Been Quiet in here...

[Scupper]

Everyone must be making handles for ice rods. Here's a few I recently completed.

Quite challenging to say the least...

[pikestabber]

Wow, those are gorgeous! What is your process like for something like these, and what woods do you use?

[upnorth]

I have seen how that is is done and it is far from easy. I have a background as a machinist, and understand the concept, but keeping it square and aligned in a wood lathe is a chore.

[unfrozen]

Nice work Scupper. Tons of contrast in the wood you chose, it's very appealing.

[Scupper]

Pikestabber,

it's difficult for me to describe the process other then laminating/gluing different woods in different patterns. Once that is completed, you then cut it up into various lengths and angle/angles. Now you laminate/glue together in stages. Don't forget to drill a hole for the rod blank as you move along assembling pieces together. < Later, this will make centering the insertion of rod blank much more receptive. Square all 4 sides as evenly as possible, < very important. Now your ready for the all important centering in the lathe. If there's an easy way to do this, I'm all ears. For the most part, I eyeball it. Cross your fingers and spin away.

If all works according to plan, you've created something unique, visually appealing and functional. Be prepared for catastrophes, lamination failure, disappointment and or less then desirable results, I have a couple of small boxes nearly full of disappointments.

It has been pointed out to me that this process is called segmenting. It should be called patients. It is very time consuming. I can whip one out in about a week...

It's all off the cuff so to speak, trial and error. The woods used for the handles in the picture are bocote, tamboti, wenge, paduk, maple and lace. The fine highlight lines are from dyed sheet veneers/laminates.

I have only produced a hand full each of the past few years. I think I put out 12 or 15 ice rods last year and can honestly say that after overhead, I'm lucky to make minimum wage. < Disclaimer; this is not a solicitation nor advertisement for work orders.

There's a few fellah's on here that have unknowingly encouraged myself to be able to create these handles. When I've had questions as to there beautiful creations, they unselfishly were more then generous with guidance and direction. In other words, they gave me the green light (self esteem) to be creative.

Have fun and sorry this is so long.

P.S, thanks for your thoughts upnorth and unfrozen...

Scott

A couple from the past. Sorry for the amateur photograph...

[Brad B]

Scupper,

what do you use to hook the reels on to these handles. the wood is so good looking you would hate to put black tape on it.

[upnorth]

Scupper, The part of " Now your ready for the all important centering in the lathe." ? Are you using a Mandrel or chucking it up and hoping for the best?

[Scupper]

Brad B,

Initially I used 3M, 2 sided tape found in most big box home centers. It's a little thick and the color gray can cause a mild unsightliness. It functions well but there are some who had issues with the reel staying in place. I researched 2 sided tapes as to find a product more suitable to the use at hand. A representative from 3M contacted me and directed myself to suppliers of there adhesive products. Wow, I never realized how many different 2 sided tapes are being utilized.

I settled on 3M VHB4905011 1" x 5 yds 20mm Clear. The VHB stands for very high bound. It's working out well. The most frequent issue is the reel separating from the tape. Most reels I adhere to the rods have little divots and voids of one form or another. I have filed and sanded them smoother for better tape adhesion but have been experimenting with a couple drops of a good CA on the reel foot followed by the tape, <Superglue. I have been very satisfied with the results of the addition of the CA as the reel can still be removed (if need be) from the handle without any damage to it.

upnorth,

I have tried using the mandrel but have found better results just chucking it up.

My Dad (RIP) always said I liked to do everything 3 times and the hard way...

Scott

[upnorth]

I have had more issues getting and keeping the drilling straight(cheap lathe too) than I do with issue or quality turning on a mandrel myself. But hey I am of the belief there is more than one way to do something and people are better off doing it the way it works best for them.

[A.W.Wolfram]

Very nice looking work Scupper.

I like the VHB idea, I will be trying that soon.

[Brad B]

Scupper,

could you send me a PM with the supplier info. I went to 3M's HSOforum and I can get it there but it is like $375.00 for a case (2 Rolls, 72yrds each). that is a little price if you ask me. in the PM can you include price for the 5yrds.