tool makers: make your own ergonomic handles?

[Australopithecus scobis]

Greetings, My collection of samizdat tools is growing nicely. When I shape handles, I test the grip as I go. They fit my hand, feel good and work well.

I'm currently squaring up stock for a large frame saw (uses the long Woodcraft blades). I'm considering trying a more extreme handle shape, like modern molded plastic handles, with, e.g., a flare over the thumb. Have any of you tried such shapes? I understand (having just made a couple) why old saws have handles shaped the way they are.

I made some chip carving knives a while ago with handles shaped for my finger joints. The resulting handles look organic and radically asymmetric. They are a joy to use. I'm looking for some shared experiences with larger tools, which will need a power grip instead of a precision grip.

[bridger]

Huh? WTF are samizdat tools? google shows a bunch of hits for programming stuf but no physical tooling..... and this:

Samizdat /n. a system of clandestine publication of banned literature in the USSR [Russ.,= self-publishing house]

comfort happens where the hand meets the tool when the tool meets the wood....

never for a bow saw, but I have borrowed shapes from antique handsaw handles for other tools with good results.

If you're going to be pushing the tool for extended periods wrist angle and grip volume become important.

I'd be interested to see pictures of some of your tool handles. if you can, please post some on ABPW...

[Australopithecus scobis]

Right. Also slang for any self-created work. In the context, making one's own tools instead of paying for cruddy tools from marketers of garbage cans or garage door openers.

snip>

This is the sort of info I'm looking for. I suppose a DAGS on ergonomics is in my future... Tell ya what--I'll do that research and post back here if this thread indicates enough interest in the topic.

Love to. No e-camera. I promise a slew of photos if I can find a friend or neighbor who'll loan me one for a day.

[VRadin]

I have a collection of samizdat tools too. You know... the inexpensive tool from harbor fright that look zakley samizdat spensive tool from the snapon driver guy.

/vic terminally silly

For the humor impared: [exactly "the same as that" expensive]

[charlie b]

snip

I think you'll find that you'll be gripping the frame saw in different places so one molded type grip will work great for that grip but be an irritant for others. Suggest making a quick and dirty prototype, use it for the kinds of cuts you make and then figure out where and how you want the ergo-gripping places.

BTW - by carving/filing/sanding a one position ergo grip into your saw, it's easy to get it wrong. When you use the tool, the ergo grip then works against you.

charlie b

[bridger]

Ah. Very cool.

sometimes, if you want something to be right you have to do it yourself. this is why I, a woodworker, own a machine lathe and a mill.

please.

heh. I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours....