4mm plug cutter

[PerranOak]

I'd like a plug cutter of 4mm in diameter.

Would a cutter for a size 6 screw be about that, do you think?

Cheers.

 

[woodbloke]

I'd like a plug cutter of 4mm in diameter.

Would a cutter for a size 6 screw be about that, do you think?

Cheers.

Nope...you need a plug which is slightly bigger that the dia of the screwhead...I'd go for an 8mm plug cutter, preferably a Veritas one - Rob

 

[PerranOak]

Sorry, I didn't explain.

I want 4mm (5mm at a push) plugs as decoration, there'll be no screws it's just that some plug cutter are sized, understandably, by the screw size to which they relate.

 

[Digit]

I've never thought of that! Could be interesting.

Roy.

 

[Smudger]

If you don't want many, it may be more cost-effective to buy the plugs, as here.
There are other sources as well - others will know better places to purchase.

 

[Mr Ed]

You could use the smallest size of Miller Dowel which comes with a matched drill bit and in a variety of woods.

I'd also second Robs endorsement of the Veritas cutters.

Ed

 

[Smudger]

That's the ones which come as a rod of tapered plugs? If so, that's the one I was thinking of.

 

[Mr Ed]

Yep thats the ones;

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Mill ... 208188.htm

Ed

 

[yetloh]

Miller Dowel is OK if you don't mind end grain - with shrinkage they are likely to end up proud of the surface . The smallest ready made plug seems to be 6mm. I think you might struggle to find a plug cutter that small - the Veritas ones seem only to go down to 6mm.

Jim

 

[Boz62]

If it's decorative, why not use veneer and a hole punch (as used on leather). They come in smaller sizes than plug cutters as well

Boz

 

[AndyT]

Or you could easily make yourself a one-size dowel plate (ie drill a 4mm hole in a bit of scrap steel) and then hammer bits of the right wood through. Provided end grain is ok.

 

[PerranOak]

Thanks for the great ideas.

I'd like to use the wood that I'm using ... if you see what I mean, then it will always match.

It is decorative but also adds strength as a little pin so end grain is expected.

I tried drilling through a piece of metal, in which I'd drilled a hole, by putting a piece of wood in a drill and drilling down. Would hammering work better? The drilling made the surface all wonky.

 

[AndyT]

There was some more detail and ideas on dowel making in this thread which might help:

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?p=6423

 

[xy mosian]

If you are making quite a lot of this stuff, 4mm dowel, remove the blade from a metal pencil sharpener and drill out the end to 4mm. Carefully grind the end of the blade to suit and refit. Away you go.

If you are talking a couple of short, less than 25mm, pieces, then an add hoc lathe might just be good enough.

HTH

xy

 

[Mattty]

I tried drilling through a piece of metal, in which I'd drilled a hole, by putting a piece of wood in a drill and drilling down. Would hammering work better? The drilling made the surface all wonky.

Hi,
Try cutting the timber for the dowel to 5mm2 sections and short ish lengths- about 100mm. Put a point on the end with a chisel and then knock it through the hole. It should give you a good enough finish.

You can buy dowel plates- this is mine-

I used it too make 4mm dowels for this-

HTH