Shop ferruls

[Intheshop]

I'd say more for the wood workers than metal folk,but alls fair?

My two favorite ferruls are 1/2" EMT cut to length and .45 ACP cases.

The EMT gets used on all our file handles.Have about a dz, "working" files in both wood shop and metal(hundreds in inventory).We turn the handles to a very specific,slightly reverse taper.... Look at your finger lengths.They get shorter going from fore to pinky.File handles typically are "ball ended".Slight reverse taper is oval vs ball end in profile.With ours being not a perfect oval,little bigger towards the file/rasp end.

Used to have a profile card around that gave profile pattern and ferrule dimensions scribbled on it,but have turned so many just bust'm out.The EMT gets cut with a tubing cutter,not a saw.

Next is the .45 cases.These get gauldang "pretty".Same concept but on a 3/4 scale vs rasp handles.Same nice quality BW,Maple,Hickory hdwd but scaled down as handles for "Allen" wrenches.Same slight reverse taper.But now a brass ferrul.The "trick" is cutting off a long legged wrench ON the short leg.This cutoff pce BTW,gets used in 1/4" drive sockets as well,SC drivers....

Now you have the Allen wrench with a just a slight bend on the leg.They get cut with die grinders(or dremel)and thin wheels.This bend is what anchors the system from turning,even though the shank is epoxied in the handle.

We still do a tremendous amt of handwork....rasp,file,...and socket caps are everywhere from reloading to shop fixturing.Not for everybody.... but considering some folks have spent careers at fitting benches... well,they bring a touch more respect to the craft.The figured BW (black walnut) is my fav.Quick wipe with mineral oil for a finish.Enjoy,BWS

 

[Gary]

I do similar stuff but use a BLO finish, nothing fancy, just wipe it on and rub it in a bit. Walnut is my favorite as well. Thanks for the "shop tip".

 

[Intheshop]

Gary,I have a 40+ year history of "finding" signs and old cans N bottles.Shop is very nicely appointed with some slackjaw art really,concerning such.

Got/found a one G and a qt cans of Spencer Kellogg(two gg's)....boiled linseed oil.Prolly 1950's?Anyway we sorta can't have it here cause of fire hazard... not judging cause we all have different perspectives on the matter.

BUT,I wanted the cans.Decanted it for a blacksmith friend.It seems to be the chit for finishing their products,comin off the forge.Win/win.

Oh,and BTW these are labeled "pure linseed oil".BW

 

[Pistolero]

Yes, turning out file handles and using 1/2 conduit for ferules - been doing that for a while. I drill for the particular file tang, once I need one and install
it semi permanently. They work fine. Just poplar dowel to start with, buy 4 ft pieces for a couple bucks at Loew's. Haven't finished these yet, will wipe
on some varnish.

Bill

 

[Intheshop]

Nice Pistol.

Tripping on back 40 years.....one of the first "gunsmithing" specific lessons beat into me was about file handles.Don't leave home without them,or some such.Having a file tang scar in your palm is NOT a badge of honor,quite the reverse.It's a mighty poor craftsman who doesn't take his tools seriously.

The reverse taper got started about that time....an article in American Handgunner possibly.Bill Jordan,Ross Seyfreid,George Nonte.....someone.It was about handgun stocks.Noting your fingers get shorter the further "down" they go.So why are factory grips just the opposite.So started building stocks but tested the idea on file handles.The "ole" man I was in biz with was a mould master at the biggest foundry in Philadelphia during WWII.A self taught engineer of the highest order.

It was him and dad that instilled a bunch of old world,smash mouth craftsmanship.Don't be pointing fingers if your own house ain't in order..... so,what may not matter to some guys shop tools/equipment wise.I saw firsthand what the depression produced in spirit.Some get it,some don't....fine.

Working on a Federal period.... look up dado section of a wall.Started counting the number of cuts(mill and install) got to around 1500 for a 30' section.One door,3 windows..... Quit counting,haha.