Help me with making tool handles...

That would depend on what kind of tool you wanted to put them on?

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Ok, I will clear it up a little bit. The main thing I have is old files. I also have a few chisels that I would like to re-handle, and I have a few turning tools that need re-handling.

Is this any better? How to is nice, but if you have online or book references, I will take those also.

-- -- Rob Hix, King George, VA

Hi Rob, why bother to make the wooden handles when you can buy them on-line, type in wood handles for files in your browser, They are real inexpensive.Good luck on the other handles…...MIKE

-- never enough time in a day so use it well

Usually when I make handles I wrap the end, where I will insert the file, with wire to keep it from splitting.
Then I drill the hole and beat the file into it. I will wrap about 1” of wire

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I made some handles for my lathe chisels, and also my carving chisels.

I use copper or brass pipe for the ferrules, to help them stay on better I use epoxy.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I just beat on them until the handle sticks…course, I ain’t using my own personal heirloom tools to do that with now either.

Whiskey.

Hi Rob,
I use high strength epoxy to keep my handles on the tools I make or refurbish and have had no problem with that method.
Jim

-- A duck that brags on his own pond, soon swims alone.

I really enjoy re-handling my old tools, even something as simple as an cheap old screwdriver
can be re-handled into an impressive item. I use a nice hardwood and use copper pipe for the ferrules.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/2173391428_f064a0d412_b.jpg

I think they turn out much nicer than any store bought handles

-- Frank Auge---Nichols NY----"My opinion is neither copyrighted nor trademarked, but it is price competitive."

Your right, make your own handles, then they are unique to you and your craft.

I just step drill out the hole for the tang of the tool as close as possible, fill with epoxy and use a copper or brass ferule to help stop the wood from splitting around the hole where the tool meets the handle.

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)

Hi Rob:

I like to use well dried hickory twigs and branches with the bark still on for my tool handles.
For file and rasps, I whittle the lead end and wrap with a band of wire or copper.
I drill a lead hole, then gently tap in the tang of the file.
I finish the handles with hand-rubbed tung oil.

I try to choose pieces of twigs that are ergonomic and fit my hands well.

For socket chisels, I whittle a taper then tap in the handle with a twig mallet.

-- Randy (P), rustic wood crafts, Morning View, Kentucky

I use epoxy.

-- Sam

Here’s a LJ project that might help.

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/2412

-- MARK IN BOB, So. CAL