Early Access Video: The London Pattern Handle
Added 2020-12-12 12:00:02 +0000 UTCFriends:
People are always asking me about cheap chisels for their woodwork and I think I've found some. These might be the famous Aldi chisels that everyone loves but are never in-stock. Regardless, I found them on Amazon for a mere $18.
To really optimize them, I made all new handles in the traditional London Pattern. You can make these with a lathe or TOTALLY by hand and there's a measured drawing, too. (Attached to this post.)
Big thanks to everyone who stopped by the livestream fundraiser today. I'm happy to say we raised about $3000, which I am going to match. I think Anne is going to be able to finish her school, thanks to all of you!
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
Another source of cheap chiesels, many made with good steel, are modern chiesels with plastic handles. They can be found everywhere. Flea markets, auctions antique stores and even in your own shop. I would like to share some internet ideas. If you put a plastic handled chiesel in boiling water for about 10 minutes you can put it in a vise and just pull the handle off. Leaving you with a good chiesel and maybe a file handle. A superior farrell can be made from a brass flair or compression nut for copper tubing. If you're careful you can turn the end of the handle so the nut screws on or epoxy it on if it's loose. I used a file on the lathe to smooth the flats and make a tapered farrell. I drilled the hole for the tang oversized and epoxied the chiesel in the handle. I made my octagon handle blank on the table saw but Paske Makes has a video on how to make handles on the bandsaw with a jig. Some years ago I made a set from 1/4" to 1 1/2" from material I had which I use today. Thanks
Larry Pogue
2021-01-17 02:51:34 +0000 UTCI bought 4 vintage chisels on eBay all are socket type. Would these be good to make with adding a cone to the end?
Thomas Danaher
2020-12-30 16:41:33 +0000 UTCSince I really enjoy making tool handles, I am tempted to score a few sets of these, go over them like you showed in your video, re-handle them with matching styled handles and resell them.
ERIK OLSEN
2020-12-27 07:14:57 +0000 UTCRex, thank you for the video. I made a handle like this today, it is awesome. Comfortable and has that fancy look.
Vyacheslav Azarov
2020-12-20 18:24:18 +0000 UTCDon't worry, the cheddar I get per purchase is pennies. Your membership is worth a lot more!
Rex Krueger
2020-12-18 18:17:22 +0000 UTCPart of me hates that I already had these chisels so couldn’t throw a bit of cheddar your way by buying them through your link. The other part of me is stoked to have found my post Christmas weekend project! I’ve had these chisels for a few months and they’ve held up well but you are spot on regarding the handles...the mallet just mashed them up.
Justin Gilbert
2020-12-16 22:40:27 +0000 UTCForgot to watch this on Saturday and now I can’t watch it till it premieres on YouTube
samuel
2020-12-16 13:42:10 +0000 UTCDefinitely thought about that, one reason I bought some lots of old and beat up chisels. Good tool steel isn't cheap and I have a couple of planes I want to build.
John Griswold
2020-12-15 16:01:28 +0000 UTCMushroomed socket chisels = blades for making Rex's rabbet and router plane projects?
Paul Thoma
2020-12-15 13:07:48 +0000 UTCYeah, the "sanitized" version was totally staged. You can see the split in the handle before I even hit it. However, that was the prototype handle, so it wasn't that big a deal.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-15 12:44:29 +0000 UTCUh, 100% didn't say "dang it" when that handle split. The obscenity is still hanging somewhere over the northeast as I type this.
Eric Paisley
2020-12-14 19:23:29 +0000 UTCI believe the next step up is the cryogenic-ally treated steel, which is the set James Wright chose as #1. I'm perfectly happy with the cheaper set and strongly doubt that I'd actually be able to tell the difference. :)
Bill Smithem
2020-12-14 16:28:04 +0000 UTCNice tip, have a block of plasticine for sculpture around here somewhere, gonna try it. I am going to get/make a mandrill and try to reform some badly deformed sockets on really nice chisels, might need a little weld but I got time on my hands;)
John Griswold
2020-12-14 16:24:12 +0000 UTCI used this method as well, until I got a lathe!
William Allen
2020-12-14 15:47:11 +0000 UTCHope so. Looking forward to the video after the full test period.
e.d.
2020-12-14 13:17:36 +0000 UTCI have a bunch of socket chisels that need new handles. I would love to see what Rex comes up with.
Shanni Marmen
2020-12-14 12:51:03 +0000 UTCAwesome. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:47:09 +0000 UTCVery handy tips! Thank you!
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:46:51 +0000 UTCWe'll all be here when you're done! Can't wait to see them all lined up.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:46:25 +0000 UTCIt seems possible. There's money to be made.....
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:45:57 +0000 UTCThank you!
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:45:38 +0000 UTCIt’s very possible that the blades are the same. The one thing that confuses me is why they bothered to put a 1 ¼ and a 1 ½ size in the same set. You really would only want one of those, and it would be handier to have a 3/8 in there. Companys make odd choices when they don’t really know who they’re selling to.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:45:15 +0000 UTCI’ve seen a couple of people use that drill-press lathe trick and it’s impressive. One of those things I wish I had thought of.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:41:40 +0000 UTCThat totally seems like a good idea. Let’s see if I get some extra time this week.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:40:31 +0000 UTCI’m glad other people are having a good experience with these chisels. I tested them the best I could, but I only had a couple of days.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:39:34 +0000 UTCIf the socket is mushroomed more than a little, you need to let it go. Those are nearly impossible to fix. As to fitting them, it’s often helpful to jam a piece of clay or something similar into the socket. When you pull it out, I’ll have a nice copy of the shape you need to make.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:38:38 +0000 UTCI really should try that off-center trick. I’ve never done it.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:36:36 +0000 UTCI’ve always done that with my socket chisels, but I can give it a try here, too. Good tip.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:35:56 +0000 UTCIt's all right here! Enjoy!
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:35:09 +0000 UTChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmyW8nFDLr4
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:34:57 +0000 UTCThey make excellent file handles. Also for screwdrivers, awls, pretty much anything honestly. I will add that link to the knife.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:34:12 +0000 UTCI think you’ll find the octagonal shape is surprisingly useful. You get a better grip and you always know where the edge is. If you have handles that already fit those socket chisels, I suggest you set those aside and make all new ones. If you make a mistake or don’t like the ones you make, the old ones will still be there. Just thought.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:32:52 +0000 UTCYeah, at that price, it’s pretty tough to say no. Good luck with them!
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:30:45 +0000 UTCNecessity (and speed) are truly the mothers of invention!
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:29:34 +0000 UTCThose really are very decent chisels. I think the ones I currently have are a step up, but I believe that mostly is in the handle. I think the steel is the same for both sets, so fix up the handles and you should have a good tool.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:28:52 +0000 UTCI’m sure this would work fine for those chisels, too. You might need to experiment with drilling the correct hole.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:27:47 +0000 UTCLondon is my favorite place to visit by far. I’ve only been once, but it was amazing.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:26:30 +0000 UTCYour support is not small! It makes a big difference!
Rex Krueger
2020-12-14 12:25:26 +0000 UTCGot them from Amazon Prime today. Gonna try them with you Rex.
e.d.
2020-12-13 20:56:32 +0000 UTCI have been using the octagon to 16-side technique for making the masts for a replica ship. This is a traditional way to make a tree into a mast. One way to establish your cut lines for the octagon is geometrically. Draw a circle with a compass, divide into eighths using a square. The circle can be any size bigger than the square size of your handle. Draw the square of your handle centered on your circle and you will get your lines. There are a a couple of numerical ratios that will get you from four to eight sides, 7:10:7 or 5:7:5. Eight to 16 is easy - 1:2:1
Fred Gosbee
2020-12-13 18:03:24 +0000 UTCI just finished turning 8 file handles. Now I'm going back out to make 8 London Pattern handles for files, and 12 for chisels. This is going to take a while, so hang on tight.
William Allen
2020-12-13 16:22:54 +0000 UTCGrebstk . . . they ARE made by the Russian mob. ;)
William Allen
2020-12-13 16:07:09 +0000 UTCI love this video, Rex! :) Very well explained why this type of handle is the best. You convinced me. :)
Csongor Halmai
2020-12-13 10:35:26 +0000 UTCThe construction of these chisels is just like the Harbor Freight chrome vanadium 6 piece set. Right down to the flimsy ferrule, the worthless ring and the cone with hex tang. 6 chisel for $10 rather than 4 for $18. HOWEVER the grind marks on the Harvor Freight set will take more time to make the backs flat. What I like about this video is a way to replace the handles.
Todd Maurer
2020-12-13 04:20:52 +0000 UTCGreat video Rex. I have a set of Narex chisels that I have not even gotten out of the package they came in so I'm not sure what the handles are like but this pattern looks really nice for the various socket chisels I have that are missing handles. For turning the round area I have actually used a bench top drill press that had an adjustable table on it. Put a 20d nail through a piece of plywood and clamp it to the table then use a cut off piece of 16d or 20d nail driven in a pre-drilled hole in the end of the piece you want to turn and tighten it in the drill chuck. Set the drill press to it's fastest drill speed and be sure to line it up to spin smoothly. It's not a lathe and it is slow but in a pinch it works. Thanks for all you do and Happy Holidays.
Matt Evans-Koch
2020-12-13 01:15:20 +0000 UTCI was just in the market for a chisels set, perfect timing!
LiraNuna
2020-12-12 23:16:07 +0000 UTCIt is a great idea to show how to make your own handles. You've mentioned that dimensions of a hand. Could you try parametrising the plans? I mean, measure your hand and give the handle dimensions as functions of your palm size. That way if anyone takes the effort of making their own handle they will get their really own handle.
stlmch
2020-12-12 22:15:13 +0000 UTCThanks, I'll check that brand out. Found some carbon steel chisel sets on Amazon as well with very good reviews in the price range of $13-$30 dollars US. Lots of options now so it's procrastination time!
Edward Kosiba
2020-12-12 21:37:04 +0000 UTCMine are from Lidl, but they're essentially the same product. Just in case that gives you more options.
Tsani Rósenov Sábev
2020-12-12 21:07:45 +0000 UTCI have had these chisels since this summer and I’ve been happy with them. They hold and edge and when I dropped one on my concrete floor it wasn’t too hard to remove the chip and get them square again. Once I get a couple more pieces done I will definitely be putting new handles on them!
Spencer Salmon
2020-12-12 20:36:52 +0000 UTCLook up Mora Sloyd knife.
Mike M
2020-12-12 20:18:14 +0000 UTCGot a stack of old socket chisels, some restored, many without handles. Might try this pattern on a couple, most old socket chisels have shorter, plumper, round handles. the tricky part without a lathe is carving the taper end for the socket, got any tricks for that? Wouldn't mind seeing a video on restoring mushroomed sockets as well...
John Griswold
2020-12-12 19:37:18 +0000 UTCGreat video! I look forward to making some handles... once I recover from this stupid virus, that is. I may even have a set of those (almost) exact chisels out in my workshop, still in the package. Time will tell. Thanks for the steady stream of content, Rex - I very much appreciate it.
Jeff Stauffer
2020-12-12 19:32:32 +0000 UTCWhen I was learning to turn, our turning group had a great little class where we built three of our own tools from HSS bar stock and rod. We did off-center turning for the handles. It’s amazing how much better a handmade handle that you created with a good design feels in your hand. I might have to buy these chisels and make some handles. Thanks, Rex!
Jason Bailey
2020-12-12 19:08:33 +0000 UTCI do find that just a single drop of superglue helps keep tang handles on.
Stuart Stegall
2020-12-12 18:24:32 +0000 UTCGot it, that makes sense. I'm going to start looking at local Aldis to see if they have been hoarding those chisels and finally releasing them on clearance.
Edward Kosiba
2020-12-12 18:07:00 +0000 UTCHi Rex, please send us the link for cheap sharpening stones, I didn't see it in this video on chisels. By the way I. ordered the same from Canada.ca as I live in Toronto
Paul Mouradian
2020-12-12 17:37:14 +0000 UTCI love your humor and humility. Question, don't I don't see the link to the knife you mentioned. Did I miss it? Another great video. I'm going to try these for my files.
Amy Holderness
2020-12-12 17:32:44 +0000 UTCCertainly not dumb, but the bolt head will mash up your mallet pretty bad, so then you pretty much have to use a hammer. Personally, I like a mallet.
Rex Krueger
2020-12-12 17:30:20 +0000 UTCThanks, Rex, for another helpful video and I was so glad for the livestream to help Anne of All Trades. In a year that’s been difficult fir so many, it’s awesome that we can come together and help another crafter in need, especially since her aspirations are to teach and hand down skills to so many with her school. Your video today comes very timely for me. I like the octagonal shape and the harbor freight chisels I have could use a change. Also, I’ve gotten various and sundry vintage socket chisels on eBay and elsewhere since your video in buying them. Almost all have handles but I was thinking of modifying them by putting the flats on them. I may do the same in my new Narex mortise chisels, too. Those handles are huge and my hands are pretty small. Thanks again!!
Sean O'Neill
2020-12-12 16:40:38 +0000 UTCLOL, I was at harbor freight yesterday (before this video) and picked up a set of 6 chrome vanadium chisels that look suspiciously like the pictures on Amazon of the previous version you bought. Lots of tool marks and same thin handles, but hey, $9.99?
Dick Wright
2020-12-12 16:35:35 +0000 UTCWhat about adding a carriage bolt to the handle end for striking? A dumb idea or worth pursuing?
Edward Kosiba
2020-12-12 16:25:37 +0000 UTCWow, Rex. That was a fantastic video! So enjoyable. I love your innovative clamping!
Larry
2020-12-12 13:44:56 +0000 UTCI gave up hunting for cheap chisels 3-4 months ago and bought the cheaper 4 piece set from Narex. The steel is all that I'd expected, sharpens well and holds an edge, but the handles are a bit less than perfect. They may be getting a new set of handles in the near future. Thanks for another great video Rex.
Bill Smithem
2020-12-12 13:32:28 +0000 UTClol was using cheep harbor freight chisels yesterday pretty much same thing....already starting to need new handles this couldn't have come at a better time. also only 2 came "sharp". they where a gift and im glad ill be able to make them better and will be a fun little project for me. :)
Lordasshat
2020-12-12 13:04:37 +0000 UTCExcellent video Rex. Being a Londoner born and bred I’ll definitely be giving these a go in the future. Great result too for Anne of all Trades. I hope it will set her back on course. Best wishes!
Andrew Waddington
2020-12-12 12:29:15 +0000 UTCI really appreciate what you are doing! Very happy you raised so much. We need more women in trades as they see things differently than us and make our crafts so much richer. I'm proud to support you and Anne in my own small way. Thank you!
Shanni Marmen
2020-12-12 12:26:48 +0000 UTC
