Joe Fisher
Member
- Messages
- 76
There are many ways to skin a cat but here's how I skin mine.
I found a half log in my pile and bandsawed it into two handle blanks. On top is the drive center I've started using since seeing Alan Lacer at a demo. It's a dead center with 3 notches filed in it. It gives a very secure drive but still gives a little if I do something stupid.
First I make things round, decide which end I want the ferrule on and put a tenon on the opposite end to go in my chuck.
Next I chuck it up, put my Jacobs chuck in the tailstock and drill the hole for the tool, in this case a P&N detail gouge.
Now I use my skew to peel down close to the ID of the ferrule - a 3/4" copper union. I'll then take light scraping cuts to get down to where the ferrule just fits over the end and knock it on the rest of the way with a wooden mallet.
Then cut it in half. It's much easier to do it here than off the lathe. Just resist the temptation to turn the lathe on, please.
Now the fun part. Turn to whatever shape fits your hand. Sand to 150, burn some lines in, then finish sand. I go to 320 on my handles.
Apply the finish of your choice - I've been going with EEE just to make them feel nice. Then part off, sand the base and install your tool.
Here are some of the tools I've handled.
Hope you found that useful
-Joe
I found a half log in my pile and bandsawed it into two handle blanks. On top is the drive center I've started using since seeing Alan Lacer at a demo. It's a dead center with 3 notches filed in it. It gives a very secure drive but still gives a little if I do something stupid.
First I make things round, decide which end I want the ferrule on and put a tenon on the opposite end to go in my chuck.
Next I chuck it up, put my Jacobs chuck in the tailstock and drill the hole for the tool, in this case a P&N detail gouge.
Now I use my skew to peel down close to the ID of the ferrule - a 3/4" copper union. I'll then take light scraping cuts to get down to where the ferrule just fits over the end and knock it on the rest of the way with a wooden mallet.
Then cut it in half. It's much easier to do it here than off the lathe. Just resist the temptation to turn the lathe on, please.
Now the fun part. Turn to whatever shape fits your hand. Sand to 150, burn some lines in, then finish sand. I go to 320 on my handles.
Apply the finish of your choice - I've been going with EEE just to make them feel nice. Then part off, sand the base and install your tool.
Here are some of the tools I've handled.
Hope you found that useful
-Joe