Need Advice Lathe tool handles

[sandmander12]

I've got neck and back issues (surgery). I was thinking of making a few longer handle tools ,with a little lead inset to hopefully counter vibration. Will be used with carbide, mainly for roughing.any thoughts ??

 

[Dee2]

"...neck and back issues" and you want a heavier - leaded -tool handle. Hhhhmmm. I use anti-vibe gloves and think about adding a thin pool-noodle or foam like cover for the handles to absorb vibrations. But then my issues are more with the sanding drill. Don't know your experience level, but maybe less tool extended beyond the tool rest would be cheaper than leaded tool handles.

I'm also leaning more and more towards lighter cuts.

YMMV!

 

[JRedding]

I use longer tool handles for many of mine. For hollowing tools, my handles are 27 - 30 inches. I normally make them from ash and don’t add any weight. I start with 8/4 material and I turn the back of the handle to a triangular shape. Look for an article about how David Ellsworth turned his handles - it’s great because it provides a more natural fit in the hand, reducing the tendency to grip more tightly. I’ve found it helps with my overall tension, including in the back.

 

[karlkoch]

Like you I have some neck and upper back issues (spinal stenosis). Bought a couple of weighted handles from Thompson Tools. The longest they sell are 20" long and they contain steel shot to reduce vibration. I think that they help when I rough larger pieces of green wood. However, locking the handle to my body and moving the tool with my body instead of my arms seems to help even more and it is something that I am trying to get better at doing in all my turning. Also pressing the tool down onto the tool rest instead of forward into the wood AND adjusting the height of my lathe so I don't "hunch" over. And I stand on rubber stall mats from Tractor Supply. Just my 2 cents...

 

[SabertoothBunny]

If you want carbide, consider the un-handled Easy Wood Tools ones but you will need to get them off of their website directly. For the handles I suggest the Stuart Batty handles. That is the setup I have and it work great as the handles come in a variety of lengths and can be extended with an adapter.

 

[chris_goris]

Neck and back problems from turning may possibly be remedied by adjusting your position. Meaning, your elbow height to the machine centerline. Maybe a platform? for either your lathe or you?. Just a thought. I dont know how tall you are or relation to the machine.

 

[sandmander12]

I read all the replies...thx to all...this is why I joined this group. Personal experience goes a long way in resolving issues. I leave the AI responses to others.