how to make hawk handles

[rocketmann]

I would like to be able to make hawk handles in woods other than hickory or curly maple that will work with my hawk drift. I would like them to have the same taper and shape as the replacement handles that are available in case a customer breaks a handle and wants to replace it. I am looking at getting a lathe but I don't know how to get that tear drop shape... Anyone have an Idea?? Can it be done on a lathe or a router table??? I'm at a loss here on this one..

 

[B Finnigan]

I have made a couple with a draw knife and belt sander. You would need two different table router bits and start with tapered stock.

I think that the less then perfect factory teardrop hawk handles look more authentic anyway.

 

[Wild Rose]

1) Call Dunlaps at (703) 631-5147 and ask what other woods they can/will hawk handles available in - I know they carry them in maple, hickory, ash, and IIRc cherry and walnut

2) Commercial makers use a pantograph set up similar to that used by gunstockers.

3) With a lathe I reckon you could make them oversize round and then it would be rasps and a sander.......

 

[Keith_H]

You could try turning it round then mounting the piece off centre on the lathe and then turn it oval.

 

[TekSec]

1) Call Dunlaps at (703) 631-5147 and ask what other woods they can/will hawk handles available in - I know they carry them in maple, hickory, ash, and IIRc cherry and walnut

That's too cool! These guys are right down the road from me and I had no idea! Thanks, Chuck!

 

[butchesforge]

I used to make my own,I cut the wood to the right size on the table saw and cut all 4 sides at an angle then rough shape with 4 1/2" angle grinder,then finish with the belt grinder-But since then I use Dunlaps and been very happy with the quality and figure of the wood----Regards Butch

 

[bikermikearchery]

Draw knife, Spoke shave, and a shaving horse.
Its just like forging steel, at first it seams hard and like there are a lot of mystery's, then after a while it makes sense, and a short time later you think it is ridiculously easy.

 

[4yanks]

Use green (wet) stock. Split the billet from green firewood stock. Turn the handle on a lathe immediately. Allow the handle to dry. It will be oval in cross section due to the different shrinkage rates of tangential and radial grain. The benefits are that the stock is cheap and because it is split, not sawn, it will make the strongest handle possible from wood. Hope this helps.