How to Make a Dibble for Gardening Using a Lathe
George VondriskaIf you, or someone you know, dabbles in gardening, you need to learn how to make a dibble for the dabbler. A dibble is used for planting; it’s very helpful for producing a hole for a bulb or seed, and getting the hole just the right depth.
Lathe work
Learning how to make a dibble is pretty straightforward. After gluing stock up for the blank, the blank is turned on the lathe. This allows you to produce the required taper, along with the grooves that are used for depth markers. We provide you with a hot technique that really makes the depth marks pop. If you’re not well versed in lathe turning techniques, or just want a refresher before you start on this turning project, Woodworkers Guild of America has you covered. We’ve got lots of great articles and videos that will help you learn or refresh your turning techniques.
More turning projects
Warning, lathe turning is very addictive. One of the great things about most lathe projects is how quickly you can make them. Instant (or nearly instant) gratification is great. Woodworkers Guild of America has lots of woodturning projects available for you.
For more information on Titebond II or Titebond III visit www.titebond.com, or call (800) 877-4583
I’m a lung transplant recipient and am interested in your air supply face shield. Brand name and source would be helpful. I will make a dibble for my wife. She is working on becoming a Master Gardener here in (Roll Tide) Tuscaloosa, Alabama
1) What speed were you turning at? 2) If I would like a more durable finish, assuming poly the best choice, what type and number of coats? TIA
Hi Paul. After the piece is round, you will probably want to turn that at somewhere between 1300 – 2000 RPM, depending on your experience level and confidence around a lathe. The higher the RPM the easier it is to get a nice surface finish right off the chisel, but slowing it down a bit can be more comfortable for newer turners.
I believe that this stuff would be a very good choice for a dibble: https://amzn.to/2A2tiXf
Thanks
Paul-Woodworkers Guild of America
I guess while asking … what is a pretty decent lathe you might recommend as well? I was hoping I can get the 12 inch version at Harbor Freight for $300. It has decent reviews even though Im always a little skeptical of their larger items. What do you recommend here I guess? Thanks
Hi, Jonathan. I think that there are lots of good choices out there today. In that price range I’d suggest looking at mini lathes from Jet, Rikon, Grizzly, and Delta.
Please tell me where to get the facemask you are using and also what is a pretty good starter set of tools to get? I dont want the most expensive set out there but don’t mind bumping up a couple notches to get a decent set. Thanks
Hi, Jonathan. The face mask is a Tend Airshield Pro: https://www.amazon.com/TREND-AIR-PRO-Airshield-Faceshield/dp/B002Q0Y5IU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489684864&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=trend+airshield+pro&psc=1
In terms of good value sets, I recently purchased a couple Benjamin Best sets from Penn Industries; one set for spindles and one set for bowls. These are well made and provide a good tool at a good value in my view. https://www.pennstateind.com/store/lathe-chisel-sets.html
Can I get the Dia of the bottom and top of the marks for the dibble?
Hi and thank you for your question. The dimensions are provided within the video at the 2:56 mark. Hope this answers your questions. (ZD: 3505)
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