Turning Handles for Your WoodTurning Tools

Turning Handles for Your WoodTurning Tools

I know you want to see how to make your own woodturning handles but first I need to rant!

Well, my garage roof still isn’t on, first problems with the insurance….never use State Farm, next is problems with the county for the building permit. Seems as though you need more detail and info these days and if you are in a flood plain….. you are screwed…. I’m in a flood plain ….looks like I am getting screwed!

Woodturning Handle Videos

I still work in my garage/shop but its a mess and I’m pretty embarassed the way it looks. So, I don’t shoot too many videos from my shop, although I wanted to do a video on making your own woodturning handle. Maybe I will until then, watch these videos on how to make your own woodturning handles from a piece of scrap wood, or your favorite wood on your own lathe with a little glue and ingenuity.

Metal for Making Your
Own WoodTurning Tools

Most woodturners make their own scrapers, skews and parting tools. If you don’t have the metal to do that, consider Online Metals…. I found them to be very helpful, fast and affordable.

Anyway, in my journey of learning woodturning I have stumbled upon guys making their own tools. Even if I had more money than I could spend I still would like to make my own tools!Make your own handles for your wood turing tools

I don’t have more money than I can spend, in fact, sickness has left me pretty destitute…. that is broke. So I pay attention when someone shows me how to build efficient and effective tools for cheap.

Cap’n Eddie Shows Us How to Turn
Our Own WoodTurning Tool Handles

Cap’n Eddie is one of the guys I have learned so much from over the last year. How to build carbide tools, how to make scrapers, how to make a handfull of different jigs that would cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Help Out Captain Eddie…Buy His WoodTurning Supplies and Tools

You might already know that Cap’n Eddie had some health problems, a brain tumor I believe and it seemed as though he was coming back quickly, but recently it looks like the poor boy is having a tough time. I can emphathize with him because I’ve been sick so long myself. Good health is something you never appreciate until you become sick and can’t do what you have all your life….it’s a terrible thing. But Cap’n Eddie seems like a fighter …he keeps pluging along ….so buy his stuff if you can and more importantly pray and ask the Lord to heal him and let Eddie teach us for a few more years!

Visit his site at: www.eddiecastelin.com

Anyway…. if you need some carbide cutters and some of the other tools he sells I would ask you to visit his site and buy stuff from him…. let’s help the guy out …he has given so much to the woodturning commnity especially on youtube.

Make your own wood turning tools Below you will find 2 videos on how to turn a handle for the tools you make. Both videos will give you some great tips and ideas so that you can make your own. These are 5 years or more old, the video quality is not that good but you can still get the idea and learn from Eddie how he does things.

Check how to build handles for your woodturing tools.

I found a great article on building handles, if you are going to make your own woodturning handles you would be wise to check out Learn How To Make Your Own Handles for Wood Turning Tools http://woodturninglearn.net/articles/forgottenhandle.htm

And one more quick video on how to make a handle for your woodturning tools.

I’m going to have to do another post on making handles for your woodturning tools. There are many methods to consider and you might want to take a piece from all these methods and create your own woodturning handle. Until then, you have enough information on how to make a woodturning handle!

More On Making Woodturning Handles

I watched another tutorial on how to make woodturning handles and was blown away. I had to include it today instead of another post. Watch this video all the way thru and then check out the notes below. I know you’ll pick up some awesome tips and design ideas for your tools. I really enjoy this teaching from The Sonoran Woodshop

Here are some comments and important links he mentions from the tutorial. This guy has done great camera work, great woodturning handle design and construction.

At this point I had enought info to scrap together some scrapers first, and you can bet they will have some awesome handles. Maybe I’ll do a video of my maiden attemp at turning and fittng my first handle …..should be a learning experience for us all!

Here’s some useful links from his handle turning video description:

A great way to save a few dollars on your next turning tool purchase is to buy your tools un-handled and make your own. I came up with a design that works really well. It includes set screws which allow you to remove the tool from the handle if needed.

PARTS:
Ferrule: I use 1″ copper pipe (which is the inside diameter) for all of my turning tools. The only exception is my Spindle Roughing Gouge (SRG) which uses 1-1/8″ copper pipe.
Set Screws: I use 5/16-24 set screws for all of my tool handles. The lengths vary based on the tool handle wall thickness.

TOOLS WITHOUT HANDLES:
Please keep in mind I have no affiliation with any of these companies. I posted the tool steel used by each company for reference, but the reality is that they are essentially the same.

I currently use Thompson Lathe Tools. They use CPM10V (A-11) a powder metal tool steel.

http://thompsonlathetools.com

Peachtree Woodworking Supply sells Robert Sorby unhandled tools. They use M2 tool steel.

http://www.ptreeusa.com/turning_tools…

Carter and Son sells unhanded tools. They use M42 tool steel.

http://carterandsontoolworks.com

D-Way Tools also sells unhanded tools. They use M42 tool steel.

http://d-waytools.com

 

I thought it important to add some of the comments from his video on turning wood handles for your woodturning tools. Some great comments along with good ideas.

I’m a beginner turner, about a year or so. Been a carpenter/contractor/architect all my life and I can build just about anything. I know wood inside and out…. but steel is new to me. I appreciate your list of tool providers along with the type of steel they use. Is there anyway you could rate either the provider or the steel type. I want to purchase some good tools, tired of the chinese …although they got me started. I figure if you can turn something with a chinese tool you should be able to make some great progress with good tools. I was looking at D-way, not familiar with Thompson. Would really appreciate a lesson in quality suppliers and what type of steel would be the best, second best and so on. Subscribed to your channel…. looking forward to seeing what you do. Thanks Scott

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The Sonoran Woodshop

I think tool steal is one of those things that if you ask 10 different turners you’ll get 11 different answers. I bought tools from each of the companies listed in the description and they all seem to perform the same. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. I have all Thompson for a couple of reasons. 1) they have a large selection compared to the other companies. 2) the length of their tools are longer so you get more steal for the same price as the other tools (check out this link and you’ll see what I’m talking about) https://www.instagram.com/p/BN5GvSthcwC/?taken-by=scottseganti&hl=en

Carl Jacobson

Man great job on the video!! I shared it on my website too!

2

The Sonoran Woodshop

Thanks Carl… very much appreciated!

The Wood Whisperer

Awesome video dude! Nice explanations and great visuals. Can’t wait to see the next one!

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The Sonoran Woodshop

Thanks Marc… much appreciated!

Brian Sinclair

Great video. One new subscriber.

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Jack Maravola

Very nice. Thank you for sharing your technique Scott….!

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Bklyn James

Oh Yeah, please more videos.

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Bklyn James

Impressive… Very Impressive. On point with the whole process, and left me with no questions. You nailed it.

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The Sonoran Woodshop

Thank you for the kind words and feedback.

Mike Porter

Your approach to making videos produces a fine product. As to the content of this one, I don’t have the tapping tool or the pipe cutter or the router table, however if I was to do several handles it would be worthwhile to buy them. One advantage of your design is that the tool can be removed for sharpening which I favor. Have you taken the tool out many times? I wonder how the threading on the pipe wall or the wood holds up to frequent removal and reinsertion of the tool tang. I’m guessing you leave the handle on for your sharpening. Thanks again for a helpful video.

1

The Sonoran Woodshop

Thanks for you comments Mike. It’s rare for me to remove the tool from the handle, but I do like having the flexibility. Handles with set screws are popular for people who need to travel with their tools. Students taking a turning class or instructors teaching may want to bring their own tools, so removing the tool makes it easier to pack. Another benefit is that eventually we make enough trips to the grinding wheel that the tool steal will need to be replaced, so you can save a few dollars by not buying or remaking another handle. As far as the threads holding up with repeated use… I haven’t had any give out yet. I’ve only tapped soft maple so I can’t speak about how other wood species will hold up, but as long as it’s a hardwood… I’m sure it would be fine. I have been extremely impressed in how well tapping wood works.

Jeffrey M. Myers

When can I buy this On Amazon! Great job Scott

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SkunkTreeCarvings

ya…im going to like your channel.

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Don Zeno

Great video. Keep ’em coming.

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Apoph1s

Nice video. Great instructional detail. Where do you get your handle-less tools?

1

The Sonoran Woodshop

Please keep in mind I have no affiliation with any of these companies. I posted the tool steel used by each company for reference, but the reality is that they are essentially the same. I currently use Thompson Lathe Tools. They use CPM10V (A-11) a powder metal tool steel. http://thompsonlathetools.com Peachtree Woodworking Supply sells Robert Sorby unhandled tools. They use M2 tool steel. http://www.ptreeusa.com/turning_tools_unhandled.htm Carter and Son sells unhanded tools. They use M42 tool steel. http://carterandsontoolworks.com D-Way Tools also sells unhanded tools. They use M42 tool steel. http://d-waytools.com

Sandra Jacobson

Nice video! Easy to understand. Looking forward to more of your work.

1

RickTurns

One of the best handle-making videos I’ve seen!

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Janet Brien

Perfection! Thank you!

Steve Brien

Perfect video, super clear and concise instructions, very well paced and shot. I’ve considered using set screws like this and you’ve confirmed that it’s a great feature. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

DRMNZ

Nice work with great attention to detail. Thanks.

1

1

Richard Chellette

Awesome video. I made some tool handles myself, but I like how you made the optional to remove or change the tools.

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Scrap wood City

Nice handle. Making the handles makes them pretty unique!

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Joe Pieczynski

Hi Scott. I just stumbled across you channel. Nice work. I enjoyed the video. How about a few constructive suggestions. Make yourself a hardwood or aluminum blank about the size of your tool tang ( the rectangular feature in your handle blank ). Lock it in a vice and slide your new handle onto it when you drill the set screw holes. It will help with the orientation of the holes and keep the spin factor out of the equation. A thicker copper collar would also give you more metal based thread. I invite you to check out my channel if you have a minute. Take care, watch those fingers and keep up the good work.

1

The Sonoran Woodshop

Thanks for your feedback Joe. Constructive suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated. If I’m understanding what you’re saying correctly, there really isn’t a “spin factor’ that you have to contend with here… it’s more about the drill bit sliding off your mark when you start drilling. Clamping the handle in a vise as you suggested would certainly free up a hand, which could help keep the bit on its mark. As far as using a thicker copper ferrule… there really isn’t a need. The main threads are in the wood which is the intent. I have used this method on other projects… you will be extremely surprised at how well taping wood works… at least in hardwoods.

Joe Pieczynski

Hey Scott. Thanks for the reply. My suggestion was not to put the handle in the vise, but a piece of aluminum or hardwood the same size as the rectangular pocket in your handle where the tool would go. Then slide your handle onto that and drill away. You would have parallel, level and rotational all at the same time. It would probably work better if you had a bunch of parts and wanted them all the same. Forgive me, I always think of fixtures first. Nice result you got. thumbs up on this one. Take care.

1

David Walser

Thank you for the video. Your presentation was clear and the camera work was well done. I’ve always glued my tools into wooden tool handles. I’ll have to give using set screws a try.

1

Louie Cypher

nice work thanks for sharing, more videos please 🙂

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Jim Sollows

I enjoyed the video! Very clear, nice voice over explaining the process. I am currious to know what finish you put on the handle? I look forward to seeing more videos from you!

1

The Sonoran Woodshop

Thanks Jim for your comment. I sanded the handle up to 220 grit and applied a tung oil finish. I prefer using a pure oil finish on my handles.

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Joseph Muench

Sweet handle design. Thanks for sharing! Great video! 👌🏼

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Harris Dendromiris

I really enjoy your video pal, since I prefer to make my own handles for my tools and chisels, you give me couple good tips about chisel handles,so go make some more useful videos like this, cheers

1

Samuel Smith

Outstanding attention to detail! Never saw set screws on turning tools.

1

The Sonoran Woodshop

Thanks Samuel for the comment. I have a few aftermarket metal handles with setscrews. I like having the setscrews and the ability to remove the tool from the handle, but I’m not a fan of how those tools feel in my hand. I’ve drilled and tapped wood in the past with great success, so brought that idea into my handles and it’s worked great. I’ve been overly surprised on how well it works. I haven’t seen anyone else do this either.

Ryan Grondin

Nice Video!! Thanks for sharing!

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Claire Stolee

What suggestions do you have for selecting the wood for the handles?

1

The Sonoran Woodshop

There are lots of different woods you can use which vary depending on the part of the world you live in and what you have access to. I prefer closed grain woods (just a personal preference) and use soft maple for all of my handles. Ash is probably the most popular wood used… I’m just not a fan of the open grain. You do want to use a ‘hardwood’ (maple, walnut, ash, hickory, etc.) and stay away from the ‘softwoods’ (fir, pine, cider, redwood, etc.) The most important thing look for when selecting a piece of hardwood is to have straight grain…. especially on the end where the tool enters the handle.

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Wood Frontier

Nice work. It’s great to see more people making woodturning videos. Looking forward to seeing more. I’ve got to make a couple handles as well. -Todd

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Randy Price

Great quality tool as well as video. very professional looking video, looking forward to more.

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