Ed Minch wrote:
GG
> MLW and I spent time at a craft show in Baltimore yesterday - one of
those 400 booth events with pukey ducks all around.
> There was a fellow selling charis, benches, stools and tables with
axe handles for legs, so I stopped. Had to ask where he got all the axe
handles and he said he used to buy them from a guy who made them, then
he went out of business. So he bought 2 of the duplicating lathes the
guy used and now makes his own. He showed me a picture and sure
enough, on one side is the sample hanlde, and on the other side is the
new one. Since many of his products used just 1/2 or 3/4 of a handle.
he can make just that amount. The lathe in the picture was line shaft
driven, but had been altered for one of those giant old motors.
> He also had a line of walking canes that are wood blades with old saw
handles on them that were at the top for you to hold onto. Fearing the
worst, I asked where he got the handles, and he said off of blades that
were used up or severely rusted (Phew). He told me he had a handle off
a Disston that he thought was Wenge. When I asked how he knew that, he
said a friend who was a cabinetmaker looked and agreed with his thoughts.
> I have never seen a Wenge saw handle on an old saw - have you? My
thoughts were that it was either a replacement someone made, or it?s
Brazilian Rosewood that is very dark on a something like a Victory saw
(D-43??)
Ed,
Considering what Wenge splinters do you your hands, I'd doubt that it
was used. It'd be like making the handle out of porky pine needles.
Dave
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