I have been sitting on a set of unhandled Narax Chisels for about a year now, decided it was time to get the handles turned. (A big thanks to Pottz for the Cocobobo). A few may have already seen the set over on the Lathe turning forum. I finally was able to epoxy the handles to the tangs today.
I tried a few samples using some Oak to see if I liked the feel first. I cut the blanks up a little and made them 3/8" larger on one side instead of square, this allowed for a nice flat spot on the handle to prevent them from rolling off the bench.
After I cut the blanks, I predrilled for the tang, using a horizontal bore off the shopsmith. Then rounded over the edge before cutting angle. The kit included brass ferrules, so that was sized with the angle starting at that point. I finished the handles with a few coats of Danish Oil, buffing after each coat, once dry I applied a couple of coats of lacquer to seal the grain pores, sanding after then 0000 steel wool. After the final coat it was just the wool and buffed out.
Now I'm looking for a Narax set of Gouges to add to the set, just can't find the unhandled ones. After that I can build a nice stand to house the set. I posted a Mallet the other day which is what I will be using with this set.
Thanks for looking and comments are always welcome and appreciated.
holey 💩 buddy you just made a 600 hundred dollars set of chisels man ! hey if you need more coco let me know. seriously ! that wood went to a damn nice use !
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Thanks Pottz. I have to say it is great to turn, and I had no reactions to working with it. As for the blanks, I was able to get 2 handles out of one blank, so I still have some left sitting in my turning blank drawer.
Dave, thanks. And they were fun to turn, helped having some beautiful wood to start.
Nathan, thanks. I'll try to tone it down a bit next time, and remember the family friendly. And yes, down the road someone will be wondering and it will drive them nuts trying to figure out when they were made. Also, there are no markings on the chisels.
Pottz, I could probably take care of that, just remember to order the chisel set and have it sent to the house, (currently out of stock)
OldTool, thanks. The grains and color popped on these, had to select the best side when attaching the tangs.
Corelz, thanks. These have a nice fit in the hand and should glide nicely when struck with a mallet.
Petey, thanks. Never heard that term before, very happy with the outcome on them.
David, thanks. Sometimes we need some beauty in the shop to give us more inspiration.
Mike, thanks. Seeing your handles gave me a little inspiration to get these completed, not completed by hand but the flats are going to be a nice feature to have.
Ryan, thanks. I picked the best side to show off on the handles.
Splinter, thanks. I did not want to have chunky ones, need something that is comfortable. As for cleaning the blades, these were clean just a little oil residue on them.
Tim, thanks. I am trying to, and also prefect my turning skills. I thought about Cocobolo and watched for any allergic reactions. (None, thankfully)
Jim, thanks. Not to big and comfortable. And yes, Pottz is a really good friend, he has even offered to send me some Curley Maple for a case now.
