Are all bottle stopper mandrels equal?

[angboy]

I have a bottle stopper mandrel that I got from WT, so I'm sure it's a PSI one. I'm eyeing the stainless steel kits on BB's site. Anyone know if bottle stoppers in general are the same size, meaning that if I use the mandrel I have and turn the block down to match this mandrel, will it then fit on the BB kit?

 

[alamocdc]

Ang, the only stopper mandrel I have is the one I bought from BB since I got all my stoppers from him. This means that I cannot answer your question. However, the stoppers in question use a standard size. Unless you need the bushing that comes with the mandrel, this means you can take a stopper bottom to Lowe's, etc. and buy a bolt with the same threads and make your own mandrel. Just make sure you get a bolt with the threaded part no longer than 3/4" and still have about 2" of smooth metal cylinder behind the threads. Just cut the hex head off and you're in business. Make sense? Oh, and if you do want a bushing, you can turn your own to fit using Corian, or anything suitable. When you gouge it up, turn another.

 

[mewell]

Ang - The Ruth Niles kits are available as EITHER threaded that match the PSI kits or not (see her site at www.torne-lignum.com ). I have, and like, the same BB mandrel Mr. Burt has(AZSBSM-01), and use the PSI kit, but have also used the Niles older style. I see that BB is now carrying a SS stopper that looks like the PSI kit... pretty cool! I'll have to give them a go as an upgrade. We're doing a wine tasting and fine arts & craft show in early August.

 

[LanceD]

I just bought 20 of the Niles stoppers and the base is smaller than the PSI and BB's stopper mandrels. The biggest complaint I get from people when I use the Regular sized stopper is that they are too tall. The Niles stoppers are a nice compact size.

 

[cozee]

If you have a drill or scroll chuck then you can turn any stopper that requires threads. All you have to do is cut the head off of a bolt of the same thread. Chuck it up and use a piece of scrap wood for a spacer between the chuck and the blank. You can turn the wood to the size for the stopper base if needed.