Wine Stopper or Bottle Stopper

Turning a wine or bottle stopper is similar to turning a pen. Use the same lathe, same turning tools.

Start with a blank of wood 1 1/2" X 1 1/2" X 2".
This will be placed in a drill press vise ready to drill, you may want to start with a Foster 3/4" drill bit to recess
the hole depending on type bottle stopper you are using. If you do recess the hole, then center Fostner bit on
the blank and drill down 3/8 of an inch.
Next insert a 6mm drill bit and drill down 1". This will be the first step if you decide not to recess the hole.

You will need a bottle stopper mandrel, attach the mandrel to the head stock. Then screw the stopper onto the
mandrel using the 6 mm hole just drilled. Now pull up the tail stock and tighten to secure.

Using a skew and spindle gouge turn the stopper to desired shape. Sizes and shapes may vary.
Remove tail stock and finish turning. I use a spindle master for most of my turning work.

Now sand using progressive grits of sand paper to 600 grit. Apply finish, this can be wax, sanding sealer, wood
turners wax or a CA finish.

Remove the turned piece and glue the head to the stopper with thick CA glue. I always use epoxy

There are a couple of different types of stainless steel stopper. Some people use a dowel in the hole and glue a
cork to the other end. See my web site for more on turning.

Randy
http://nokeswoodworks.com