Replies

1. 
   ejwill | Jun 04, 2003 05:58am | #1

   Steinmetz,

   Your question is timely as I just watched "Saint Roy" - as he has recently been dubbed - do this very thing last Saturday.  Here's what you do:

   1) You first turn the handle on the center point to the max distance in the oval.

   2) Create equidistant points on each side of the center point (the distance away from center determines the oval)

   3) Move the drive center to one of the off-center points (obviously on one end only!) and turn the handle (St. Roy did state that this is much less safe on a powered lathe as you have less control at higher revolutions.  Also be sure to readjust your tool rest to account for the off center rotation. )

   NOTE: As you begin to shape the handle, you can monitor your progress by viewing the "shadow" profile at the top of the revolution.

   4) After you have removed the desired amount, move the drive center to the opposing off-center point and repeat.

   5) Once completed, some final shaping will be required, but you will have an oval handle.

   Good Luck!

   John

1. 
   ejwill | Jun 04, 2003 06:02am | #2

   Steinmetz,

   Sorry, didn't read your post, although short, thoroughly enough.  You knew about the off-center.  Maybe your area, if you get the Woodwright's Shop, will be showing this episode soon.  It was called "Impossible Joints." The show was actually about rising dovetails, but he also turned an oval handle on the show.

   Good Luck, John 

2. 
   Steinmetz | Jun 04, 2003 02:11pm | #3

   Many thanx, John   I copied and pasted your note (in case I have another 'Senior Moment')    Your other post mentioned Sir Roy.I love that guy!. Sorry though, but I can no longer get the woodwright's programfrom our 'Mickey Mouse' local public access station.

   Seems most of their vewers prefer watching bake sales and tag sale notices along with garbage pick up schedules

   .Speaking of Roy Underhill, (The wife calls him Underware) did you catch the program where he made that wood  plane from scratch?

    Even made the 'Iron' from an old mower blade,hardened, tempered and sharpened it,made the wood body only to produce a curly shaving which he ignited from the pot belly stove and promptly lit his pipe?

   He's an American Gem.    Stein.

1. 
   ejwill | Jun 04, 2003 05:24pm | #4

   Stein,

   Yes, that episode was on the previous week.  He is a blast to watch.  Don't get me wrong, my eyes glaze over watching the "Abrams Arsenal" just like the next guy, but it is fun to watch the way a perceived "low-tech" method can produce quality results.  And his complete non-scripted show makes it seems more genuine.  I can just imagine the cameraman saying, "here we go!" and then shuts down 22 minutes later.  Great fun.

   Maybe your local pbs station will wise up.  We don't get it year-round here either.  They like to rotate between Roy, Hometime and American Woodshop, so I try to watch him when I can.

   Have a great day.

   John

1. 
   Steinmetz | Jun 04, 2003 09:00pm | #5

   How about, The Router Workshop?  The father and son team that races through their projects so fast you are obliged to tape the show so you can rewind and fast forward to see what whizzed by. Also they talk funny.Could they be Canadian?

   My specialty for years was installing all manner of wood and metal doors. Some are still in some of the biggest and best known corporate offices,showrooms and boardrooms.They have all been hung bycarefull planing, beveling,fitting ,routing and custom fitting of hinges,locks and hardware.  Not a pre-hung in the lot!

   Over the years, I've fashioned hundreds of router templates(Some compound types) for all hardware  installation in finished and unfinished walnut,cherry,rosewood and even built a few solid rock maple 2-1/2"thick doors.used in squash courts

   I've perfected a great, simple to use ,adjustable hinge template for routing3", 3-1/2",4", 4-1/2"& 5" butt hinges. (All from walnut and oak)

   I'll send you the plans so you can duplicate them your self. but first Ihave to figure how to operate my new scanner. Stein

   Edited 6/4/2003 2:04:57 PM ET by steinmetz

1. 
   ejwill | Jun 05, 2003 10:33pm | #6

   Stein,

   I appreciate the time you are taking to get the plans scanned.  Anybody who can hang a door is a craftsman in my book, having hung just a few myself and struggled mightily.

   Router Workshop? Yea they show that one here sometimes, but it doesn't seem to get as much play sop only falls in the rotation every other year or so.  If you watch the credits, these guys are from central Canada and pretty much produce the entire show.  Their name is Rosenthal (?) and either the son, father or other relative are listed in almost every credit.

   Kidding aside, it is interesting to see the cuts/joints they can produce with routers. It is clear they are skilled - it is just their "no script" manner that makes them seem comical.

   Have a great day,

   John

2. 
   ChasStanford | Jun 06, 2003 12:38am | #7

   I've never made one, but I'd think you could make a nice hammer handle with a small drawknife (the kind carvers use) and your spokeshaves, files, and rasps.