Ok so I currently use handled tools however I am debating buying unhandled tools and using a Clews or Robust system to hold the tools. Demonstrator came to my shop a couple months ago and I liked the idea of having several sharp gouges and only having to change a handle.
What is the favorite unhandled tool supplier? D way, sorby etc. Open to suggestions.
Thanks
Mark
I have many favorite unhandled tools that I have obtained over the years. Many are no longer available and probably there will be some new ones that will be manufactured in the future. The important thing is compatibility with the handles that you currently own or wish to purchase going forward.
Ideally, I would like to own one handle of each size class for all my turning tools regardless of who manufactured them. Currently, I am using a ¾ “ cam lock handle that is 16” long and has a detachable 16” extension. All my tools that I use with this handle have an adaptable ¾ “ sleeve that is drilled to the tools diameter and held with set screws. These ¾” sleeves adapt tools that have tangs as well.
Unfortunately, the supplier, Serious Tools, is no longer in business. I am currently making the adapters on my wood lathe out of ¾ steel rod(3” of steel rod cost under$1). This extra effort in drilling these adapters is a one time shot for each tool. ¾” OD sleeve is a good size that is inclusive of most turning tools including many boring bars.
Like a surgeon requesting a scalpel during surgery, I like the convenience of having the tool in the handle ready to go when I am turning. However, I am willing to forgo this for the following reasons:
1. Handle economics
2. Easier to sharpen without the handle
3. Efficient tool storage
4. Occasional use of a tool with or without a handle(Example: Ellsworth shear scraping)
There are a few ways to temporarily connect the tool to the handle. In my opinion, if the switching process involves too much time, I would not consider it. Grabbing an Allen Wrench or another tool falls into this category. Opening a collet is fine, but changing one, not so much. (Too much time is consumed while going into the draw, pulling out a collet set, completely unscrew the collet and put it all back.)
I would consider the Robust ER32 Collet head but with a ¾” collet permanently installed. The Jimmy Clewes Cam action head looks good but not for my tool diameter range. I dismissed it because the maximum tool diameter size is 5/8”. Many tools can use this diameter with 5/8” adapter sleeves. So it may be a good choice.
Recently, I have been working on a small 10” handle for my spindle tools. I couldn’t find a ¾” cam mechanism out there, so I successfully made one first out of PVC and a dowel and then out of aluminum and they both locked the tool just fine. I need a little cleanup on the final design and then I will publish thereafter as a tip.