Chrome Bottle Opener Turning Kit

• Chrome-plated opener is built to last
• 5/16'' threaded insert lets you remove your blank for quick and easy washing
• Includes a 5/16'' Allen Wrench for installing the threaded insert
• Blank not included

What's In the Box:

• Chrome-plated opener
• 5/16'' threaded insert
• 5/16'' Allen Wrench

I started turning stubby handles and feel they work better than long ones. I can balance the opener between my thumb and first finger easily, making for a great bottle opener. On a fresh blank, I use a 1/2" Forstner bit, drilling only enough to handle the insert. I change to a 1/4" bit and drill enough to provide room for the opener shaft. I use epoxy to hold the insert on software wood. I took a 5/16" threaded rod, added a shoulder nut with a jam nut and put it into a chuck on the lather. I screw the blank onto the rod, continuing past the insert into the wood. This stabilizes the blank when turning learned by trial and error. Installing the insert on a fresh blank helps keep the wood from splitting. I bought some extra inserts so I could turn extra handles. I also asked about buying just the opener no allen key or insert but no luck. I've tried all types of wood, including my first attempts at laminating with polyurethane glue. This is a great project for gifts. I would like to see a stainless steel version but hope the chrome version lasts for many years. As with all wood products, I hand wash these even though the opener can be removed.

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I broke a white pearl pen blank the other day that I had bought from Rockler, Ontario, CA. I hopped on the website to order another and I noticed these kits were new. I was hesitant to order one, but noticed they used the threaded insert similar to the pizza cutter heads. I feel the pizza cutters are great quality so ordered two of these. I used some 8/4 cocoblo I have and it turned out wonderful. 1/2" bit worked fine for my application, but I could see where it could cause splitting with brittle wood species. The heft and quality of these openers is excellent. The whole idea of having a removeable metal piece for dishwashing is genius! I plan on ordering more.

Time for gifts..and this kit came along at just the right time! Like the high end appearance and just turned one for my brother-in-law. I plan on making a matching pizza cutter for him. This will go great with his outdoor kitchen. This is going to keep me busy for awhile. PS: like the threaded insert...to be able to unscrew the opener and throw it in the dishwasher is an extra benefit.

I agree with Peter the 1/2" Forstner drilled hole was a bit tight for hardwoods, fun kit to make,will make a great present but I feel its wee bit expensive. You could trim some cost off instantly by not including the allen wrench with each one!! Which one of us does not have an allen wrench in our tool assortment? You then could also make the packaging smaller thus getting more on the container from China and lower your costs further ..to pass on to us?  That said keep up the GREAT product.