handles for cutters

[Animyzo]

So I just got a set of carbide tools from Eddie castlin and need to make handles. What wood should I use? And any tips on making a square hole?

 

[RBcarving]

A solid, straight grained piece of lumber should work well. Ive used cherry, hickory, sapele, walnut.
Here is one of Eddies videos that shows what to do with the tool & square hole issue.
# 111 handle basics - YouTube

Brad

 

[low_48]

Easiest way to make a square hole is to rip the stock in half, plough a groove with a router bit or dado head, then glue it back together and turn. Any wood will work. Use a piece of pipe for a ferrule.

 

[Dolphinjon]

Easiest way to make a square hole is to rip the stock in half, plough a groove with a router bit or dado head, then glue it back together and turn. Any wood will work. Use a piece of pipe for a ferrule.

I use a similar method when I make cedar knife sheaths for my broom-making knives. The only difference is that I use chisels to cut it out. By the time you're done, the seam is almost invisible.

 

[monophoto]

Three potential approaches:

1. As Capt Eddie demonstrated, use a belt sander to grind down the corners of the 1/2" square bar until it fits inside the 5/8" round hole

2. As the two previous posters suggested, split stock lengthwise, cut a 1/2" rectangular mortise, and then glue the pieces back together before turning the handle.

3. Drill a 3/4" hole 3" deep in the handle, and choose an appropriate fitting to make the ferrule. Then, pad out the 1/2" bar by gluing 3" strips of hardwood onto the flats. Use whatever wood you have available - scraps left over from projects, popsicle sticks, etc. Use epoxy to attach the strips, and wrap the end with painter's tape to hold everything tight until the glue dries. Then, holding the bar in a bench vise, use a rasp and/or sandpaper to remove corners from the wood to create a wooden dowel that will fit inside the 3/4" hole.

My sense is that the first approach is the simplest solution.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Three potential approaches: 1. As Capt Eddie demonstrated, use a belt sander to grind down the corners of the 1/2" square bar until it fits inside the 5/8" round hole 2. As the two previous posters suggested, split stock lengthwise, cut a 1/2" rectangular mortise, and then glue the pieces back together before turning the handle. 3. Drill a 3/4" hole 3" deep in the handle, and choose an appropriate fitting to make the ferrule. Then, pad out the 1/2" bar by gluing 3" strips of hardwood onto the flats. Use whatever wood you have available - scraps left over from projects, popsicle sticks, etc. Use epoxy to attach the strips, and wrap the end with painter's tape to hold everything tight until the glue dries. Then, holding the bar in a bench vise, use a rasp and/or sandpaper to remove corners from the wood to create a wooden dowel that will fit inside the 3/4" hole. My sense is that the first approach is the simplest solution.

I think the first option makes sense. I'd prob use a 3" grinder or file rather than a belt sander though.

 

[ChrisN]

I ground the corners off on a regular bench grinder.

 

[Animyzo]

There, my handles are made. oak. Got to use my new chucks.

 

[steamshovel]

That's a nice job they look good and heavy duty.