Thread: Tool handles and offset turning

This block splitter was first polished by angle grinder fitted with 40, 60, 80 and then 120 grit flapper wheels. I then worked through 400 wet and dry to 1200, and a final polish with cloth and metal polish.

That was the easy part.

Offset turning. Never done it before, asked a few mates, had a look on YouTube, and finally had a crack at it.

I had a piece of very curly wandoo I had cut a few years ago and rough turned and set aside.
The splitter head is oval, hence the need for the off set turning. Hole is 37 x 35mm. One mm either side of centre. I also slightly tapered the handle at the other end slightly to improve the grip. Let it be said now, I hate offset turning! I wasn’t sure how much to take off, but if it is too much, it becomes round again. Lots of grain tearout. Sanded at a very slow speed due to the oval shape. Finished with Danish oil on the handle. No finish as yet on the head.
The axe may be from ceremonial purposes only, and will be wall mounted in the workshop and admired by all.
Cheers
Willy
Jarrahland

Not turned, but here are a couple of other axe handles I made.

The light coloured timber is Curly wandoo, and the other is a dark timber I had lying around. The handles were shaped using the arbortec industrial carver, an abrasive burr, power and hand sanding, then finished with Danish oil.

Lastly, my new and favourite axe, or tomahawk. Limited edition, hand forged, numbered tomahawk. Given to me by Stihl.
The tomahawk is worth Approximately $130, I was very disappointed with the handle and finish, so sanded it back and finished it with Danish oil. Crikeys it looks and feels good! Too good! I may never use it case I damage it.

I have a heap more to do, I will use a range of Timbers eg Sheoak, curly Jarrah etc. these will be ceremonial axes for display only.
Cheers
Willy
Jarrahland

Great job there on those handles. Next you'll start on file and chisel handles

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Willy
Looks you have a serious affliction .Great handles . When do we see one made out of burl?

Good job Willie , maybe you should seek professional help ....

Originally Posted by coffenup

Great job there on those handles. Next you'll start on file and chisel handles

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Ha ha done hundreds of them

Willy very inspirational and a credit to your skill.deckell

Willy, I have a similar affliction, but restricted to hammers only. I import oversized Hickory handles from Tennessee and then
re-turn them on my lathe to suit what the customer wants. I never realised how different we all are. For the average 2 pound, 1.8Kg Ball Pein hammer head, some will want a skinny, fatter, shorter or longer handle to suit their hands, so I oblige. I am no different, I prefer a slightly fatter oval, don't like the octagonal shapes. I hope that I never progress to gardening tools.
Rgds,
Crocy.

And here are the next lot to do.
I should probably concentrate on the gallery pieces I need to do, but am enjoying making the handles, except the offset turned ones
Cheers
Willy
Jarrahland

Wily,

Put your rusty ax & hammer heads in a container of white vinegar for a week or so, turn over & stir once in a while. Take out and scrub with a brush, rinse all the black gook off, put in very hot water, dry and oil. Vinegar, acetic acid is not as aggressive as hydrochloric acid and in my experience does not remove good steel or iron.

You could sand and polish after drying.