Machette Handle - Woodworking Talk

TS3660 · 10-05-2009, 08:00 AM

Just finished this handle. It's maple aith black walnut plugs and splines. I put Deft on it but don't like it. I think I'll remove it and put poly on it.

Streamwinner · 10-05-2009, 12:29 PM

Very nice. Is this custom built to someone's hand? Your own?

TS3660 · 10-05-2009, 12:33 PM

For a friend but I just made it to fit my hand. He's about the same size as me.

Gene Howe · 10-05-2009, 08:25 PM

Neat! Now, if I just had a machete.

TS3660 · 10-07-2009, 02:37 PM

I put 2 coats of poly on it. I think it looks pretty nice now.

The Everyman Show · 10-07-2009, 04:09 PM

That is a neat project Bud and it does look attractive with the walnut plugs. There is another ongoing thread in the general woodworking forum right now regarding the use of wood plugs. I think you have demonstrated that contrasting species can be used to enhance the finished product. Good Job.

TS3660 · 10-07-2009, 04:17 PM

Thanks Everyman. And I did see that thread about plugs and wondered if I should post these pics in that thread. But, I screwed up and didn't pay attention to the grain direction when I put the plugs in. I thought about it 5 minutes later but the glue had already set too hard to pull them out.

The Everyman Show · 10-07-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TS3660

But, I screwed up and didn't pay attention to the grain direction when I put the plugs in.

Bud, you are missing the marketing wagon here. By your choice of grain orientation you just added some distinct rustic character to that machette handle.

TS3660 · 10-07-2009, 04:27 PM

Oh...er...Yeah. That's right. I meant to do it that way. In fact, I put them in oriented with the grain and then ripped them out and rotated them.

clarionflyer · 10-10-2009, 04:05 PM

I keep having to replace the rivets in my handle. They snap in half about once a year. Maybe I should use walnut?

Kenbo · 10-11-2009, 09:48 AM

That's really cool. I really like the shape. How did you make this. Is it cut on a scrollsaw or band saw and then shaped with a sander? I'm just guessing here. Either way, great job on the handle. Your friend is going to love it.
Ken

Leatherneck · 10-11-2009, 11:06 AM

looks like it would be very comfortable in my hand ..

nice job

woodman42 · 10-11-2009, 11:55 AM

Nice handle Bud. where is the motor? Lol.
I tried the Deft myself once. It takes way to many coats to get a suitable finish in my opinion.

TS3660 · 10-12-2009, 08:22 AM

I cut it out on the band saw and then worked with a dremel tool and hand sanding.