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269972 Dave leader <daveldr@c...> 2020‑02‑23 Re: Wenge
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

Recent Bios FAQ