LV screwdriver shanks

[Dave Lehnert]

I see that Lee Valley has come out with a set of screwdriver shanks that you can use to turn your own handle.
Any suggestions on a handle style to use.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=64983&cat=51&ap=1

http://www.leevalley.com/images/item/woodworking/screwdrivers/88k9801s2.jpg

[Bob Hamilton]

For something like a screwdriver I would seriously consider turning the handles as multi-axis triangular turnings. The rounded triangle shape fits very comfortably in the hand and gives a very positive grip for twisting. Also, they won't roll away on you when you lay them down. :)

Here is a link to a 2 segment video I did exploring a couple of options in multi-axis turning:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=67FD24352014A8EF

Take care
Bob

[Tim Browne]

Those screwdriver shanks look like they'd make a really prized set. I like a larger diameter at the end of the handle for more torque, with a normal diameter on the front for faster spinning.
Bob's idea of a triangular shape sounds good. An oval shape also works well. I've not tried offset turning so I just stayed with round on the ones I've done.
BTW, it looks like someone at Lee Valley is math challenged. You can buy the set of 9 pcs for 17.50 or the set of 3 Slot Shanks, 3 Phillips Shanks and 3 Square Recess Shanks for a total of 17.40. Go figure?

[Paul Douglass]

Tim, thanks for pointing that out. I would have ordered the full set, just assuming....

[Rob Lee]

(snip)....it looks like someone at Lee Valley is math challenged. You can buy the set of 9 pcs for 17.50 or the set of 3 Slot Shanks, 3 Phillips Shanks and 3 Square Recess Shanks for a total of 17.40. Go figure?

Geez -

15343 items, priced in two currencies, and 647 product "sets" made up of combinations of items, not including sets that contain multiple sets (like the screwdrivers).... and you think we're math challenged????:eek::eek: :D:D

*sigh*

It'll be $17.40 later today....

Cheers -

Rob

[Mark Hubl]

The Lee Valley sets are some really nice looking drivers. Should make a fun project to turn out some handles. For handles I like the look and feel of traditional cabinetmaker turnscrews or the triangular shape of my Stanley multi-tip screwdriver.

Some of my early turning was some handles. Here are a couple of pics of some countersinks I made using the above mentioned designs. As Bob mentioned these are multi-axis spindle work. Lot's of fun, but there is a bit of a learning curve. The chisel handle is just round, but I mimicked the shape of a turnscrew handle.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/picture.php?albumid=291&pictureid=2813

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/picture.php?albumid=291&pictureid=2814

[Tim Browne]

Geez -

15343 items, priced in two currencies, and 647 product "sets" made up of combinations of items, not including sets that contain multiple sets (like the screwdrivers).... and you think we're math challenged????:eek::eek: :D:D

*sigh*

It'll be $17.40 later today....

Cheers -

Rob

That's all right Rob, no need to thank me. :D
Seriously, no offense meant, it's one of those things a normal person wouldn't notice. I never claimed to be normal. I'm one of those oddballs that does complex math in his head so basic math errors kind of pop out at me.

[Rob Lee]

Hi Tim -

No worries... I do exactly the same thing. What surprises me is that it made through our proofing process - as we check for that....

Cheers -

Rob

[Kevin Harris]

I bought these screwdriver shanks a couple of years ago, but I finally got around to turning a set. It looks to me like they have stopped selling these which is a shame. I didn't make the small cocobolo screwdriver, but bought it from Elkhead tools since this Lee Valley set didn't have the #0 Robertson and then I turned the others to sort of match297964297965

[Kim Gibbens]

Very nice. These gave me an idea for some gifts, but I went to Lee Valley and they no longer carry the two most common ones. Anyone know where to find something similar and complete?

[Kevin Harris]

Very nice. These gave me an idea for some gifts, but I went to Lee Valley and they no longer carry the two most common ones. Anyone know where to find something similar and complete?

You could try Xcelite as they seem to have a complete line of shanks available, but I'm not sure who to buy them from or what the quality/price is like compared to Lee Valley