Making a Handle for a Socket Chisel

In this short video I’ll briefly talk about handle design and why I chose the shape that I did. I’ll then show my method of creating a handle that fits tightly into a vintage chisel, and has the geometry that fits my hand.
Shape the cone first and get the best possible fit between the chisel and the wood. If you don’t have a perfect fit, the shape and side of the handle doesn’t matter because you’re investing time into a bad handle.
Once it’s solid, get creative and shape the main handle, add a few details then finish the butt end.

[@jerrygillette854]

I always enjoy your instructional videos. I learn something from every one of them. Thanks.

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you Jerry! I appreciate you for taking time to watch. 👍

[@theappalachianheritagewood3453]

Great video! Nice cabinet. Great tip using the abrasive on the lathe! Thanks!

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you for watching and I appreciate the comments!

[@JamesSmith-su3oz]

So now, after wanting a set of ash handles for my socket chisels, I see 👀 a set in walnut you changed my mind. The handel you made looks like artwork.

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you! There are so many beautiful hardwoods to choose from it’s hard to select just one.

[@yaohongwei6032]

The 2 black lines on the handle are a great design feature.

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you! I thought so too, something to add a little detail.

[@cottrilltoolwoodworks]

Love it. Great work as always Gordon!

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking time to watch. 👍

[@MASI_forging]

The handel looks so good. 👍👍

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you!

[@monroe5617]

hello Gordon, im liking your channel alot bud. i found it by searching how to repair the plane totes...in my opinion your videos are the best i seen in explaining why and what to use....very nice chisel handle! i look forward to more of your videos, cheers from Gary Indiana !

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you very much! I appreciate hearing from you and I’m being encouraged to do more video (beyond rosewood) and it’s encouraging to hear from people that find benefit. I’ll do my best to keep ‘em coming! Thank you again!👍

[@timberanvil3788]

Watched this because I forged a laminated steel socket chisel...then turned a walnut handle for it. Fun project

[@gordonaddison307]

I’m curious…. Did you use a specific angle for the conical shape?

[@timberanvil3788]

@@gordonaddison307 no sir. I forged out the socket to a cone that "looked right" in proportion to the chisel then went to my lathe and carefully turned the walnut until I observed a good fit.

[@danielgrabske3545]

Really like your wall tool cabinet .

[@gordonaddison307]

Thank you! It’s a work in progress… inspired by the H.O. Studley tool box. I love how he packed so much into his so I am gradually adding layers and details to mine. The best part? It’s all done by hand with vintage tools. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@davidjames1482]

Great Job Gordon!! I appreciate your comments on making the handle fit the user. Next request show us how your handles have worked after five years of usage. I expect the video in 5 years ;).

[@gordonaddison307]

Oh gawd another challenge. Deal! (Thank you for the kind words and I appreciate the comment👍)

[@robohippy]

I do more turning than I do flat work. I did make a handle for a timber framing slick. To test the fit for the socket, I would leave the lathe on and push the socket on to the tenon of the handle. Then, turn down the burnished/burned marks. I did leave about 1/8 inch for it to 'compress' over the years.

[@gordonaddison307]

Interesting approach and thank you for sharing. I still find myself turning off my lathe when I put calipers on the workpiece (to check diameter) I see guys doing this with the part spinning but it makes me nervous. Same with pushing a socket on a spinning handle….😬

[@robohippy]

@@gordonaddison307 Variable speed lathes are wonderful. I would not attempt it at spindle turning speeds, though it could be done. For small spindles like this handle, I would be turning at 3000+ rpm. It makes it easier to get smooth lines/forms. Whatever works. I think the chisel I made the handle for was hand forged, so not totally round. Modern tooling process could make them so that you could make a pencil sharpener type thing to get the perfect taper.

[@maine420247]

Hey Gordon, man that's to funny For the last 2 months ive been set up and tooling and learning how to turn chisel handles and tool parts and i turned my first slick handle 2 weeks ago. No bowls boxes or vases for this cat! Just handles, knobs and mallets for me. I got a 1954 9x30 Craftsman spindle lathe for $50 off the marketplace. New bearings and quick rusteration & im off to the races. Ive been buying chisels w/o handles for awhile now and i hand carved chisel handles for years and its not as slow as youd think. Ill send you some pics. If you have or havent seen the book "Chisels, Chissels, Chizzels" By Ole Jim Bassett. I highly recomend it. i was gifted a copy and its a great read and reference of pre war chisels and there handles. If you can find it get it. Its official im out of rosewood totes... So Im gonna get back to rosewood repair soon...

[@gordonaddison307]

Thanks Will. Great to hear from you and I will definitely look for the book. I made my own lathe years ago and I had a 6ft bed. Did some bigger furniture pieces and other fun stuff. Sold it during a move and regret it often. ☹️ Thank for taking time to write!

[@artallen]

Stuffing aluminum foil into the hollow to create a template - brilliant. I’ve been putting off restoring a couple old chisels because of not knowing how to size the cone. I’m going to try it. Liked the polishing drum idea, too. What grit size are you using? I see several grits that are reddish.

[@_BigLife_]

That "turned" out really nice. What wood chuck are you using? That is the last part I need to purchase to get my grandfather's shopsmith working as a lathe.

[@gordonaddison307]

I use Nova chucks…. I have a couple which makes for faster changeovers.

[@_BigLife_]

@gordonaddison307 thank you, I will look into one.

[@keithdexter8710]

Where did you get your tool rest?

[@gordonaddison307]

Ugh, good question. The cast iron (stock) rest that came with the lathe broke so I ordered a new set. I have a wide and a narrow….exact same construction and they’re stainless steel. Try Amazon?

[@kelewaekreation]

How about a set outta black palm? lol

[@gordonaddison307]

Uhhhhh….. no? 🌴❤️

[@kelewaekreation]

@@gordonaddison307 lol. I seem to recognize a plastic bag of goodies!!