Exploring Turning Tool Handles Interchangeable And DIY
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- www.AsWoodTurn...
Most lathe tools come with handles. But why? Do we have to buy them with handles? Plus, if we are making our own handles, why not use the same handle.
I have been thinking about this issue for a long time. Some new handle systems have shown promise - only to be discontinued.
When I saw this kit from Robust Tools, I was intrigued. A single handle with several common collets. They also offer the kit complete with a wood handle. But where is the fun in that?
This is a set of ER32 collets which accept round cylinders (such as tool steel) in 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, & 3/4". Other sizes are available from machine tool suppliers. There is a smaller set (ER-25) which starts at 1/4".
The handle is hickory which has been hollowed and taped for a 1x8tpi which is common for smaller lathes. In the taped end, I can add additional weight if desired. My handle is 18" long finished with mineral oil and beeswax.
ERRATA - At AAW, I learned more:
1. Robust Tools said their collets will accept rectangular tools as long as the rectangular portion is NOT tapered.
2. I purchased their smaller ER-25 kit for another experiment.
3. SB is again making their carbon fiber handles and the system. Still very expensive.
Enjoy.
p.s. If you would like a more in depth demonstration, please contact me for an IRD (Zoom Demo) on this or other topics.
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I also started exploring the possibilities with these tools. Like you, I was thinking about square and rectangular tool shanks and wondered if I could 3d print ER style collets that would work with square or rectangular profiles. So I tried it and after several iterations of collet design I find them to be quite successful. That led me to getting various sizes of tool steel and making a bunch of scrapers that I had been wanting. Several of them are double ended with a different style on each end. I went a little further with this and made my own collet chucks for tool handles on a metal lathe which was a good project for maintaining metal lathe skills. And then I stumbled onto the availability of collet chuck extensions, of which some are quite useable for ER collet tool handles and available at a very affordable price. So this all has been helpful for me with affordability for a bunch of tools along with efficient reduced storage space needed.
Sounds like you have really run with this idea. Thanks for sharing back.
Alan
I like the idea of not round to keep the tool from vacating the work area!
You could also make it a triangular (ish) oval (ish) :)
Alan
Thanks for the ideas and I will follow this also on your blog. My experience so far is the Crown system tool with two sizes and the handles from Simon Hope. I made one very heavy gouge 32mm wide and used ER32 MK2 adapter in an Aluminium tube. Normally too big and heavy, but with such a heavy gouge it works. In my experience the biggest advantage: when I sharpen the gouges, I don‘t need to fight with a big sized tool but can handle a nicely sized piece of steel.
Thanks for sharing!
I have the Rikon carbide set and love it. Change over is simple, tool less, FAST, and secure. 14mm shank I think, with a nub to prevent rotation. Just wish more tools were available to fit. Like high speed steel bowl gouges etc.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Alan
Well done Alan. I am still experimenting with different shapes for my tool handles. I have some I like but more that I do not like.
I share your quest!
Alan
Thanks Alan very good demo of your process.
I have shied away from the one handle and many tools because when turning the tool you need is always NOT the one in the handle so it wastes time changing tools. Just the way I see it, so I made separate handles for the set I bought from Thompson Tools. The custom Aluminum Handle is available for travel since all four tools fit inside the Thompson handle. I would like to show you a picture but cannot post here.
Thanks for sharing Peter
Alan
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
...well done on the handle!...the oval shape is a great idea...👍
Not sure why the collet manufacturer doesn't offer one for square bars...shouldn't be hard to have four flat fingers on a collet...🤔
Maybe turn, file and split your own adapter out of, say, Delrin for this system...???
Matt
Actually, I discussed this with Robust this weekend. As long as the rectangular portion is NOT tapered, they say it will work.
Alan
Excellent video. Thanks! The first handle looks like a Stewart Batty handle. He was at AAW in KY, and he's back to making them again. Re square shanks: most of them like the Robust skews, have rounded edges. and would probably work in a collet. You might want to try one, and see how firm it holds..
This video was shortly before AAW. I was surprised to see Stewart there and that he is producing them again. Thanks for sharing on the square shanks.
Alan
@@AsWoodTurns I must have seen you there. You look familiar. This is the first time I've watched your videos.
Great explanation. Very useful and well done.
Glad it was helpful!
Alan
Thanks, Alan!
You are welcome Lewis
Alan
Nice to meet you in Louisville
Likewise, thanks for sending the picture.
Alan
Hi Alan, I also have the robust tool handle . I bought a second one without collets thinking I would enter change, works well. In your video you started making a hollow Handel and later you drilled out the handle. Did the hollow idea not work out? I like the oval idea for the handle, thank you for the. Idea.
Initially, I drilled out both ends down about 3 inches at the 15/16. Then I shortened the handle and had to re-drill the plug end. Then I decided to hollow the entire length.
Alan
I have been looking for a system to allow a single handle to support multiple tools. I thought the Jimmy Clewes system would be it but I am not sure now. Is the Robust system still available? You didn't post a link.
The Robust system is available. I purchase the smaller set this past weekend at AAW. ER32 with or without handle & ER 25 with or without handle.
Alan