P&N 1/2" spindle gouge handle question

[Mike Peace]

I got the 1/2" P&N Spindle gouge which is actually 12 mm or .47 inch. A 1/2" hole in the handle is too loose. I don't have a 12MM drill bit. The next size bit I have 7/16" is too small. Do I just use epoxy in the 1/2" hole and call it good? Or will it work loose?

[Paul Engle]

Cut ya a 5/32 '' or 3/16'' x 1 1/4'' strip of anything but ply on the ts, soak in hot water then insert that first in the 1/2'' hole, that should take up the .300'' difference and a little more , then use a pipe clamp to jack in the blade, when dry should be good and tight.

[Rich Souchek]

Mike,
The slightly oversize hole (0.50" dia. vs. 12 mm) is no problem. Just bed the tool steel is epoxy and it will work fine. A ferule is needed though, for long term use. Most of us use half of a 3/4" or 1" copper pipe coupler for a ferule.
Rich S.