It was suggested that I post some pictures of my turning projects. One is seam ripper handles. I like to use exotic woods and that wood was available at a local high end lumber yard where I used to live. When my projects was complete, I had small scraps left that I had to find a use for. The picture below is one such project. I got the rippers from Jo Ann Fabrics for around $1.29 with blue plastic handles on them. Using pliers and a firm grip............they come apart.

If you decide to do this project, remember that it must be shaped similar to what I have done for effective grip and comfort. I made mine with my wife's grip and opinion in mind, she loves them.

Man I love that idea. I wish I had thought of that. My wife doesn't sew much anymore, but my mother still whips a stitch or two and I know she would like one.

That might be a nice addition to my line for the Craft Show I have been doing lately.

I will be looking for a few of those before next month.

Nice job and a very useful item.

Those are just great turnings, as someone who is entering the world of turning slowly but surely, I am really starting to appreciate the art of turning more and more as I see these fine pieces made, excellent work.

John, here is another project for your craft show. I got tired of my wife not knowing where she left the keys. She collected bears at the time, so it had to be a bear.

Pretty neat.

I may give those a try.

Bears are good.

John

I too got the seam ripper bug. I had a hard time finding the parts at first. I finally found a few and others gave me there spares. Photo sucks but it is what it is.

Greg,

I like those and I see you are also now setting the cover into the handle.

I picked up a couple at Hobby Lobby last week, but haven't gotten to turn them yet. I was hoping to have them for a craft show this weekend, but my schedule has been wild last week and so far this week. I may not get them ready in time.

What size hole did you drill in the middle and did you turn them in a chuck or on a mandrel?

When you are making these, you must keep in mind the ergonomics of it. Look at mine and you will see that I have placed knobs at both ends. The user must be able to get a good grip and it can not be a finger tiring, strenuous grip.

I made several before I got my wife's approval. As for the hole size, the rippers come in 3 sizes and I pull the new ones apart. Then I drilled a hole slightly smaller than the shaft in scrap wood. I tested until I had the hole snug enough that it was as tight as the plastic handle I removed.

Hope that helps.

Ron

John Moody said:

Greg,

I like those and I see you are also now setting the cover into the handle.

I picked up a couple at Hobby Lobby last week, but haven't gotten to turn them yet. I was hoping to have them for a craft show this weekend, but my schedule has been wild last week and so far this week. I may not get them ready in time.

What size hole did you drill in the middle and did you turn them in a chuck or on a mandrel?

The hole size is 25/64. It is not a press fit so I used a little epoxy to to hold it tight. I did not use a mandrel. I drilled the blank on the drill press, chucked the blank in 25 mm jaws of my Nova chuck, and stabilized the end with a live center. I was able to back off the tail stock to finish the ripper end.

John Moody said:

Greg,

I like those and I see you are also now setting the cover into the handle.

I picked up a couple at Hobby Lobby last week, but haven't gotten to turn them yet. I was hoping to have them for a craft show this weekend, but my schedule has been wild last week and so far this week. I may not get them ready in time.

What size hole did you drill in the middle and did you turn them in a chuck or on a mandrel?

Say what!!! Are you talking wood turning or building an aircraft carrier? :-??

Sorry Greg, I couldn't resist, that wood turning tech talk just gave me a thrill up my leg (Chris Matthews) and I really want to run out and buy a lathe now more than anything. I admire the lingo, it just sounds so fun!

Greg Coleman said:

The hole size is 25/64. It is not a press fit so I used a little epoxy to to hold it tight. I did not use a mandrel. I drilled the blank on the drill press, chucked the blank in 25 mm jaws of my Nova chuck, and stabilized the end with a live center. I was able to back off the tail stock to finish the ripper end.

On the small ones........if you put the entire cover in the handle........it is hard to maneuver and my wife did not like that at all. I removed all of them from the cover easily with pliers and a firm tug. I think makes a much neater job and there is all wood..........no plastic.

I really like the idea of both types.

The ones with the plastic allow you to put the safety cover back on the end. Actually you turn it around and stick it back in the handle.

The ones without the cover are also nice and I really want to do some of both styles. I want to give them options.

I wasn't sure if that was what you were doing or not. I have a chuck with the small jaws so that won't be a problem. I was wondering about the hole so I would know if I had to put some epoxy on to hold it or not. You answered that question.

Thanks I was wanting to have them by Friday, but I may have to wait till next month to show them. Running out of time.

Greg Coleman said:

The hole size is 25/64. It is not a press fit so I used a little epoxy to to hold it tight. I did not use a mandrel. I drilled the blank on the drill press, chucked the blank in 25 mm jaws of my Nova chuck, and stabilized the end with a live center. I was able to back off the tail stock to finish the ripper end.



John Moody said:

Hey Ron,

That is pretty neat and I see you even have the eyes that if turned upside down they move in the compartment. Personally I never lay my keys down for they always go in my pockets and when I put my pants on in the morning I say to my self, "I have to do something about all of this weight," for most times I have three sets of keys in my pockets. You would think I could learn something from all of the weight but, once they go on I hardly notice it. I also carry two pocket knives with one in each front pocket. Don't ask me why for I don't know either.

Ralph

Ron Altier said:

John, here is another project for your craft show. I got tired of my wife not knowing where she left the keys. She collected bears at the time, so it had to be a bear.