My wife has asked me several times if I could make her a crochet hook, size 8.  I didn't think I could do it because it looked far too delicate to me.  I gave it a try by first picking a piece of Cherry with the straightest grain I could find. Then I used a micrometer to measure her old size 8.  I had to think about how I was going to do this, without breaking it first. I realize now that there are probably tutorials on Utube, but I didn't think of that at the time. I did struggle with it a lot, but finished it. It AIN'T perfect, but she likes it. Now she wants more and wants them designed to fit her hand, that is shorter and the handle needs to be longer. etc.

Ron that is great.

So what part of it gave you the most problems?

The thinner it became, the less stable it was. The final diameter was very touchy, the center thin shaft had to be stabilized with my fingers. Which made me wonder how safe that was, if it broke off, would some of it find its way into my fingers. I turned most of it with my gouge, but the final diameter was taken down with a small power belt sander. I'm sure there is much better techniques, but that is how I did mine.

John Moody said:

Ron that is great.
So what part of it gave you the most problems?

I know what you mean about safe. I broke a handle on a mirror I was turing the other night and scared the daylights out of me. It was a bad place in the wood, but still scared me.

The fun thing is it doesn't matter how you do it, it is just that you do it.

Ron Altier said:

The thinner it became, the less stable it was. The final diameter was very touchy, the center thin shaft had to be stabilized with my fingers. Which made me wonder how safe that was, if it broke off, would some of it find its way into my fingers. I turned most of it with my gouge, but the final diameter was taken down with a small power belt sander. I'm sure there is much better techniques, but is how I did mine.

John Moody said:

Those are cool Ron, I can't believe how thin you guys can get down on that lathe. Wonderful work indeed.

Good Morning Ron,

Working with something that slender might call for a lathe steady and following is one I made while turning spindles for a rockong chair.

I hope you find it useful and if you need doirections just send me an email.

Ralph

Ralph, when it became unstable, I used my thumb and finger on my left hand to stabilize it, while my right hand was working with the tools and sandpaper. Maybe not a good thing to do, but it worked. If I decide to make more, I will certainly consider you offer.

Thanks for the info and picture

Ron