Hi there,
Just started turning a few months ago. Great skill to aquire. And I have some aquiring to do. I just bought a bowl gouge, but it is doesn’t have a handle. I knew this before buying it. It’s a 1/2″ gouge. I was going to turn the handle out of walnut just because I have some, but maybe a harder wood would be better, like maple. Any thoughts?
Also, once I drill the 2″ X 1/2″ hole for the shank, should I use epoxy to secure the gouge in the handle? There will also be a ferule of course (copper pipe).
Thanks for any thoughts on this.
Dan
Replies
I'd likely choose something like persimmon or hackberry or oak for my own handle but walnut should give you good service. The walnut is light and easy to turn and sands to a very smooth feel. Walnut has a nice dry feel (if you don't put a finish on it) as it soaks up any moisture from your hands thirstily (assuming kiln dried walnut here). Setting your gouge into it's handle with epoxy is a good idea, which will also strengthen the socket.
Turn the seat for the ferrule just a bit too tight and then heat the ferrule to expand it when you assemble it. The hot ferrule will contract onto the slightly oversize seat compressing the wood and stretching the ferrule a tad and remain there indefinitely secured.
Walnut is great for turning tool handles, I have used it a lot as well as cherry, maple and a host of other “found” woods and you do not need to finish it other than maybe some beeswax. For a large bowl gouge a long handle is my preference and remember, you can always cut it shorter if you like. I never glue the tool in the handle, it the hole is the right size there is no need. Also I have never had to heat the ferrule, just aim for a tight fit and whack it on there. Tool handles are not rocket science, don’t over complicate things.
I went a little over board and used some Cocobolo that I got a very good deal on. It became very obvious that getting a snug fit was not possible since the wood is so hard, so I did have to use epoxy.
I applaud you on choosing to turn your own handles. I've been very happy with mine, and you can't be the custom size and weight.
I'd be interested in a picture when your done, good luck!
Craig
Instead of copper pipe, I recommend brass hydraulic hose ferrules from your local hydraulic repair shop. Two for a quarter and they come in many sizes. They look a bit more professional.
Thanks for the replies. I guess the choice of using epoxy or not will depend on if I mess up the hole. I'll try to get my hands on some of those brass ferrules. I'm looking forward to this handle now, I'll show picks when I'm done.
Thanks again
Dan
Bob,What are those little tools and what are you doing with that vinegar? You always are doing such clever things, now you have me (and probably others) curious. Do tell.Adam
They are coping saws, and the vinegar cleans up the epoxy. I epoxy all my handles. Makes for a perfect fit and the blade won't fall on your foot in the dry season. A little heat on the steel is all it takes to release it. These saws provide more blade tension than store-bought saws and work better.
http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=8245
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Edited 1/17/2008 10:06 am by BobSmalser
Walnut is a fine choice for tool handles. A ferrule of some sort is required to prevent the handle from splitting - what you use is up to you. I would not epoxy the tool into the handle. If it does end up a little loose, I would add a set screw to lock the blade in place.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
In regard to using epoxy to seat the tool: I rarely do it but I have and I regard it as a superior technique. The reason I do it only rarely is because I usually heat set my handles and that is faster. Quality-wise I don't think you can do better than to set your tool in epoxy. I can't understand why anyone would advise against it. What is their objection? I notice that the posters who have used epoxy liked it and that those advising against it seem to be non-users. I guess it must be some sort of prejudice against modern materials.
Ferrules do add some strength but they are FAR from indispensible. They are MOSTLY FOR LOOKS. I have plenty of tools of all types with and without ferrules on the handles and I have seen no difference in service. Ferrules take more time too and are eminently dispensible when time is tight... I like to put them on when I have the time though.
Edited 1/17/2008 9:00 pm ET by bigfootnampa
I have nothing against epoxy; I use it all the time for various projects. In fact I love all sorts of modern things, yellow glue, masonite, plywood, Velcro, power tools, diesel engines and 747’s. But I have made the handles for all of my turning tools and have just never found the need to glue them in that’s all.
I agree not to use glue on lathe tool handles. Friction is good enough and they can easily be knocked off in case you want to change handles.
Dan, I'm rather new my self. I like your lead...where did you find the "handleless" gouge?
Hey there,
I got it from Lee Valley. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&cat=1,330&p=49138 They're cheaper than a handled tool. I don't know about the quality, but I'm willing to take the risk for roughly 40$. I guess I could have asked on this forum if anyone had tried these tools before. So, I will: Anyone ever try these?
Thanks
Dan
Any hardwood will do for a gouge handle. Since you are a novice, I would refer you to a video by Richard Rafan. He does a great job of demonstrating lathe techniques and in the process, turns a lathe tool handle. You can find it advertised in the magazines and woodworking supply catalogs.
Yeah, I got that video. It's pretty good, at least I think it is. It's how I got the idea to turn the handle. This whole turning world is fun, once you let your mind wander, you realize you're only limited by your imagination. You start to look at things in house differently, but there's only so much time.
Dan
Just a point that I forgot to mention about the Rafan tapes. One should be very careful about carressing the wood while in motion. Rafan gives me chills when he puts his fingers on the moving work near the tool rest or sticks a finger into a deep, narrow recess.
Yeah, the long sleeves are what really make me cringe.
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