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Making exotic wood stem covers


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<EDIT> Added pics to help explain where the covers go. The replace the two larger tubes.Well, only a couple pics to start. I will finish the project over the weekend. But for people like Lakemonster that I know will see where this is going I thought I would start with a preview. This first thread will be editted so all the pics will stay at the top. I went to the local Woodcraft store which is just badass. [url="http://www.woodcraft.com"]www.woodcraft.com[/url] and picked up a couple each of bocote and coco bolo. Both are bad ass hardwoodsm incredibly dense. Pretty waterproof although that does not matter much, it's nice.I sanded one side of each to show what the grain of the wood looks like. each piece is about 6" long. I want a set from each wood so I can change the the look of my hookah anytime I want.The pic of my hookah the arrows point to the two covers these replace. Once I get a wood lathe I will make hose ends.[img]http://www.scalliwag.com/hookah/wood/stem.jpg[/img][img]http://www.scalliwag.com/hookah/wood/cocobolo01.jpg[/img][img]http://www.scalliwag.com/hookah/wood/bocote01.jpg[/img][img]http://www.scalliwag.com/hookah/wood/stem02.jpg[/img][img]http://www.scalliwag.com/hookah/wood/stem03.jpg[/img][img]http://www.scalliwag.com/hookah/wood/stem04.jpg[/img]
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it's another thing I would leave to Skimo to make. We'll see. I am sure for awhile after I get the lathe I will want to play with a lot of stuff. But I get bored with repitition generally. That and if I make something I like I hate getting rid of it.
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If it were me, Id bore the inside over a bit. and install some black rubber rings in the ends that make contact to the existing stem. That way, it could be removed without damage. Basically the rubber would just keep it wedged into place.So.. what lathes are you considering? Im still in shopping mode myself. I am flirting with Jet or Taig.. but I may want something bigger.... I need something that will be long enough to throw a Jacobs tailpiece on and still have enough room for 12" or so of material.You will need a Jacobs to do what you are looking at.
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I am taking the existing tubes completely off. Otherwise that is a great idea if I did keep them on. The grade of aluminum they use is easy to scratch and scuff. As far as lathe I am starting with a cheap one from Harbor Freight. Before I load it I will open the box and check the end play and find the tightest one. For prototypes and low volume it will be okay for now.It will buy me time to find a deal on a Jet or Taig. For now I will do my boring on my drillpress since tolerances are not a factor. [quote name='Lakemonster']If it were me, Id bore the inside over a bit. and install some black rubber rings in the ends that make contact to the existing stem. That way, it could be removed without damage. Basically the rubber would just keep it wedged into place.  So.. what lathes are you considering? Im still in shopping mode myself. I am flirting with Jet or Taig.. but I may want something bigger.... I need something that will be long enough to throw a Jacobs tailpiece on and still have enough room for 12" or so of material.  You will need a Jacobs to do what you are looking at.[/quote]
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[quote name='The Dude Abides']I can't wait to see the pictures.  Maybe make a longer, more special looking wooden hose handle too?[/quote] That is what I am thinking. The bocote is so heavy it will have a great feel to it too. They have purpleheart and some exotics I have never seen at Woodcraft. I am like a kid in a candy store in that place.
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[quote name='pauldavis']I was not aware that the stem had covers that just come off like that...do they pop off or slide?[/quote] This particular stem unscrews at each end. I took it apart immediately after I got it because... well because I have to see how it's made ya know? An aluminum tube about 1/2 inch O.D. is threaded at both ends, one screws to the piece the bowl sits on and the other screws into the manifold piece where the relief valve, hose connects, etc. The pieces with the arrows are thin wall tubeswith a decrative washer that keeps them aligned. You can put anything with a hole in it there for the most part which is what I intend to do.
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Yes they are!!! Expensive, but for the amount needed it would still be cheap. To me making an entire stem would not be cost effective at all and a helluva lot harder. Woodcraft has bins with all sorts of woods, but since they are not sanded you have to know what kind of finish to expect. That can be deceiving ya know?
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I added pics at top to help explain where and how the wood will go.Also, these cost $4 and $6 per set plus the labor of making them. So if you have access to tools this is a very inexpensive project. If you have a large vise and a belt sander that will speed up the sanding process. If you have a drillpress with a vise (vise for drillpress) and a 1/2" drillbit that will make drilling the blocks easy. I will show how to cheat with just a hand drill and a saw.
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