Recent content by Iain Allen

It depends if you want an online web shop or just a website to have an online presence to advertise your work or services. I use a website builder/shop called Wix to sell products directly to customers. There are various pricing plans and packages depending on exactly what you want. I just have...

Yes, I do find this which is another reason for finding another method. I have thought about using a lathe but I think the Dremel idea will be quicker. I need to cut about 50 pieces at a time and in 3 different lengths Having tried the Dremel idea with the tube supported either side of the cut...

Thanks Pete I'd wondered about a slitting saw set up. The Dremel idea seems to work, I just need to make a better job of setting everything up. Its not pretty but it will work. Yes you're right about deburring, I don't mind doing a bit by hand but the angle grinder was more than the pipe...

Thanks Seascaper, I have tried the angle grinder idea 2-3 times with different discs (0.8mm) and the burr that is created on the tubing takes longer to clean up and remove than using a hand pipe cutter - I've tried and timed it. Both inside and outside edges need to be smooth and clean A...

Does anyone have any experience with this machine? I'm looking at cutting brass tubing 4.5mm-6mm dia and varying lengths 22mm-32mm and quantities of 30-40, unfortunately my supplier doesn't offer a cutting service. I'd rather keep control of the cutting in case I need to change lengths. I've...

Curious how this will help me with my project. I realise its a hijacked thread, maybe start a new thread.

Thanks everyone for the advice, and I think I will make something myself as suggested. I dug out an old Bosch POF50 that had been languishing in drawer, it didn't work but does now - still needs a bit of tic but will be good enough to experiment with. Keep any ideas and suggestions coming, it...

I am looking for advice about buying a router and table to do some simple template routing, I don’t really know anything about routing although I am researching on the internet, it’s not something I ever thought I’d need to know about. I did look at spindle moulders but sadly my workshop isn’t...

I bought the FU180 twister plus extension bed and work steady from Simon Hope about 2 years ago and I'm very happy with it. I had a Tyme Cub before. Wish I'd made the change before. If you're going to view at Simons beware - he has a nice shop with lots of woodturning accessories. Very easy to...

Hi Previously I had a Tyme Cub but about 18 months ago I bought the Twister from Simon Hope and I'm very happy with it. Its very smooth and quiet compared to my Cub, I've not had a chance to use every setting and I mainly do spindle turning but I'm really glad I bought it. A fellow turner down...

Sadly Simon Hope stopped making smallpipes, Border pipes and practice chanters a few years back but he says he still facies making a set or two if or when time allows. 6-7 months isn't that long to wait for a hand made instrument, I was being quoted 3-5 years for a set of Uilleann Pipes...

As Philip says above a gun drill is the best thing to use, D bits can be used but I prefer gun drills. I bought mine from Hammonds, I think it was about £60 at the time. If intending to make a lot of pcs then this is a worthwhile expense. Hammonds were good to deal with and very helpful when I...

Yew can make nice smallpipes, Ross Calderwood over at Lochalsh Pipes has been using it and making some really nice sets. It may be worth asking him about using it. I personally wouldn't use it for a practice chanter even if you fit a plastic mouthpiece, I'd rather be safe than sorry especially...

Had to try. :) I've a few old tools with good blades. Good tools are good no matter who made them. Iain

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