mike- thanks.
splint-yes it had a cover. i lost the blade that came with it. when i was trying to insert it it popped off and well, you know what happens to small pieces that fall on a shop floor !
DK-thanks. yeah you can do a handle thats bigger than normal for large hands.

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.