodcraft when I saw they were running a class called "making friends with your skew".

The teacher provided the scrap wood, and the guidance, and the corrections to my poor form, and the "forensics" when I got a catch to show where I'd put the tool and what the error in that had been.

For me, it was worth the money ... hope I don't forget what I learned next time I do some spindle work!

p.s. forgot to mention, the number 1 reason I took the class was because I was having trouble making beads and wanted to make some "traditional" peppermills ... I really should start those mills ...