Bottle stoppers.

[anpelch]

I am looking for sites that shows different designs of bottle stoppers and also, if possible, how they're made.
Thanks

[Charlie]

There are two things I do to get ideas. One is to do a search using Google Image for bottle stoppers. You will see a lot of pictures of what others have done which may give you ideas. Another thing I do is look at vases, finials, etc. that are on pottery or furniture for shape ideas. I'll then sit down and draw a bunch of profiles that will stimulate my mind when I'm turning.

How I turn a bottle stopper using a 4 jaw chuck:

1. start with a cube 2" X 2" X 2" and drill a 3/8" hole in the center of one side about 1/2" deep.
2. Glue about a 2" long 3/8" dowel into the hole. If you are in a hurry, use the 5 minute 2 part epoxy. Note: A lot of dowel sold as 3/8" is smaller than 3/8" and would be too loose in the cork. I would make sure the dowel is a true 3/8". I've had good luck using oak dowels.
3. Mount the dowel into the chuck (You could use a lathe mounted Jacob Chuck) where the block of wood is about 1/2 inch or 3/4" from the chuck. True up the bottom (dowel end) and make it just a hair concave making very light cuts. By making it just slightly concave, the cork will fit tighter on the edges. You can use your parting tool for this operation.
4. Then loosen the chuck and move the block of the wood next to the chuck for a stronger clamp. If you don't do this, I find that you might break the dowel if you get a catch.
5. Turn the 2" X 2" X 2" cube of wood to whatever shape you want using a gouge or whatever tool you like to use.
6. Sand. I sand mine down to about 320 grit, but be sure you don't sand away any turning details.
7. Finish with your favorite finish. I like to use a Friction Polish and finish it right on the lathe.
8. put glue onto the dowel and some down in the hole of the cork and slide the cork on the dowl. Push it up tight against the wood. Let dry and trim the excess dowel off flush with the end of the cork. I use the bandsaw to do this.
8. Just touch the bottom of the dowel to a belt sander to smooth the saw cut. Be careful to keep it flat so you don't sand the cork to an angle.
9. Have fun and Good Luck. If you have any problems let me know and I'll try to help.