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McNaughton Coring Blades

Joined
Mar 17, 2006
Messages
270
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128
Location
Canton, Connecticut
I was coring a bowl blank in which the largest blade was not quite long enough for the depth/diameter of the blank (17" diameter; 5" depth). Fortunately, the coring was deep enough so that a few whacks with a rubber mallet allowed for separation of the two pieces. I've looked on-line at the different McNaughton blades; they are described by "curvature" and not length. Do the different curves have different lengths? If so, what # curvature blade do I need? Thanks.
 
Well, they have a large set, and a medium set, and I think they still make a small set. For the blade I use the most, it is the medium curved blade. So, for the diameter of the bowl you cored, I would have gone with the medium curved blade from the big set of blades. In theory, they could make longer blades, but that would create huge catch problems for the average user. Might do the same to me, but most of that is a leverage thing, and being 'experienced' I know when to say when.... Your bowl was a bit shallow, so I would have used the large flatter curved blade.

robo hippy
 
I'm relatively new the the mcnaughton, but as robo hippy indicates, they do make a large set, which is thicker than the medium set and is likely a shade longer, as it is advertised for 18-20" bowls IIRC. One of the videos done on the McNaughton indicated that all the sets have similar curves, and you will find that you only use a couple of them regularly.
 
@robohippy - I was guessing at the depth of the bowl with my original post. When you said it is a bit shallow, I went back and measured it. It actually has a depth of about 8" on the interior, and an exterior height of about 9 3/4". I bought my set about 20 years ago; it's probably the medium size set. I'll have to see if someone in my club has a large set to try.

@kirkamidon - thanks for the feedback.
 
The large set should be plenty adequate for that size core. Since you're starting 1.75" in from the edge, you only have to go half way across, and you don't actually cut all the way to the center. The required reach would be more like 7".
 
Good morning Ed,
I did a demonstration video that you can find on Youtube. It should help you determine the correct blade to use for curvature and length. It's long, however what you're needing is at the beginning - lucky for you.:D
 
Ed, here are the mid curve blades for mid and large blades. Same curve radius, big blade seems about 2" longer, giving 1.7" longer reach after curve.
They are pretty reasonable from Lee, at $80 or so shipped.
 

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