Thread: Hollowing tool handle sizes

Originally Posted by TTIT

I think you might have missed the point of the thread Ed . I reckon Robomanic is looking to future-proof his handle design to fit any shaft that comes along, not so much concerned about what cutters fit in what sized shaft . For example, my main hollowing handle is an old motorbike fork leg with 18mm inside diameter so it's nice and hefty and is a cosy fit for the tang I turned on my 3/4" square hollowing shaft - but it also holds my older 5/8" and 16mm shafts just fine once you wind the grubscrews in a bit

Actually the point was made perfectly clear, the part I have trouble with is that there are xxxx number of turners who have turned to manufacturering tools...each with their own proprietary shaft size so that the poor turner who plunks down his life savings for hooked hollowing tool must buy the appropriately sized handle and then when you want the latest offering from another mfg....whoops, the hooked hollowing tool that I already have wont fit that handle because it's drilled differently.
TT, I get it perfectly...tool mfg's want you to buy their tools only....and RBM is wise to try and come up with a handle that fits all

Modular handles seem to be a much bigger thing in the US than here, and most of the decent jobs there have collets for accommodating several shaft sizes. This provides convenience alongside the expense.

But sometimes you can simply semi-permanently step down a handle socket with an appropriate brass sleeve from your local industrial supplies place.

btw, a post on one version of a handle is here:

https://www.woodworkforums.com/showth...ght=diy+handle

That's a nice spread of tools GJ, it does look a bit like resistance is futile. Part of me wants to make a handle with cam lock or collet type locking, but that might be at the expense of vibration damping. Two double ended handles will probably cover a lot of possibilities.

Honestly, I often get more caught up in the making of the tools or the jigs than in the sawdust making itself. But that comes with seeing the world through engineers eyes I guess.

Thanks for all the great tips and discussion guys. Always a pleasure

When I get stale with turning then knocking up tools is a worthwhile diversion Shannon. Nothing wrong with that.

As for locking tips and shafts, and vibration, most of the fixes you see both by DIYers and manufacturers are pretty simple. Usually a bolt with knob or one or two grub screws.

Originally Posted by rsser

As for locking tips and shafts, and vibration, most of the fixes you see both by DIYers and manufacturers are pretty simple. Usually a bolt with knob or one or two grub screws.

Understandable, simple often means cheap & reliable. I guess often that is what is boils down to. Not going to stop me looking for a better way first though

Well I have multiple handles that use all 3 methods. Vibration is not a problem. That's caused elswhere.

I hate to throw cold water on such an interesting religious war, but, um, have we lost sight of the possibility that woodturning is supposed to be fun? And making handles isn't exactly purgatory, at least for me. This thread is now about one & a half days old; enough time to make several handles, subject to timber availability and appropriate accessories.

If I've accidentally neglected to offend anyone, please inform me so I can consider a correction.

Joe

LoL.

Sometimes w/t fun can just be cerebral ;-}

Your insight has woken me from a dream Joe, what was I thinking? In fact, why discuss anything on these forums. In fact why are they even here? Quick, lets all lock ourselves in our sheds.

Of course you just want someone to bite, but hey it's near the end of the week and tolerance is low.

Originally Posted by Robomanic

Quick, lets all lock ourselves in our sheds.

Ha...my darling wife would probably 2nd that motion!!

Originally Posted by joe greiner

I hate to throw cold water on such an interesting religious war, but, um, have we lost sight of the possibility that woodturning is supposed to be fun?

Turning is done when the neighbours are awake and thinking about it when they're asleep.

Although occasionally this order is reversed, in my case, when their yap-yap has insomnia.

Its an interesting topic, in more ways than one. Being able to easily fit the tools into a handle/s that fits various tools also means that when it comes to sharpening and transport you don't have to worry about the handles getting in the way.

Believe me, I have spent ages looking at the problem.
The closest 'real' solution ( at the moment *) is a Kelton Ultimate handle. It uses a 19mm collet and then you can fit sleeves to your smaller tools to fit in the collet. it is designed for the larger hollowing tools. Yes it costs money, but so do the rest of our turning tools.
Anyone with engineering background will know that milling collets ( particlularly the ER collets) have a 1mm range.
So this means a 1/2 collet will accept anything from 12mm to 13mm. Which covers virtually any tool of that size ( eg 12mm ,1/2" ) and even the Glaser gouges that are 13mm. google ER collet/holders or words to that effect to discover how good they are.

The same thing applies to hollowing tools. Hence why Kelton have their handle.
Their other advantage is they don't damage the shafts and are easy to do up and release. no grub screw damage and a lot quicker.

* keep your eyes open for a commercially available handle that will soon answer your problems.
I hope this helps.

That does help, thanks. Even if only to validate my pursuits.

Originally Posted by INVENTOR

* keep your eyes open for a commercially available handle that will soon answer your problems.

Wouldn't have anything to do with your nickname would it?