How deep in the handle?

Question

Hi All,

I've purchased a P&N 10 mm (approx 3/8 in. dia shaft) unhandled bowl gouge. My question is how deep should I set the shaft in the handle? The overall length of the tool is 25 Cm (approx 1 ft), with the flute length 6 1/4 inches. The cutting portion of these gouges has a black oxide coating that extends less than 1/4 inch past the end of the flute, leaving about 3 1/2 inches of polished HSS steel. On most of my home made tools, I seldom drill the handle deeper tham 2- 2 1/2 inches, and use a copper ferrule. Does that sound reasonable on this size gouge, or should I utilize all the non flute shaft in the handle. The handle will be about 15 inches of mesquite. Opinions, preferences??

Ken Moon Webberville, TX.

Leo Van Der Loo · Accepted Answer

Hi Ken

A one inch deep and tight fit in solid hard hardwood will be enough to hold it, giving it two inches is more than necessary and should make you feel totally safe with that deep a placement, and a ferule on the handle makes it even more solid. I have both the 3/8" detail and spindle gouge, but have them in a metal handle, the tools are OK.

Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

Ken Mo> Hi All,

Ken G. · Answer

Ken, I make an aluminum or steel handle ferrule for interchangeable tool shafts, held with a setscrew:

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It's glued into a 1/2" hole in the handle, you could drill your handle 6" or so deep and set the shaft to where ever you want depending on the job at hand.

They have a 3/8" hole, a bit too small for 10 mm--but I can drill the ferrule's hole for a 10 mm shaft, no extra charge. I make these to order in small batches and using a different drill bit makes no difference.

I have 4 available if anyone's interested, and could make a dozen more in the next week. I also make larger ones for 1/2" shafts.

Ken Grunke

How deep in the handle?

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