August 20, 20205 yr Popular Post I decided to make some scratch awls from scratch. I started with a 1/4"X4" bolt, a 3/8"X2 1/2" leveling bolt and a 3/8" cap nut. On the metal lathe I cut a long taper on the bolt, drilled and tapped the end of the leveler bolt to fit the 1/4"-20 bolt and turned the head round. I then drilled a 1/4" hole in the 3/8"-16 cap nut. I need to cut and drill the wood for the handle. I just used this piece of Oak for reference. I plan to polish and nickel plate all the parts too. The head will be recessed into the wood and will be used to hammer the awl if necessary. Of course why stop at one. I have parts for ten being prepared. I need more cap nuts and the nickle plating still needs done.
August 21, 20205 yr Great project, will be interesting to see how you nickel plate. Have never tried myself.
August 21, 20205 yr Author Popular Post I bought some nickel welding rod at the welding supply sore and followed the directions in the video in this thread. Works as advertised.
August 21, 20205 yr I like very much. These tools are hard to find in my area. When you do find one, it is very short and the handle is too small for my clumsy hands. Thank you for showing how it is done. Is it possible to simply screw the threaded rod into the handle and not add the bolt? I am thinking along the lines of an insert screw and then running in the threaded rod.
August 21, 20205 yr Author 37 minutes ago, FlGatorwood said: Is it possible to simply screw the threaded rod into the handle and not add the bolt? I am thinking along the lines of an insert screw and then running in the threaded rod. I wanted mine to go through and have a hammer strike pad. Your idea will also work but wouldn't be as sturdy. There are plenty of variations out there. I have a small collection which were made commercially and they used different methods of manufacture. My method eliminates the need for a ferrule on the end.
August 21, 20205 yr Thanks, Dan. That's the information I was looking for. If I had the experience of tapping the screw, I would do the same as you. But, since I don't have the tools or experience, I'll figure something else. I bought a couple of small ones via internet, but my hands don't like their size. That's why I liked your idea of making your own. Thanks, again.
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