Thread: Chisel Handles (Interchangable)

I have removable handles for most of my gouges. I prefer long handles that are too awkward attached when grinding.

Two types; quick release and grub screw. Here is a post on my experience with both...

Removable handles: connectors

The grub screw type is cheaper but not quite as quick to release and secure again.

My preference is for the Simon Hope QR, but shipping of long handles from overseas comes at a cost.

Jimmy Clewes' cam lock style comes as just the head to which you add your own handle. They are OK, but not quite as secure as the Simon Hopes, IME.


PS - the link that I included in that thread of mine to Joe Johnson's Making removable tool handles is broken, but the following one is currently working...

https://hillcountryturners.org/Proje...oolhandles.pdf

Thanks Neil, that is interesting reading.

I have a fair amount of unhandled tools and like wise find it easier to sharpen with the darn handle dangling off the end. Most are grub screws unless they interchangeable then I go for the knob set up like Rolly Munro. Most of interchangeable handles are for hollowers and scrapers. Plus if you buy unhandled you will safe some money.

Originally Posted by hughie

I have a fair amount of unhandled tools and like wise find it easier to sharpen with the darn handle dangling off the end. Most are grub screws unless they interchangeable then I go for the knob set up like Rolly Munro. Most of interchangeable handles are for hollowers and scrapers. Plus if you buy unhandled you will safe some money.

Thanks Hughie,
What brand of handles are you using.

Hi Terry
like others who have replied to your request I have most of my tools in quick release handles. I use a oneway sharpening jig for my bowl gouges and having my gouges quick release and reconnect makes sharpening quick and easy.
Most of my handles are Vicmarc but I also have Exocet models from NZ which I think are no longer available. As Neil indicated there are other brands available overseas.
The Vicmarc are made in Au and are very comfortable and very good quality. Not cheap but you get what you pay for.
A couple of points that might help. Even though they are quick release you really need a few handles to hold all the tools you are likely to use on the current job. The Vicmarc come in two sizes 5/8 & 3/4 with the larger bore in two lengths. Vicmarc sell adapters to alow 1/2 & 3/8 shanks to fit the larger bore handles. You do need an adapter for each smaller gouge as they are permanently fitted to allow quick release.
After using quick release handles I won’t go back to fixed handles
Ron

Thanks Ron,
Being Australian made I will buy a Vicmarc handle and give it a try.

Originally Posted by jaybird

Thanks Hughie,
What brand of handles are you using.

Oh I make my own

Originally Posted by hughie

Oh I make my own

Thanks Hughie,very nice.

Originally Posted by jaybird

Thanks Ron,
Being Australian made I will buy a Vicmarc handle and give it a try.

I must admit I like the vicmarc quick release handle, but they are expensive. I made one up to see how good the concept was, it worked extremely well.


Vicmarc Tool Handle, Quick Change

Originally Posted by hughie

I must admit I like the vicmarc quick release handle, but they are expensive. I made one up to see how good the concept was, it worked extremely well.

Vicmarc Tool Handle, Quick Change

I'm sure you did a good job on your version, Hughie.

I would have given the Vicmarc quick release handles a try, but they had some issues for me... I like a long handle and I have a tool rack full of 5/8" gouges.

Their long (18") handle comes with a 3/4" collet. To use that with 5/8" gouges you have to buy a 3/4"-5/8" adaptor @ $15. You would have to add one of those to each of your 5/8" gouges to make it a "quick change" system. That would add about $150 to the overall cost for me, plus some additional weight to the tool that I don't want.

Fixing that collet to my gouges would also then make them incompatible with most of my other tool handles, including some 'Hughie specials' that I have...