I Fixed Up A Few More Old Chisels with New Handles

[Tom LaRussa]

Just a bit more finishing and a tiny bit of tidying up and these will be done.

I never seem to have time even to start any "real", i.e., cabinet-sized, projects, but I'm having a lot of fun with my little lathe.
From left to right:

1. Swan with Amboyna burl

2. Swan with Cocobolo & leather strike rings

3. Stanley 750 with Cocobolo & leather

4. Pexto with Cocobolo & brass

5. Pexto with East Indian rosewood & brass

6. T.H. Witherby with Vera-wood & leather

Click the thumbnails for rather larger pics.

[Roger Bell]

I know the feeling......rather gratifying to be able to start and finish a project in an evening or two......and to have something tangible to show for it. If only we didnt have to work for our livings....right?

Is verawood similar to lignum vitae?

[Dennis McDonaugh]

Good looking handles Tom. You are not addicted if you can stop when you want.

[Tom LaRussa]

I know the feeling......rather gratifying to be able to start and finish a project in an evening or two......and to have something tangible to show for it. If only we didnt have to work for our livings....right?

Exactly right.

Sigh...

Is verawood similar to lignum vitae?

Very closely related, from what I understand. In fact, it's often referred to as "Argentine lignum vitae."

It's extremely dense and heavy, and so tightly grained it feels like plastic when it's been sanded on a lathe.

It's not quite as oily as true lignum though. For this reason, Steve Knight, (http://www.knight-toolworks.com/), uses Vera rather than true lignum for plane soles because true lignum is pretty near impossible to glue, whereas Vera will glue up with properly used polyurethane or epoxy.