Somebody have pics of handles turned for tools?

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reef12

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Well does somebody have any Pics of handles turned for tools

I have a set Of HF [B)] Tools and want to make bigger handles so was wondering about it.

Also is Red Oak good enough for them.

And websites would be good.

Thanks
 
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There is no correct handle. I make many of my tool handles and I try to make all of them look different at least at the end so that I can identify them when they rest in my bucket o' tools. As far as species of wood goes. I have access to a lot of nice wood so I make handles out of things like, Apple, Granadillo, Purpleheart, Oak, Curly Maple, Canary wood, Billy Webb, Cherry, etc. I even have some Cocobolo and Rosewood waiting to be made into tool handles. I view the hand as a turning that I will use regularly and put a reasonable amount of effort into making it look good. One of my favorites included som off center turning and came out very nice. Another is more tradictional but the curly mape is dyed three different colors. Basically, start buy looking at the tools you already own and go from their.
 
Look at old tools (antiques), there is no standard. The craftsman made each to suit himself. I have made myself a number of handles. Generally, smaller ones I'll make from Osage Orange scrap. Large, long ones, I'll buy hickory shovel handles and cut to length needed then turn to where I like it's feel and balance. There is no special wood that is required. I use hickory because it has natural shock absorbant qualties. Ash would be excellent also.
 
I haven't yet but will and the shape that appeals to me most ergonomics wise are those from Crown. They are a bit heftier for my hands though so mine will be a bit slimmer version but basically same shape.
 
This is the best I can do on short notice. About half these tools have handles I made.

2007119174322_MyLathe-rs.jpg

Hope this helps,
Brad Harding
www.HardingPens.com
 
I had a request off line to describe how I made handles. I might as well post it here in case others want to know.
I start by chucking a blank between a drive centre and a live centre. Turn to shape. Size the area for a ferule, this is the ring strengthening the tool end. You can use any suitable sized piece of pipe for a ferule. I use a piece of copper pipe or a pipe end cap from plumbing fittings. These are easy to find.
I sand and finish with either BLO or polyurethane.
Remove the part from the lathe, sand and finish the bottom end. Hammer the ferule onto the end with a rubber mallet.
Drill a hole for the tool. Drill slightly undersized to create a tight fit. I drill by holding the tool on the drill press table and drilling progressively larger holes. Keep the drill speed down if you are holding the tool by hand like I do, if the bit catches, let go, switch off the drill, free the bit then continue.
Hammer the handle onto the tool by placing the cutting edge onto a suitable piece of scrap wood and hitting the handle base with a rubber mallet.
You are done.
There are a number of better tutorials around the net, many with pictures.
Brad Harding
 
Cool, thanks. I want to turn a handle for my micro beading tool set. I don't want to keep my old wedding ring (previous marriage) and I think I'll use it for a ferrule. I don't remember it costing much.
Rob
 
Originally posted by BigRob777
<br />Cool, thanks. I want to turn a handle for my micro beading tool set. I don't want to keep my old wedding ring (previous marriage) and I think I'll use it for a ferrule. I don't remember it costing much.
Rob
Click to expand...

Rob, if your divorce went like mine, the ring would be best used on a screwdriver! [;)]
 
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