Shop made turning tool - Handle?

[jtate]

Is there an article somewhere on how to fit a shop made turning tool into a handle. I have a couple of things I could use for hollowing tools and bead-turning tools but they have no handles. I don't know how to do the ferrule around the handle to make sure the tool is secure.

Julia

 

[Dario]

Julia,

Most that I've read use the copper fittings that plumbers use. You can get one of those straight fittings and cut it into 2. If you have a big enough pipe cutter, that will also create a nice indent in the middle where you cut and that will make it even more snug when you install it. Just make sure the indent will be on the tool end side []

I've also seen instruction's on using the threaded hex copper connectors. Some turn it to round afterwards, some leave it as it is.

 

[JimGo]

huh...threaded? Interesting idea. I've only ever seen it using connectors or just pieces of pipe, but I really like the threaded idea. My understanding is that the metal piece serves much the same function as our brass tubes; it reinforces the most vulnerable part of the wood.

Good luck Julia, and be sure to post pics when you're done!

 

[its_virgil]

Iaaue #3, Fall 2004, of Woodturning Design has an article on turning tool handles. I've made several of my own tools and handles. Start withj the appropriate size blank. Drill a hole to accept the tool and use this hole to center the blank on the revolving live center. Hold the other end in a chuck of some kind. Turn to your favorite handle shape leaving a tenon for the ferrel. Both of Dario's suggestion works. I use the brass nuts for attaching the water supply line to the underside of a kitchen sink faucet. I make the tenon the proper diameter so the brass nut can be screwed onto it. Rewmove and soak the threads with thin CA and after it dries I screw on the nut to recut the threads. I use epoxy to do the final gluing of the brass ferrule. I knock off the corners of the brass fun on a disk sander and use a parting tool to rond it to final diameter on the lathe. Glue in the tool, and glue on the ferrule. Waa Laa!
Craft Supplies sells tool handles.
I think I have the issue of Woodturning design and I could email you a copy of the article. I don't think I've even read it. I was making handles before that issue so I passed it by.
Email me it you want a copy of the article.
do a good turn daily!
Don

Here is a picture of the brass nut. It is available at the plumbing section of any home center. Following is a picture of a handle I made.

 

[txbob]

The approach Don has shown is included in Bonnie Klein's book "Classic Woodturning Projects." It's much easier to use a thread on nut as a ferrule than a smooth slip on coupling.
txbob

 

[Czarcastic]

Hate to be a "metoo" but I use the threaded brass hex nuts. They remain snug and do a great job keeping the wood from splitting (that's the purpose of the ferrule, ayway).

 

[KenV]

The plumbing fittings have a closed face. There are two kinds that work well, both the compression fitting that Don Ward shows (face at 90 degrees to the flats, and you can also get a fitting for flared copper pipe connnections that has a cone shaped extension. Either work well.

You do not need the threads to be full depth, and they can taper with shallow at the tool end and deeper at the back (handle end). It only takes about 1/3 of the thread depth to "lock down the fitting" tightly.

High speed steel tools will cut brass easily. The surface is likely to be a bit rough, but either a lathe file or abrasives on a firm backing will produce the nice surface that Don shows. Work through the grits. I have had occasion to remove these, and a strap wrench worked.

 

[MDWine]

I used the copper collar on mine. I turned the shoulder to size, and glued on the copper sleeve. I scuffed up the inside to give the epoxy something to bite on. So far so good... (other pics in album)

 

[JimGo]

Julia, just don't choose as girly a color as Michael, please. I realize you're a woman and all, but...

 

[Fred]

I have made several using a 3/4" black metal water pipe, sanded till bright, and then used a 50 ton press to press black and/or clear reinforced hose onto the length that I would be using as the handle. I turn a brass insert to fit inside the pipe and drill a hole to accept the tool. A set of set screws hold the tool in the handle quite nicely. The extra weight of the pipe is great for added control of the tool while turning AND the pipe can be custom cut for length to fit your working space. The hardest part of making this gizzmo is pressing the reinforced hose onto the pipe. It goes V E R Y slowly and is quite time consuming to do. []

 

[Randy_]

I bought a couple of those copper fittings in anticipation of making some handles; but prefer the look of the brass. Guess another run to Home Depot is in order?? Thanks for the idea!!