5/8" reamer

[BigB]

I've got some call blanks that I drilled a while ago.  And at the time, I used a 5/8" drill bit to drill them out with.  But now, they've shrunk a bit to where I can't get em on my mandrel.  I've heard some guys use a ream to get it back to size, but my question is to how they power the ream?  Do they power the ream by hand and just use a wrench to turn it, or do the chuck it up back on the drill press and run the ream through the bore?

Thanks,
Brian

[Troy of Run -N- Gun Game Calls]

Bibb,I just use a my hand and a wrench.

[BigB]

twalter,

Are you using a straight bore or a tapered reamer?

Thanks,
Brian

[Al_at_THO Game Calls]

The blanks shrunk because they dried more.  It is easy to fix.  Just take your drill bt and run it through the hole by hand.  Use a pair of pliers or a wrench to get the bit through.

What you've had happen is why you should ALWAYS drill your blanks and then let them sit a few days to a week before drilling.   Usually, even with wood that is dry, there will be some shrinking.

You can use a reamer to open them back up if you want though.  It will give a cleaner cut than the drill bit.  But if you are going to sand and finish the inside of the barrel, that wont really make much difference.

Al @ THO

[BigB]

I drilled about 15 blanks back in September.  I put one on my mandrel, about had it finished, and then did something dumb (my fault) to break the mandrel. :'(  So, I finally got a replacement mandrel, and the 5/8" holes are a bit small now.  I knew they would probably shrink, but didn't know they would shrink this much.  I usually don't worry about them shrinking, because I hand fit all of the toneboards in them about a week after the finish is dry on them.  That's how I usually deal with the shrinkage.  But it looks like I'll have to redrill or ream these out so I can get em loaded up on the mandrel.  I may try the drill bit first.  A ream looks like it'll run me about $32.

Thanks for the help.
Brian

[Troy of Run -N- Gun Game Calls]

BigB Iam sorry I didn't see your post i use a stright reamer.

[GN-1]

I took a cue from Al and made me a sander from a 1/2" dowel with a slit on the end. You can use 80 grit to "ream" the inside of the barrel after they shrink. It also works well for final sanding of the inside of barrels. Shawn

[BigB]

I ordered a reamer from McMaster Carr, and it came in today.  All I can say is WOW.  I wish I would have purchased one earlier.  It makes it a dream to get back to a 5/8 hole after the wood has shrunk.  About 20 seconds of reaming and presto - nice and clean hole.  Thanks for the help.  -Brian