Handle Update

Some of you may remember a previous post, where I was looking for someone to turn the handles required for the bench. Old Pete from the Australian Woodwork Forums answered the call.

After a few emails back and forward debating design I came home to a rather nice parcel.

Not only did he turn two rather nice handles for the parallel bar pin, but also turned two alternative versions of the handles for the wheels. The timber is Australian Blackwood.

It also seems that Old Pete was right in his thoughts. He thought the handle would be a little thin at it's narrowest part. It feels right, but I agree looks thin.

Also, I had a user problem with my caliper. I measured the metal rod at 10.5mm, Old Pete read the instructions and thought it was 9.5mm... and indeed it is. Which means that the 60 holes I drilled and sanded in the two parallel bars... are too big.

Even though these are lovely turned handles, Pete informs me that they are prototypes, I'm yet to get them on the bench and get a feel for them.

Looking for a Handle Maker

My skills and equipment don't (as of yet) extend to turning. When my current project reached a stage where it requires turning, I'm going to have to outsource. I'm looking for someone to make me two handles to hold the steel rod used as the sliding vice parallel guide stop.

I've made a quick sketch of various options trying to incorporate the design details of the bench such as it's concave and convex curves, as well as traditional chisel design (eg. g).

I have enough timber to make it in blackwood, blackbutt or redgum.

Which do you like?

Discussion @ Australian Woodwork Forums.

Rosewood Turnings...

To be honest I'm not really much of a turner. Occasionally however the need arises.

Today, I made about 80cm of 8mm dowel. 

The timber is from an old, half burnt, rosewood weatherboard.

I think these will be a very nice touch. More to come.