Tool Handle Length

Long tool handles always look really cool, but are long handles necessary? or are short handles more appropriate? Is there some criteria for determining minimum tool handle length?
If you have watched a few of my videos in the past, you probably noticed that some of my tool handles are quite long, while others (like the ones on my skews) are quite short. Find out how I decide how long a tool handle needs to be.

[@JimG31547]

Brian, A very detailed look at handles. Your videos are some of the most detailed and educational on youtube. Thank you for taking your time in making and sharing them. Jim

[@thelonecraftsman4966]

These are the best lathe videos I have seen. I just wish there were more of them.

[@martinboyle6632]

As with all your videos I learn something new. Thanks for sharing.

[@Lee-qp6gf]

What a great subject I'm glad you took this on. thanks, Lee

[@tmikeporter]

I always find your videos so very informative. Keep it up, Brian.

[@seanpatterson1609]

I appreciate the in-depth instruction on the various tool types and reasons for different lengths. Especially for a detailed instructional video, your presentation was excellent. Thank you.

[@BarrysWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing your approach to tool length. Very well thought out and presented.

[@gordroberts53]

Hi Brian: To answer your question, yes please! Really appreciated this look at converting old tools. Now all I have to do is wear out a bowl gouge...:) Cheers, Gord

[@gordroberts53]

Another great instructional video! I have a new bowl gouge to handle and have been struggling with the length issue. Thanks so much for sharing! Cheers, Gord

[@gregpauley7540]

Thank you for all of the great videos. I'm headed out to the shop today to make a couple of handles for some new tools I just purchased online and your explanation about length ratios was very helpful. You are doing an awesome job helping newbies (me and my son) learn turning. Please keep up the great work!

[@WoodByWright]

Great discussion! love shop made handles and tools!

[@prsearls]

Very good information. I'll be turning some handles soon with these guidelines in mind.

[@MikeWaldt]

A very in depth and informative video Brian, packed with relevant and useful explanations. Take care Mike

[@seniorchiefharris]

Great video Brian! I've thought of making my own tool handles but wondered about how long they should be for safety reasons and your video was spot on! Thanks for sharing and safe turning to you always!!!

[@jerrystark6766]

A helpful and informative video. Thanks!

[@geofo60]

As always Brian packed with useful information & very well explained. Geof Harris (UK)

[@donnymcarter]

Thanks for the info and video Brian!

[@j5p4w10]

I'm a beginner ---- > another very informative video just like all the others. THANKS

[@terry2346]

Brian, thanks for this video! I have an excelsior mini lathe from Rockler and getting a standard length bowl gouge to work around the tail stock is a pain and sometimes just not do able. I am thinking of ways to get around this and your video is very helpful in determining the actual NEEDED tool length. Thanks again

[@crackerjack3359]

I have solved the problem a different way. Rather than long tools I use an appropriate tool rest. I use D-tools with a 12” moving handle on an 18” lathe and never needed a longer handle.

[@tielkgate]

Great video!

[@stringmanipulator]

Nice video with some clear and useful guides :)

[@brandondblaine]

Great info. Thanks.

[@germainrioux945]

nicely made video, and very informative

[@przybyla420]

I enjoy these “theory” videos.

[@unclepewter4161]

I have a set of craftsman lathe tools that I got with my lathe and the handles are only about ten inches which I have found to be a little bit short. I have been thinking about making new handles and this was very helpful

[@DKWalser]

Brian -- Thank you for this video. I've been looking forward to it ever since you promised to address the topic of your short skew handles. I had been experimenting with a shorter skew handle for a few months when I first saw the length of yours and had wondered if you were using the shorter handle for the same reason I was. Your videos deserve a wider audience. They are excellent. I've posted a link to this video on the WoodCentral woodturning forum. (www.woodcentral.com/woodworking/forum/turning.pl) I hope others will link your videos on other forums, too.

[@johnfordham8133]

Very good video, just happened to see it and liked it!!!That money does burn holes in the pocket, lol...

[@Musicpins]

yeaeee unhandled tools is the way to go, cheaper and you can make your own handle to fit you. Its fun :)

[@timpierce110]

Great video - would love to see another on sharpening tools

[@BHavensWoodworker]

+Tim Pierce I hope I can figure out a sharpening video. It is one of those really religious topics in woodturning as well as woodworking. I prefer to freehand sharpen, but unlike a lot of freehand sharpeners, I do not think it is for everyone.

[@stevenhansen8641]

Thanks Brian, a video on shop made tools, jigs and fixtures would be very interesting thanks for your consideration.

[@BHavensWoodworker]

+steven hansen I have some videos planned for tool making, probably starting with my 1/4" round skew and my point tools.

[@hermit3400]

Great video. Is the copper colored metal on the end of the handle just a close fit that is then epoxied into place or or do you use a compression tool like the way residential plastic water pipe is connected? Is the too itself epoxied into the handle or is it just a tight press fit? Thanks for the help. I'm really enjoying your videos and glad to have discovered them!

[@classicZEPP]

Beginner turner here.(like a week in) In terms of leverage. What are your opinions on making a handle with the option to add weight to the bottom? I have only seen a few people on KZbin do that. i just ordered a few carbide bits and i am planning on making a few turning tools. Just curious if there was an added benefit.

[@la_casadeltornero]

Muy buena información

[@alanjordan3967]

Very helpful Brian. Got a rec on where to buy unhandled tools? Tks. Alan

[@DLMcPhail]

Brian could you make a video on how to grind lathe tools. I looked on your channel and couldn't find any. I am a new turner and this would be very helpful for me, and I am sure all of us newbees.

[@BHavensWoodworker]

Added to the list.

[@manuelgarza969]

what's the top angle of the negative rake scraper . thanks for all the info on the length of the handles .

[@BHavensWoodworker]

+MANUEL GARZA I use the same angles as a skew, so about 20 degrees (40 degrees included).

[@markharding6582]

When you seat your tool in the handle do you use any adhesive? Thanks

[@BHavensWoodworker]

Not usually, but if it is slightly loose, I would fill it with some thin CA glue. The tool bit diameters and the drill bits are usually tight enough tolerances that no adhesive is required. What I have done, though, is install a rectangular bit into a round hole in a handle, and then fill the gaps with slow setting epoxy.

[@waterfordrs22]

Just what I was looking for. THX

[@robertcornelius3514]

What about the carbide tip tools? I think some need to come with longer handles. They would probably fall under that 7:1 rule.

[@BHavensWoodworker]

Since carbide tools are mostly used in a scraping mode, I think you are right with the 7:1 rule. It is possible to use a carbide tool by using bevel support if the carbide tip is mounted at about a 30 degree angle, so 5:1 would be OK there. (I first learned about bevel supported carbide cutting from Lyle Jamieson.)

[@robertcornelius3514]

You and Lyle, in my opinion, are in the top 5 wood turners on KZbin. I learn a great deal from both of you. Keep up the good work.

[@Niemals_Anal-lena]

Wie lang willst du ihn noch machen, ja