Thread: Lathe for turning Axe & Hammer Handles? Copy Lathe?

http://youtu.be/GZ8DW7JBQvE and http://youtu.be/JfamgMe3DTE and http://youtu.be/gmWSNDyZ-BA . . . . . .

Wayne Brendan Stemp picked one up some time ago and posted on here

Hope you find one

Originally Posted by Hardenfast

Evening Gents.

I would like to acquire a machine which can cut & shape axe handles and other tool handles from Australian hardwood, or locate any information on the process. Is this done with a copy lathe or something similar? I'd like to think the machine can shape everything from an axe handle to a pick handle, and maybe a sledge hammer as well. I have no problem with older equipment - in fact would probably prefer something vintage, but any leads, links or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks - Wayne (Gosford NSW area)

Hi Wayne

how many handles do you want to make?

for only a few, it would be better to make them from riven wood with the proper oval shape and curvature.

As the you tubes show, modern axe handles tend to be relatively straight and made from sawn timber.


if you want to mass produce -- well the machines you've been shown would do the job,
the fun part will be learning how to set the cutters and adjust the feed

When my buisness was runing I had the Italian version of one of these will cut 4 at a time of pretty much any shape you like, If you are planning on starting a small buisness good on you and I wish you luck you have a lot of very well established competition

same type of machine that does cabriole legs, gun stocks, fishing lures, canoe paddles and oars. Viking oar and paddle used to rent space in the same building as Gopher Woodcraft.

G'day Wayne,

You presumably are looking at bulk lots. For a one off I have just done off centre turning. This worked well for oval shaped handles.

I'll be in gosford tomorrow btw.


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

G'day Wayne,

You presumably are looking at bulk lots. For a one off I have just done off centre turning. This worked well for oval shaped handles.

I'll be in gosford tomorrow btw.

Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Coming to the best spot in the country, Dave? Unfortunately I'll be in the big smoke until the weekend otherwise it would have been good to catch up for a cup of coffee.

I don't have any immediate plans to go into bulk production of tool handles with a copy lathe, and as China has pointed out there's plenty of specialists turning out quality products at fair prices already. I'm quite happy to have an older machine to play with - more for indulging myself & friends/associates with in-house items produced from locally sourced timbers.

Wayne

Sounds good. Pitty we aren't neighbours. Between us we'd come up with quite a collection.

Been here parts of 3 days now. The kids have wanted the beach, Tuesday we got in late and it has been cool ever since.


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art