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Make Wooden Handles

It’s fun using your lathe but not fun grabbing those skinny metal bar handles on the Toolrest and Tailstock Banjo that dig into your hand.

Here’s a project that serves 3 purposes:
1) Makes using the lathe handles easier and less stressful
2) Provides a fun turning project
3) Makes your lathe look awesome!

TAIL STOCK HANDLE: Cut a blank 2” square x 2-1/2” long. Drill a 19/32” hole to 1-3/4” deep. Turn the blank between centers to a profile that fits your palm. Part the wood for a 2” long handle cover. BANJO HANDLE: Cut a handle, 1-1/2” square x 5-1/2” long. Drill a 12.5mm hole to 4” deep. Turn the blank between centers to a profile that fits your palm. Part the wood for a 4-1/2” long handle cover.
TIP: If the drill bits required are not available or the hole in the wood is too large, use the next larger bit and wrap a strip of masking tape over the metal to fill up the space for a snug fit.