feather grinding question

[freeman]

Trying to find out the optimal speed (RPM)for grinding feathers on a drill press.

[Jack Denbow]

My drum says max. rpm of 2500, but I am running it at 860 rpm. That speed works good for me. I also mount a vacuum hose next to the drum to catch the dust.
Jack

[Shakes.602]

There is a Really Good "How-To" from Mickey in the Archives!

[freeman]

Thanks for the replies. I've been trudging along with a dinosaur of a press that spins maybe 500rpm tops. I'd thin the quills on a belt sander then even them out on the press. Today I went out and bought a new press and ground a few dozen at 1390rpm. What a difference! Aside from speeding up the process,I also had a lot less trouble with the drum "grabbing" the quill and sliding it in the clamp using the higher speed.

[Roadkill]

wear a mask

[freeman]

Roadkill, Yes. Wear a mask. Even if doing this outdoors. You will feel it if you breath it in. Can't be healthy....

[Aeronut]

Here is the rig I made for grinding feathers.  I got a 1/3 HP, 1725 RPM motor for free.  It didn't work but it was a simple fix (I'm an electrician).  I bought an arbor to fit the shaft and then mounted a 3/8" drill chuck to that.  I made a bracket to mount it and then made a clamp per Dean Torges instructions on his web site  http://www.bowyersedge.com/feather.html.   I cut two pieces of plywood to use as guide board/spacers.

 

I place the thinner board in place and then grind the edge of the quill.
 

Next I put the wider guide board in place and grind the quill flat.
 

Finished feathers.
 

All of the material I used for this was scrounged material except the arbor.

Dennis