Making File Handles

[@bobwebberkc]

I’ve done this for years! It’s a good thing to know and it’s important that you pass this knowledge on and for one I’m thankful for all you do!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that this was a repeat performance for you Bob. That just means that you are doing it right. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words.

[@michaelmarchione3408]

File safety is a must! The handle really looks nice and should serve you well. In don't have a lathe or a place for one, but here is what I did. At the ironworks that I retired from, I collected all the used wooden chipping hammer handles that were thrown out. The welders used air chippers, but the rest of us had hand chippers. I refurbished, if need be, and installed them on my files. I heated the tangs too. I now save old shovel and etc. handles, cut them to length, and use them if I need one. Anyway to keep my hands safe. Enjoyed your show, take care!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Those are great solutions for folks who don't have lathes Michael. Thanks for chiming in with that. I am sure that many folks will find that information to be useful. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Brilliant. At some point your channel has become a repository of the best projects.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad to hear that you like it. I've never really thought of my channel as that but I'm glad that you do. Thanks for tuning in.

[@rrabbit1960]

I've had a wood lathe for a year now...making file handles never crossed my mind until now. LOL My local Ace is going to lose money now since when I buy a file, I also buy a handle. I also have a metal lathe and some drops of various metal rods and tubing that are too short for most projects. I'm getting ideas... Great video as always, Kenny. Oh, and by the way, my shop teacher taught us about heating the tangs way back when. I've been doing that forever.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that I could get the gears in your mind working as to making your own handles Woody. I hope you have fun with it because it really is a fun project. Quick and satisfying. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your comment.

[@juliet4262]

Thanks so much for showing me how that is done! All my files will soon have some nice handles 😊

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope you enjoy the process Julie. It's a quick project but it is so satisfying. Good luck with your project and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@paulsmessyworkshop]

Kenny, I agree, nothing feels as nice (and natural) as a wooden handle on a file. Plastic ones are okay but they just don’t feel as nice. Good idea about using the copper coupling.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Paul. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for chiming in with your comments.

[@babylonlion4603]

Thanks... very easy method and elegant look too 🙏

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you like it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@randyrockwell6136]

Another one of your great …. See a problem then fix it, videos 🤠. I’ve also used scrap copper pipe and electrical conduit for ferrules 🤔

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It's the perfectly material of ferrules. It's just the right size and it's pretty much ready to go right out of the package. Thanks for tuning in Randy. It's appreciated.

[@garrydurfey9700]

Great project. And all of my files need handles. Inherited a few from dad which of course are loose and such. But this also seems like great practice for a turning tool handle. Was looking at some home made carbide tools once that would have all required handles. I passed on the tools but have had the handle thought in the back of my mind for some time. Same principle clear down to the use of the copper. Thanks!!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It is exactly the same principle Garry and I have used it for many turning tool handles. I'm glad that you found the show to be useful. Good luck on your turning and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@meawayfromhome]

Hi Kenny, another practicable video. I always put a handle on my files! it helps me to do my toe nails 👍

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Having good control of a file via a handle while doing something as delicate as your toe nails is very important Philip. It should really help you get better control of the HD rasp. LOL. Thanks for tuning in and for the chuckle.

[@markduggan3451]

Even though I don't have a lathe (no space or money for more tools) I really like your videos.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

These handles can be made from store bought, larger diameter dowels Mark. They can be inserted into a drill and sanded down to the shape that you need. No lathe needed. There is always an alternative method to any woodworking process. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

@@acutabove_woodworkingsI am going to try shaping a scrap of Osage orange with a spoke shave and see if it can get close. I just bought a lathe from a garage sale this past weekend but it is in storage currently until after I move

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

This was fantastic! While that was on the lathe, you could have polished up the handle and copper with some wax to a high shine if you wanted to.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That is definitely and option. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your suggestion. It's awesome.

[@pichhalperi]

Fantastic Idea .. I like it

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Sid. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@scottmorris4914]

Very good, very useful. Thank you.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Scott. Thanks for tuning in this week.

[@FarmsteadForge]

Great video, thanks a lot!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@frankherring6253]

Nice project Ken! What do you use to clean your file? I was taught in school to use a card file, but evidently they hard changed the name to file card now. I just watched a video that suggested using a piece of hardwood or brass both seemed to work great! Thanks for the show!

[@frankherring6253]

This is thevideo I was referring to ALTERNATIVES TO THE FILE CARD (FOLLOW UP) by Greg Greenwood.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

To clean my files Frank, I have a brush. One side has fine metal hairs to remove any really stuck debris and the other side has a hard bristle brush. I find that for most applications, it cleans the files quickly and easily without damage to the files themselves. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I will check it out Frank. Thanks.

[@R2_D3]

Always drill the larger hole first, so the drill won't ''grab and tear'' the wood also, it won't ''search'' for the center of the hole.. The smaller drill will ''auto center'' in the bottom of the hole, since there is already the 118-135 degree (depending on what drill used) angle from the tip of the bigger drill.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your advice.

[@R2_D3]

@@acutabove_woodworkings I hope it's clear what I meant, it can be difficult to explain something in another language... 😁

[@billinfarmington5189]

Hi Kenny! Inquiring minds want to know about the difference between a mallet and a whack-o-meter. And, wouldn't a whack-o-meter be a measurement device to determine the power generated by a whacker? Regards, Bill ;o)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Great question Bill. A mallet is defined as a tool used for imparting force on another object, often made of rubber or sometimes wood, that is smaller than a maul or beetle, and usually has a relatively large head. A Whack-ometer however is defined as an object used by professionals and hacks alike, that when swinging force is applied, can seat objects in places where they have not been seated before. The force of the whack-ometer is directly proportional to the gravitational force applied through the distance of the arc, multiplied by the distance between the object being struck and the whack-ometer. It can be made of any substance and its power increases with the volume of frustrated tribal screams that are emitted from the user. I hope this clears things up for you Bill. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to ask your question.

[@billinfarmington5189]

@@acutabove_woodworkings LOL! LOL! I so appreciate the expansive definition. You are master of having fun. Not something always found in your sometimes shocking profession. ;o) Now I need to get a beetle to kill an infestation of grasshoppers! Regards, Bill

[@billinfarmington5189]

@@acutabove_woodworkings OH! And also, I did appreciate the handle tutorial. I was thinking you were going to epoxy the handle on but the burning in was good. I have a number of files that need handles and may just follow in your footsteps. Bill

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@billinfarmington5189 Life is too short not to have fun.

[@barry.w.christie]

Bit confused here, I've never heard of anyone in my life using a file just by holding onto the tang ... the whole reason for the tang is for it to be fitted in a handle!! Anyway, apart from that ... excellent tutorial on the simplicity of making your own handles, although I wouldn't (personally) heat for fitting 👍 For simple decoration, cut a series of small grooves, then spin the handle whilst holding a length of wire in the groove ... it'll burn the wood and looks great. P.S. My apologies for moaning, I feel bad 😪

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Believe it or not Barry, there are plenty of folks out there that use a file without a handle. Whether they just haven't bothered to get one or they may not know that a handle is needed. Either way, it still happens. Great suggestions on the handle and what you would do to install. I appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to chime in with your suggestions. Thanks.

[@georgewilmore7599]

I have about 15 to make. When can I expect delivery.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

At a guess George, taking into consideration my schedule and the current date and time, you can probably expect delivery on or after November 30, 2098. LOL. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave your comment.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I will not use a file that does not have a handle for the reason you stated, I have a lot of closet rod from oak that I turn to make my file handles with. When I make my ferrells I use slip joint copper couplings that do not have the dimples. I also make my own lather turning tools and for the handles pretty much the same way just a longer handle and a larger diameter. I think a few folks ought to file this video away for the day they need to make a few safety devices called file handles. 🤣🛫 One thing I do is that different is the end you cut off I leave it a little larger diameter than the Ferrell at the end. I have also cut a slit with the band saw. Tapping the ferrel with a block of wood over the larger diameter the end compresses the receiver of file the part where the ferrel is located is the same diameter of the ID of the coupling this prevents the Ferrell from slipping off the end. I like the heat trick that is new to me!😁🛫

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

This is some great information. I like your method ideas. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to chime in with your suggestions and your methods. It is very much appreciated.