Replies

1. 
   Jimurock | Oct 15, 2009 07:16pm | #1

   Ideally you could make new handles to fit.  That's what I've done with my LN bench chisels, whose handles are easily replaced.  There's less need of cushioning, I find, when you have a good fit.  One thing you might try is bulking out the handle with hockey tape.  That's what Rob Cosman does with his fretsaws, and charges accordingly.  The stuff's a tad sticky, but that makes it less likely to slip.  What's made the most difference for me has been finding a pain-free chisel hammer for use on half-blind dovetails.  I used to use a traditional Crown wooden mallet that wasn't heavy enough, and bounced off the chisel handle -- painfully.  Now I use the heaviest Glen-Drake (#4), and the difference is remarkable.  It sits in your hand like it was sculpted for it, and it's heavy enough not to need a meaty swing.

   Personally I find the arthritis the most painful.  My doctor consoled me by pointing out that if you get Dupuytren's contracture after age 60, you'll likely be dead before it's much of a problem.  Gee, thanks Doc.

   Cheeers, Jim

1. 
   wotnow | Oct 15, 2009 07:42pm | #2

   Thanks JimHadn't thought of sporting equipment tape. Guess a lot of my gray cells have fallen prey to my single malt painkiller. Grasping and holding tight are my main problem eg chip carving knife and I seem to have developed dropsy. Recently had carpal tunnel surgery, supposed to be keyhole surgery. Must have been a bloody big key as the scar is 2 1/2" long. The internal scar tissue is the problem as pressure on it is a bit rough, hence the cushioning. Might have to take up carving with a chainsaw.Cheers mateBruce

1. 
   user-120515 | Oct 15, 2009 11:38pm | #4

   Bruce, how would you rate the success of your carpal operation? I have an apointment to see about getting both my hands done shortly.

1. 
   wotnow | Oct 15, 2009 11:55pm | #5

   AlanAfter years of pain, no sleeping, pins and needles the relief was instantaneous. As I mentioned the only problem is the internal scar tissue and with a bit of luck it will disappear with time. Don't get them both done at once though, she who must be obeyed told me that on no account would she wipe my butt for me.Go for it mate the relief is wonderful.Bruce.

2. 
   Wingdoctor | Oct 17, 2009 02:51am | #9

   Hi Bruce, another Bruce here. I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right wrist in 1975. The scar tissue was a big problem for me at that time. I know (hope?), that the surgery process has improved since 1975 because I had problems with the scar tissue for over 10 years. During that time any extended work swinging a hammer , for instance, would lead to a lot of pain, redness, and swelling in the wrist. I do know other people since then that have had very little trouble after surgery so perhaps the effect depends on the individual. My scar is over 3" long and the problems have went away with time. Today I do not have any problems with the wrist.

   Let's hope that yours heals quickly and painlessly.

   Bruce"A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan

1. 
   wotnow | Oct 17, 2009 03:16am | #11

   Hi BruceFeels like I'm writing to myself. Know what you are saying about swinging a hammer. The relief after the op is well worth any minor pain from the scar I have to admit....... now about getting old, any ideas there mate.Bruce

1. 
   Wingdoctor | Oct 17, 2009 03:46am | #12

   Well.... I have gotten old, 64, and I just seems that every day there is a new pain somewhere. I just keep trying to do everything that I want to do and while it is not as easy as it used to be, I can do most things. I still work full time and make dust when I have the time and energy.

   You know, the mind does not age, but the body does. Your brain says I can do everything I could at 18, the body says "Un-Unh!!!!.

   An old timer told me many years ago, "If after 40 years of age you wake up and something is not hurting, You know you died during the night!" I thought he was pulling my leg; I've since found out he was pretty smart!

   My 70 year old friend has a sign in his garage that says, "Over the hill, and gaining speed!" I guess age is just how we let it affect us.

   Hang in there, the wrist will get better.

   Bruce"A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan

2. 
   wotnow | Oct 17, 2009 05:43am | #13

   Since I've retired I found I have been busier than ever before. There seems to be an urgency to get done those things you always wanted to do but were always too busy to do. As I said previously I have some pieces left in me I want to do. I have noticed that lots of people I know have approached me saying "now you have retired and have plenty of time could you......" That helps keep you busy.I like to think that I am now approaching middle age. Yeah?.... Right!
   Body behave!
   Between scratching myself and stirring my coffee I'm managing to keep my automatic watch wound so can't complain too much.Bruce

2. 
   Shoemaker1 | Oct 15, 2009 09:53pm | #3

   Ahh the Golden years.

   Try some foam like the stuff they sell for pipe insulation. There is a product called Coban it it used like a tensor bandage, should be able to find it at a drug store. It sticks to it's self and releases easily. You can find the same stuff at a vet supply store cheaper price.

   An angled hammer face means you have to flex your wrist as much. DW had carpel tunnel done last spring and it turned out well. 2" scar.

3. 
   jonnieboy | Oct 16, 2009 07:11am | #6

   Wotnow,

   Just a thought.

   http://www.cabinetparts.com/m/fastcap/fastcap-pro-tools/FCMYGRIPBLACK/

   -jonnieboy

1. 
   wotnow | Oct 16, 2009 02:55pm | #7

   Thanks Jonnieboy,Looks as good as anything I have seen so far. Ten bucks for each tool might be a bit too much but will try it on one anyway. This ordering stuff on the electric abacus is great isn't it. Just hope they deliver down here to Penguin land. Can be a wealth hazard to your wallet.Bruce

1. 
   PeterThomson | Oct 17, 2009 02:32am | #8

   Places that sell raquets (tennis, badminton, etc.) will have rolls of foam stripping with adhesive on one side, made for exactly this sort of purpose.  Should be far less expensive than the Fastcap stuff.  Golf stores may have something similar.

   Good luck,

   Peter

1. 
   wotnow | Oct 17, 2009 03:11am | #10

   Thanks PeterI had never given sporting gear much of a thought, shows what a narrow tunnel vision us woodies have. None of this stuff is available in our part of the globe, going to the UK in December though, will give some of these places a good going over.Cheers mateBruce

4. 
   Omah | Oct 17, 2009 09:17am | #14

   I was recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel, approaching 60 yrs. of age I thought I was pretty much finished working with my hands. I realy was not looking forward to an operation either. My surgeon recomended wrist splints for a while to ease the discomfort. I wear them every night now and find them to be just this short of miraculous. For the arthritis in my shoulders and neck I'm om my second round of cortisone shots, good results there too . Good luck and I hope you find some help. Omar.

5. 
   Jfrostjr | Oct 17, 2009 10:15pm | #15

   Getting old ain't for sissies.

   That Mr. Artheritis is a real problem. My wife has to button my shirt-cuff buttons - and worse yet, open the Scotch bottle.

   Frosty

   “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert,
   in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.”

   Milton Friedman

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Oct 18, 2009 06:23am | #16

   Frosty,

   Yep, gotta watch out fer them Rhitis boys, and Arthur's the worst of the bunch.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

6. 
   roc | Oct 18, 2009 11:43pm | #17

   Some of the guys at work use bicycle handlebar grips

   http://www.amazon.com/Lizard-Skins-Compound-Bicycle-Handle/dp/B000YMI5TC/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1255889569&sr=8-33

   If you go to a bike shop and ask them to save old grips for you it may be a source for free grips. Just tell them you want it for a kids art project or sumthin'.

   Often one gets torn up in a crash and the other is fine but come in pairs so into the trash the good one goes.

   The ones I posted are a good size but expensive. Go to a shop and look over the ones on display.

   here are some inexpensive ones for comparison

   http://www.amazon.com/BBB-Bicycle-Handle-Bar-Grips/dp/B000OEPUCK/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1255890078&sr=8-30

   There are smaller ones for kids tricycles if the regular ones are too large to fit tight on small tool handles. Some are round not with knoblets on one side. Knoblets; that is a bicycle technical term. Just kidding.

   Put some rubbing alcohol or hair spray or soapy water on inside and on tool and slide em on.

   To get them off pry up the edge and blow air from your compressor air blower attachment under the grip and slide it off. I mention this incase you get one half on and half off when it stops sliding on. The foam ones may not be durable enough. Some of the grips are super grippy. They tend to jump off the bench and stick to your shirt sleeve as you walk by.

   roc

   Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

   
   

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   Edited 10/18/2009 4:45 pm by roc