turning tool handles from tree branches?

[danielbuck]

There is a small tree that I'm going to have to cut on my property to have vehicle access to the side yard where I will be building my new workshop. I don't really want to cut it because I like trees and shade, but there's no real way around it.

I'd like to re-purpose some of the wood, and my first thought is handles for hammers, files and what not. I do have some brass and casting lead set aside for making some hammers, so it seems like a good fit.

I don't do a whole lot of wood working, I work with metal mostly. But I think I can successfully turn the wood in my metal lathe, I can come up with a make-shift tool rest and make or pick up a cheap wood turning cutter.


As for the wood, I believe the tree is an Apricot tree. Should I cut the "blanks" from the branches to size and let them dry for a while before I turn them down? Or leave the branches whole and cut the blanks after it's dried for a while? Should I do an initial turning to remove the bark before letting them dry? or leave the bark on? Or just turn the handles with fresh wood? Does it make a difference if the wood is fresh or dried/aged?

It's not the most efficient way to make handles, but I would like to repurpose the wood.

Any tips or suggestions are welcome.

 

[tarbellb]

Rule of thumb, 1" thickness = 1 year of dry time. Maybe less with limbs?

I say do it, Apricot is a beautiful hardwood worth using.

 

[danielbuck]

Rule of thumb, 1" thickness = 1 year of dry time. Maybe less with limbs?

I say do it, Apricot is a beautiful hardwood worth using.

I'm fine with leaving the wood to dry for a long time, I've had the material for the hammer heads sitting for a while, don't mind waiting a while longer

Would you strip the bark off before drying? or just let it sit as is? Cut to length before drying, or cut to length after drying?

 

[RPH]

Leave the bark on and seal the ends to prevent checking.

 

[crugg65]

It’s a known fact that Ash and Hickory is the top choice for most tool handles, there are some wood turners that used a wide assortment of wood to suit their needs or specific look. I never turned any of the fruitwood on my lathe but I have and old apple tree and I might give it a try. I’ve read that Apricot wood has similar qualities as Cherry wood so perhaps you can give it a try! I would definitely cut your wood into blanks and dry it out for a year or two before use. Some recommend you wax or seal ends to prevent the ends from checking out! I would like to hear others input and should be an interesting post[emoji6]


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[danielbuck]

I have some tree limb spray meant for sealing the wood after cutting a limb. I assume that would work for this?

 

[jessesandy]

If you were cutting down a white birch tree just stick a file in a branch and your done.



If the wood is similar to a pear tree or apple tree, I don't think it would take any serious hammering.

 

[lilredex]

Leave them whole and paint the ends with oil paint to seal.

They do not have to be turned, an octagonal shape is also good.

http://www.leevalley.com/newsletters/Woodworking/1/2/article2.htm

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-File-Handles-Without-a-Lathe/

 

[AZ Pete]

Apricot turns well, and will make a good handle. I have a wood carving mallet I turned from Apricot 1979 or 80 still doing the job


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