shaping handle

[kauai Marc]

What would you suggest is the best all around powertool for shaping handles
either hidden tang or scales(not talking about KMG or similar that i cant afford)links to pictures or website would be appreciated,thanks in advance
Marc
PS, this would be for wood as well as micarta or g10

 

[siguy]

i use my 1x30 belt sander (harbor freight, grizzly, etc) with leevalley belts:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=48040&cat=1,43072

if you don't have that, you can use some coarse rasps and files and sandpaper by hand... i still do that for some of the more oily woods that clog up sandpaper really fast.

 

[Patrickknives]

I use a wood rasp, very fast and hard to make a big mistake. The second tool is drum sanding sleaves in my drill press.

 

[Daniel Koster]

a wood rasp would be a good start:

And then get a 1" wide sandpaper roll...or cut pieces of sandpaper into 1/8th sheet pieces.

Unless you want a polished finish...you only need to take micarta/G10 up to 220 grit (or even just 120 grit for extra grip).

Good luck!

:thumbup:

Dan

 

[kauai Marc]

Thanks Dan,i have done it with a file before,but i would like to speed up the process,so i'm looking at power tool,do any of you use a Oscillating Vertical Spindle Sander,if so which one,what is your take on it,thanks
Marc

 

[kenhills]

Increasing grits of sand paper wrapped around a 1 1/2 by 1/2 inch stick layered with 1/4 foam to keep it from digging into the wood. Same goes for wrapping a dowel for small hollows.

 

[Daniel Koster]

I have used a spindle sander before...but I wouldn't go out and buy one just to do handles.

You could also chuck up a drum-mandrel w/sanding sleeve into a handheld drill....clamp the knife down...and go from there.

Honestly, though, a 1x30 belt sander with a 120 grit belt and the platen removed (slack belt) is going to be tons better than any of the above.

I used a Delta SA180 belt/disc sander for a while to do handles. Cost about $100.

The 1x30 at Harbor Freight is not the greatest quality, but it can certainly be used to shape handles...and for cheap!

Dan

 

[galadduin]

Slack belt + small wheel attachment for rough shaping, dremel with sanding discs and drums for detail work. This combo works fast for me and running the belt slow avoids to mess up. Some times I use normal files to work around the pins as the slack belt removes the handle material faster and sometimes the pins stay high.
To blend all the curves I use 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around a sponge. I works like magic...