Tools « Toolmaking Art

How to Make an Octagonal Handle, Shell Auger and Straight Drilling Guide

I will warn you, this walk-through is a big one! The results, however, will let a woodworker without a lathe or mad shaping skills to have a reasonably high chance of turning a small chunk of wood into a lovely handle that can be held with comfort and pride!

I have been researching and experimenting with tool grips for quite some time. Recently I have begun to solidify my research and decided it was time to figure out how to make the perfect tool handle, make it well and make it consistently. Part of my goal here is to provide a handle form that does not need a lathe to turn. I wanted to make this something that would inspire and allow budding craftsmen to use, make and repair hand tools.

Lots of handle blanks

Continue reading How to Make an Octagonal Handle, Shell Auger and Straight Drilling Guide

No Glue, No Glue, What to do!

I need some glue, lots of glue, epoxy preferably. I have looked around, I have lots of glue, a couple of boxes of glue, all of them are now strange hazardous waste. They are all well over a year old. Glues, most glues are dead in a year. Some may go a few more [...]

Battle of the Grips

The previous discussion of grips is far from over!

Blazing Battle of the Grips

One method I have used to compare grips, is to have them face off. Then I can see, as I swap hands and grips, which grip applies more force with less effort. Continue reading Battle of the Grips

Japanese Plane Wrappers are Plain Wrappers

I needed a few more plane wrappers. These are a very easy leatherworking project. No need for any fancy embellishments like straight lines. These can be rough.

Plane Wrappers