Handle Tapering Tool

[Mike the JAG]

Does anyone know if there is a tool that tapers handles for tools like shovels, hoes, etc.? It seems like I saw one at Lehmann's one time, but don't see it in their catalog.

 

[tonyccw]

Are you looking to taper the shovel head part or the back of the handle?

For tapering the handle to accept a tool head, there's this thing you attach to a power drill (works like a giant pencil sharpener):

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=42299&category=2,2180,41007

To make the handle thinner towards the back for comfort, you can attach it to a lathe and turn it down, or use a drawknife to shape it by hand.

 

[RARanney]

I think I've found my pencil sharpener!

 

[grommit]

This tool looks like it would create a tenon on the end of your handle, a cylindrical rather than a conical shape with parallel sides instead of tapering. Instead of sharpening a pecil, this would be like removing all the wood for an inch or so from around the lead, leaving a square end to the wood surrounding the lead, but leaving the lead unchanged with a squared off end itself..

 

[tonyccw]

This tool looks like it would create a tenon on the end of your handle, a cylindrical rather than a conical shape with parallel sides instead of tapering. Instead of sharpening a pecil, this would be like removing all the wood for an inch or so from around the lead, leaving a square end to the wood surrounding the lead, but leaving the lead unchanged with a squared off end itself..

It does exactly what you said. It's designed for people that like to make rustic furniture where it's all tenons in holes. I orginally bought one to help me make my canes, but I've found it works great for attaching garderning tools since you don't want a pointy end. What I meant in terms of a pencil sharpener is that it shaves off the excess wood from the side as you turn the tool.

 

[grommit]

ok, I am confused. I thought that for a tool you would want a tapered end, not necessarily a pointy end, and this shaver would make a straight but smaller diameter end. How does that help in attaching the tool to the handle?

 

[tonyccw]

How does that help in attaching the tool to the handle?

By making the end the same diameter as the hole for the tool. I was worried about the taper since the tool's edge hole is flat. But a good solid pounding allows the tool head to shave the final inch for a nice tight fit. Trim off the splinters and you're good to go.

 

[Mike the JAG]

Thanks Tony. That was what I was looking for.