how sure where this goes..but...tool handle

[Dennis Taylor]

After I few responses from members, I decided to try my hand at putting together my own tool handles....I SEE THE LIGHT!...I can make the handles fit my paws, comfortable...what a world thanks to all that has posted .....what is a good durable finish!....should I seal them and then apply a finish, and if so what to seal with I was going to use blo(boiled linseed oil) and then some type of finish..any recommendations?....thks in advance...Dennis

[falconer]

Dennis, I have made my own hand tools and the way I did it was to take a peice of clay and grip it like I would a knife. Then trace the peice of clay on pattern material making sure you have enough thickness for the top view. Put the pattern on the peice of wood you want to use and cut it out on the bandsaw. Then carve the handle. For the hole which you insert the blade tang, I normally use my highspeed grinder and custom fit it. Anyway, thats how I do it in a nutshell.


www.sierracreekstudios.com

[falconer]

Dennis, I forget to include that after I carve the handle and sand it off up to 600 grit. I use Deft semi-gloss from my local hardware to seal it and give it a nice finnish. Good luck and have fun!!



www.sierracreekstudios.com

[Dennis Taylor]

Making a clay template is a good idea, I traced mine from another tool handle and made larger, so I could shape, but the clay is an excellent idea also...might give that a try on the next one...Dennis

[dart]

You might try Crazy Glue on your handle. Try it on a piece of scrap wood first. It dries very hard and it durable. Drys very fast too. Just a thought.