Trying to find out the optimal speed (RPM)for grinding feathers on a drill press.
My drum says max. rpm of 2500, but I am running it at 860 rpm. That speed works good for me. I also mount a vacuum hose next to the drum to catch the dust.
Jack
There is a Really Good "How-To" from Mickey in the Archives!
Thanks for the replies. I've been trudging along with a dinosaur of a press that spins maybe 500rpm tops. I'd thin the quills on a belt sander then even them out on the press. Today I went out and bought a new press and ground a few dozen at 1390rpm. What a difference! Aside from speeding up the process,I also had a lot less trouble with the drum "grabbing" the quill and sliding it in the clamp using the higher speed.
wear a mask
Roadkill, Yes. Wear a mask. Even if doing this outdoors. You will feel it if you breath it in. Can't be healthy....
Here is the rig I made for grinding feathers. I got a 1/3 HP, 1725 RPM motor for free. It didn't work but it was a simple fix (I'm an electrician). I bought an arbor to fit the shaft and then mounted a 3/8" drill chuck to that. I made a bracket to mount it and then made a clamp per Dean Torges instructions on his web site http://www.bowyersedge.com/feather.html. I cut two pieces of plywood to use as guide board/spacers.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Tools/DSC00100.jpg)
I place the thinner board in place and then grind the edge of the quill.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Tools/DSC00104.jpg)
Next I put the wider guide board in place and grind the quill flat.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Tools/DSC00105.jpg)
Finished feathers.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Tools/DSC00108.jpg)
All of the material I used for this was scrounged material except the arbor.
Dennis