Thread: A Hunt for a Handle

A while ago, during a conversation with BobL, I mentioned that I sometimes had a yearning to return to my woodie days and how it would be nice to have a small combination machine to facilitate that return. Bob's reply was "well it just so happens....."

A long story shortened, Bob had a Woodfast Universal Woodworker that he was prepared to move on. More here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f153/...68#post2198168

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At present I'm working on the mitre gauge and I am wondering if anyone might have an identical handle they might be prepared to part with for a reasonable sum. The handle featured in the photos below is from the Universal's woodturning lathe attachment's tailstock and its 5/16" BSW thread is too short to lend itself to becoming a donor. I could turn up a knurled handle or use an over the counter plastic handle but I do favour the original.

An option I am considering should no one have a box of these or even one sitting gathering dust, is to attempt a copy using cold cast aluminium. Could be an interesting adventure should my handle hunt prove fruitless.

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Bob.

Hi Bob, what length is required as a minimum????
I have a few that look similar, won't be able to get a proper look till the weekend.
Regards,
Kryn

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

Hi Bob, what length is required as a minimum????
I have a few that look similar, won't be able to get a proper look till the weekend.
Regards,
Kryn

The length isn't really too much of an issue Kryn because the handle requires a spacer to raise it up enough to clear the bosses for the stop rod. The spacer could be a threaded extension to whatever the existing thread is. The important thing is that the handle is the same as the Woodfast's.

Thanks
Bob.

Hi Bob, make a new one from resin? Always fancied giving it a go ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNBHtlhlHF4

Originally Posted by StrayAlien

Hi Bob, make a new one from resin? Always fancied giving it a go ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNBHtlhlHF4

Hello Greg,

Wesley's video certainly makes it look easy.

My superficial investigation into the process so far suggests that a means of degassing both the silicone and the resin is required either by a vacuum or a pressure vessel. The silicone Wesley uses is available here https://www.rowetrading.com.au/produ...ial-kit-900gm/ and doesn't require degassing but isn't real cheap either. I'm hoping I might find something less expensive given the need for a single handle.

Bob.

Bob, I have a schmiko vacuum pump you can borrow if you need one.

"If" these were near enough aesthetically, a bit of M12 allthread turned down and threaded to 5/16 BSW would do the trick.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/M8-M12-B...YAAOSwvudeDYXT

I think I have sussed out how to machine one from Al solid using some of the trick bits I have here (Volstro head et al...). Had a play on the CAD system at work and I think it should work.
Can always try that option if you like Bob.

Michael

Originally Posted by BobL

Bob, I have a schmiko vacuum pump you can borrow if you need one.

Thanks Bob. One obstacle removed.

Originally Posted by ptrott

"If" these were near enough aesthetically, a bit of M12 allthread turned down and threaded to 5/16 BSW would do the trick.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/M8-M12-B...YAAOSwvudeDYXT

Thanks for the suggestion Phill. If I was happy with a plastic substitute I would use a handle I already have, a German Lanker. I bought a bunch of them in Lucerne some years back and have yet to use them.

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Originally Posted by Michael G

I think I have sussed out how to machine one from Al solid using some of the trick bits I have here (Volstro head et al...). Had a play on the CAD system at work and I think it should work.
Can always try that option if you like Bob.

Michael

Tricky machining Michael. The perfect radius on the ends of the raised ribs would be a challenge. Casting seems any easy alternative.

Originally Posted by Anorak Bob

Tricky machining Michael. The perfect radius on the ends of the raised ribs would be a challenge. Casting seems any easy alternative.

Well yes, tricky machining but is there any better kind?

Not sure casting would be much better as you still have to make a pattern.

Michael

Originally Posted by Michael G

Well yes, tricky machining but is there any better kind?

Not sure casting would be much better as you still have to make a pattern.

Michael

Michael,

I would use the existing die cast handle as the pattern, avoiding any machining trickery.

Bob.