Changing handles

[Allen Howell]

I recently got a new Ben Best 5/8" bowl gouge. The handle is only 13" long vs the last one I got, which was 19" long. I want to turn a new handle for it but am not sure of the best way to remove the original one. Any good ideas?

 

[Doug Freeman]

Here’s how I do it, and many have been Bens Best tools:

Needed: hand held propane torch, uses smallish camping propane bottle that screws to the torch, strap wrench, bench vise

Place the steel far end of tool into the vice, I use leather to prevent marks. Locate the flute edges against the vice jaws so the tool wont turn. Adjust the strap wrench to fit around tthe wooden handle, hold it in place while heating the steel, close to the ferrule. I test with the strap wrench before heating, a time or 2 I didnt need heat. Just keep heating and testing with the strap wrench until the handle breaks free, and just spin it around a few times to reduce friction, while applying some side pressure with the wrench and pulling with the other hand.

 

[Bob Sheppard]

I recently got a new Ben Best 5/8" bowl gouge. The handle is only 13" long vs the last one I got, which was 19" long. I want to turn a new handle for it but am not sure of the best way to remove the original one. Any good ideas?

If you don't want to save the old one, you could just cut or split the handle off.

 

[Allen Howell]

Thank you, gentlemen. I did think about splitting it with an old chisel, but then thought I might be able to use it some other way.

 

[hockenbery]

Thank you, gentlemen. I did think about splitting it with an old chisel, but then thought I might be able to use it some other way.

You can knock the handle off most tools.
What I do is clamp the tool in a vice put a wrench that fits close to the tool and rests on the handle
Hit the wrench with a big hammer. That will knock it off.

Put something soft on the floor to catch the handle.

A few light hits with a 4lb hammer has always worked for me.
Heat will break down CA or Epoxy glues.

 

[Allen Howell]

Thanks, Al, that sounds easy enough. I will try to get out to the shop this weekend and play...er, work on it

 

[robo hippy]

I do have some 'old' gouges that I need to remove so I can put new ones in. My method would be the same as Al's. Clamp it in a vice, and a few good shots from a hammer, and it should slip out. I have never needed glue to hold my gouges in. I even found an old vice made by Reed Mfg. in Pennsylvania. Reed is my real name....

robo hippy

 

[hockenbery]

Thanks, Al, that sounds easy enough. I will try to get out to the shop this weekend and play...er, work on it

Like Reed I rarely glue my gouges in. I seat them in the handle by holding it vertical and banging the butt of the handle on the floor or a workbench. Once in a great while a gouge will turn a little in the handle - then I add a few drops of thick CA to the hole and reseat the gouge.