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View Full Version : Removable handles: connectors



NeilS
14th March 2019, 02:18 PM
This thread is about 'off-the-shelf' connectors for making removable turning tool handles.

For those that are into making their own connectors there is information to be found elsewhere to help with that, so I'm not addressing that here.

The advantage of removable handles, especially long handle ones, is that they can be removed when sharpening. An operation that is easier to do without the handle attached. There are some other advantages of removable handles, but I won't go into those as they are not my primary consideration here.

Here are the four I played with.



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Clews and Hope quick release heads
Right: Oneway and Vicmarc grub screw heads

I started off with the Clews cam quick release connector, made by Doug Thompson, and reported on it in my earlier thread, here (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/light-quick-release-handle-222045).

Next, I experimented with a Simon Hope Quick Release Head (https://www.oliverswoodturning.co.uk/product/simon-hope-deluxe-quick-release-heads/). I was particularly interested in the Hope head because of its light weight, at just 55g for the 5/8" fitting.



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I purchased just the head hoping I could replicate the handle thread and taper to operate the collet mechanism. I failed to be able to do that and had to subsequently purchase a short handle to use the matching component off that to be able to use the head. Having done that I found the twist mechanism to be very quick and smooth to use and the grip on the tool shaft to be firm. The eject function also worked well. It fitted all of my 5/8" gouges, including Thompson, D-Way, Henry Taylor, Vicmarc, Woodcut and Crown-Ellsworth.

The collet component of the Hope mechanism is made from Acetal (a hard engineering plastic with high tensile strength), so how well that will hold up longer term is not yet known, but I don't expect that to be an issue. Of the holding mechanisms I have experimented with it is my favorite so far.

I also tried out a two different grub screw heads to see how they went. One advantage of the grub screw style of connector is that it can hold flat tang tools, like skews and scrapers, although many of those have shorter handles that are not as problematic when sharpening with the handle attached.

The first one was the Oneway Thread-Lok Ferrule (https://oneway.ca/products-category/turning-tools-handles/Thread-Lok%20Ferrules/5-8%22-Thread-Lok-Ferrule), which is designed with a internal taper thread to screw on to your wooden handle.



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They sell a gauge to help get the taper right. I suggest if you go with this option that you turn the taper first (after drilling for the tool recess), then put anything of the right diameter in the tool end to firmly grip that (eg in a vice) and use the square faces on the handle blank (using something like a spanner) to screw the head on. Having done that, then turn the handle with the head on to complete it with the head fitted on to a live centre to keep it true to the handle axis.

The head comes with two grub screw positions if you think you need extra securing power, but in my experience that was not necessary with 5/8" gouges. Some larger gouges have smaller 5/8" shanks that perhaps might benefit from that. It's a nice looking and well made unit and comes at a reasonable price (those are CAN$s, which is near parity with A$s). It readily fitted all of my 5/8" gouges. If you prefer wooden handles and would like an off-the-shelf connector this is a nice option.

The last one I experimented with was the Vicmarc Reduction Bush (https://vicmarc.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=productdetails&virtuemart_product_id=146&virtuemart_category_id=19) with grub screw. I was looking for an Australian option. They claim their bush will fit "other brand tools with the same diameter", but I found that its 15.8mm bore only fitted their VM gouge and Woodcut, so of limited application to other makes. It was a cheap option that did fit into the aluminium tubing that I have been using for handles, so it had its attractions for me, although being made of steel it is on the heavy side compared to the aluminium connectors. To overcome its limited fit with other makes of gouges its internal size could always be bored out, but anyone who is up to that will probably prefer to be making their own connectors.



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There are some other off-the-shelf connectors available, like Cindy Drozda's 'adapters' and both Clews and Hope have grub screw offerings, but none in Australia that I could find.

Here is a good article by Joe Johnson on making your own removable handle using aluminium tubing (http://www.hillcountryturners.org/Projects/Removable_Tool_Handles.pdf) for those like me who like it long and light, but removable for sharpening. And, if you like it long and heavy there is always the galvo water pipe option!

And, as always.....

NeilS
21st May 2022, 12:07 PM
Another one to add to the list...

Robust Quick Change Tool Collet System - Alan's Woodturning Store (https://stores.alanswoodturningstore.com/robust-quick-change-tool-collet-system/)

Not cheap by the time currency conversion and shipping is added, but a versatile option and you get to have the style of handle you prefer.

No doubt about the quality if Alan has it listed.

hughie
23rd May 2022, 01:02 PM
Pretty thorough post on the propriety handles, well done.
Originally I thought it would save space and be kinda handy to just tools out , found that differing diameters complicated matters, especially when I dont have a favourite tool manufacturer although Thompson gear has to be right up there.
But what hadnt allowed for was inconvenience and awkwardness of re-sharpening of tools. This is where for me the greatest advantage comes, grinding, honing and general touch up on the diamond stone is all so very easy.
Thanks for a great post