Glaser Hitec gouges

[Michael Mason]

I got these in a lathe purchase a couple of weeks ago, and I don't know much about them. I know what they are, but I can't find any information about how the tool comes out of the handles. They have never been used, and I am trying to decide whether to use them or sell them. I'd be more inclined to keep them if I can reuse the handles. The 5/8 bowl gouge is really red, and the other 3 tools(3/8 bowl gouge, skew, and 1/2 spindle gouge), are more of a pinkish red. Anyone ever removed one from the handle? Thanks

 

[Dean Center]

Glaser tools were fairly unique and have some collector value. Based on forum comments, there is a small portion of turners who like or use them, but those few can be passionate.

 

[Brian Gustin]

Aren't those the twist-loc kind of handles? if they are, then a half twist one way or the other and they pop loose, I believe.

 

[Lance Mirrer]

I do not believe these are meant to be removed from handle and reused. I suspect with enough heat you could remove the tool steel, but I believe you would be severely hurting their value. Besides, what tool would you expect to be an improvement?

 

[hockenbery]

We have a couple with the black handles. 5/8 diameter tools
I removed the tools heating with a torch.
Put the handle in a vice, vice grip locked on the tool, apply torch heat to the tool near the handle, twist and pull out holding the vice grip.
Don’t touch the tool until it cools.
If the handle is shot filled the shot can roll out the tool hole if you tip it.

Replacement tool can be held in place with thick CA.

My red handled 3/8 diameter has 2 set screws

Removing the shot makes the tools easier to use for a long time.
The shot was intended to absorb bounce. My tools don’t bounce so it is just extra weight for me.

 

[Lance Mirrer]

We have a couple with the black handles. 5/8 diameter tools
I removed the tools heating with a torch.
Put the handle in a vice, vice grip locked on the tool, apply torch heat to the tool near the handle, twist and pull out holding the vice grip.
Don’t touch the tool until it cools.
If the handle is shot filled the shot can roll out the tool hole if you tip it.

Replacement tool can be held in place with thick CA.

My red handled 3/8 diameter has 2 set screws

Removing the shot makes the tools easier to use for a long time.
The shot was intended to absorb bounce. My tools don’t bounce so it is just extra weight for me.

Hi Al,

I understand this method for a well used tool, rather than throw away handle, but would you do this to a new tool?

I've heard of this method used on original Glasers, have you tried it on a Hitec?

Can you post or PM a pic of the 3/8 with the set screws? Do you know if that is original or a user upgrade?

Thanks for the info!!!!

 

[Emiliano Achaval]

Glaser tools were fairly unique and have some collector value. Based on forum comments, there is a small portion of turners who like or use them, but those few can be passionate.

I think that you are right, I always regret that I did not buy an original Glaser tool. Are these the old ones in an amazingly unused situation, or the new ones?

 

[Lance Mirrer]

I think that you are right, I always regret that I did not buy an original Glaser tool. Are these the old ones in an amazingly unused situation, or the new ones?

Hi Emiliano,
I believe these are Glaser-Hitec which are the new tools. You can tell by the modern logo near the top of handles. The originals are unmarked (as to name or logo).

The Hitecs are fully quality tools, but good tools rather than the collector originals. Per their website, Jerry Glaser (RIP) was involved with the manufacture set up and was part of the new company.

 

[Bill Blasic]

Those tools were the reason Thompson Lathe Tools came into existence. Doug used Jerry's tools and when he sold the company the prices skyrocketed so Doug learned about A11/10V/15V steel and he has never looked back. Doug also made handles that you could take the tool out to sharpen which makes it so much easier to sharpen them. The original Glasers were glued in and I'm fairly certain those are too.

 

[Michael Mason]

Hi Al,

I understand this method for a well used tool, rather than throw away handle, but would you do this to a new tool?

I've heard of this method used on original Glasers, have you tried it on a Hitec?

Can you post or PM a pic of the 3/8 with the set screws? Do you know if that is original or a user upgrade?

Thanks for the info!!!!

To clarify, I was asking how to remove the tool so that when they are worn out, could I easily install a Thompson gouge in these handles.

I believe you all are correct about these being glued in.

 

[Bill T Tucker]

We have a couple with the black handles. 5/8 diameter tools
I removed the tools heating with a torch.
Put the handle in a vice, vice grip locked on the tool, apply torch heat to the tool near the handle, twist and pull out holding the vice grip.
Don’t touch the tool until it cools.
If the handle is shot filled the shot can roll out the tool hole if you tip it.

Replacement tool can be held in place with thick CA.

My red handled 3/8 diameter has 2 set screws

Removing the shot makes the tools easier to use for a long time.
The shot was intended to absorb bounce. My tools don’t bounce so it is just extra weight for me.

Just wondering...on the 3/8, did you take the tool out and then put in set screws? Just wondering if they will hold and not strip out in the aluminum. Thanks

 

[hockenbery]

Can you post or PM a pic of the 3/8 with the set screws? Do you know if that is original or a user upgrade?

Just wondering...on the 3/8, did you take the tool out and then put in set screws? Just wondering if they will hold and not strip out in the aluminum. Thanks

I got this gouge around 1998 I replaced the too short glazer tool with a thompson about 10 years ago.
Set screws were there when I bought it. Probably from Packard. Jerry Glazer made it this way.

There is an insert that probably adds some strength for the set screws.

.

Red tape is my addition.
It keeps students from packing up my tools when they use them in a workshop.

 

[Lance Mirrer]

Thanks Al. Never thought to tap the handles like that. looks like an effective idea.

 

[Bob Sheppard]

I think that you are right, I always regret that I did not buy an original Glaser tool. Are these the old ones in an amazingly unused situation, or the new ones?

I have an original Glaser bowl gouge that I bought from Jerry at the AAW symposium in Philadelphia, in 1988? I do more spindle turning than bowl, so it's still got a lot of life in it. It is a nice gouge, but I don't know how well it compares to a Thompson or even the new HiTec Glasers. I might do like Al sugeests and remove the handle to get rid of the lead shot. It does start getting a little heavy when I'm doing a longer bowl turning session.

 

[Bill Blasic]

I have an original Glaser bowl gouge that I bought from Jerry at the AAW symposium in Philadelphia, in 1988? I do more spindle turning than bowl, so it's still got a lot of life in it. It is a nice gouge, but I don't know how well it compares to a Thompson or even the new HiTec Glasers. I might do like Al sugeests and remove the handle to get rid of the lead shot. It does start getting a little heavy when I'm doing a longer bowl turning session.

Bob Doug Thompson does make replacement steel for the original Glaser handles.

 

[Bob Sheppard]

Bob Doug Thompson does make replacement steel for the original Glaser handles.

Thanks for that info, Bill. But If I do remove the handle, I'll most likely make a wood one. I only have the Glaser with a metal handle, so don't have much to compare to. But I like a wood handle, especially one I've turned that fits my big hands.