Hand Brace disassembly

[Dave Cottrell]

I have just acquired 2 very rusty hand braces. These 2 bring my hand brace collection to a total of 2, and they were free, so I'd like to get them in working order. While they are pretty rusty, everything moves, and I am able to remove the chucks. I would like to remove the rust from the brace itself, but cannot figure out how to remove the middle wooden handle. This might be a moot point if my rust removal stuff has no effect on wood, but I'd like to not have to immerse the handle. Anyone done this or know how these things are assembled?

[Bob Smalser]

Both the round handles shrink to an oval given enough years, making them almost impossible to remove without breaking, not to mention refitting the handles mounted in babbit shrunk onto the shaft.

For cleanup, use masking tape and a Dremel with a brush to reach the tight spots instead.