Handles for My Tools

[John Kananis]

I just need to shape a couple of the scrapers, add epoxy to the ferrules and shafts and all done. I have the 18" Oneway in the mix for reference. The largest is 24 inches on my bottom bowl gouge, then 20, 18 and the rest (mostly) 12 inches. The 20 inch handle is mystery wood. I thought it was cherry until I actually picked the board up...super heavy and super dense - it chipped out like crazy and I had to take my Thompson skew to the grinder halfway through.

I considered redoing the handles on my Sorby tools but that's another 15 handles and there's really nothing wrong with the ones that are on there now so I'll pass thanks, lol.

gouges.jpg

[Edward Weber]

I just need to shape a couple of the scrapers, add epoxy to the ferrules and shafts and all done. I have the 18" Oneway in the mix for reference. The largest is 24 inches on my bottom bowl gouge, then 20, 18 and the rest (mostly) 12 inches. The 20 inch handle is mystery wood. I thought it was cherry until I actually picked the board up...super heavy and super dense - it chipped out like crazy and I had to take my Thompson skew to the grinder halfway through.

I considered redoing the handles on my Sorby tools but that's another 15 handles and there's really nothing wrong with the ones that are on there now so I'll pass thanks, lol.

gouges.jpg

I had a couple of handled Sorby tools, never again. I've re handled all but I think one of them.
IMO, the diameter is too small, the length is too short and the ferrules too small. Other than that they're fine
Just uncomfortable for me. All my handles are pretty much the same
Hormigo Handles (600 x 400).jpg

[John Kananis]

I do agree that the ergonomics of the sorby tools leave something to be desired, especially their choice of length I feel. When my skills improve further and the time is right, I'm re-handle everything with nice stock and brass ferrules. I just want to get cooking at this point.

I had a couple of handled Sorby tools, never again. I've re handled all but I think one of them.
IMO, the diameter is too small, the length is too short and the ferrules too small. Other than that they're fine
Just uncomfortable for me. All my handles are pretty much the same
Hormigo Handles (600 x 400).jpg

Edit: I didn't mention, your handles are quite nice!

[Edward Weber]

Thanks, your handles need to be comfortable to you.
I don't know who likes the Sorby handles, they never felt quite "right" to me

[Thomas Wilson80]

Those handles look great! I started with a couple Thompson tools and bought his handles and have grown used to them (some people complain they are hard and cold). I've done a few handles for homemade tools but not to the extent that you have done. Great job and be sure and post some of your work.

Thanks
Tom

[John Kananis]

Thanks, Thomas! I just epoxied everything together today and shaped the scrapers I hadn't gotten to. I'll post things as I get them going - I'm taking it slow as I'm 3 months out from back surgery and just getting back into the swing of things now but I'm starting to feel stronger every day so I'll try and get some work on here soon.

Those handles look great! I started with a couple Thompson tools and bought his handles and have grown used to them (some people complain they are hard and cold). I've done a few handles for homemade tools but not to the extent that you have done. Great job and be sure and post some of your work.

Thanks
Tom

[Richard Coers]

I do agree that the ergonomics of the sorby tools leave something to be desired, especially their choice of length I feel. When my skills improve further and the time is right, I'm re-handle everything with nice stock and brass ferrules. I just want to get cooking at this point.



Edit: I didn't mention, your handles are quite nice!

Personally, the Sorby handles feel perfect in my hands. I love the bulge up near the cutter, especially when I'm dampening thin spindles with my left hand and using only one hand on the chisel handle.

[Bill Howatt]

I never really get excited about the handles assuming it has enough beef and reasonable length for the task. About the only thing I switched horses on was giving each tool its own handles so I wasn't swapping at least the more frequently used ones.