How to make a 3/8" bedan and handle

[aspendog14]

I saw a U-Tuber use a French Bedan, and then I saw the price and the incentive to build my own started. I bout a four pack of HHS square 8" inch blanks.

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I set my grinder to 45 degree and began to grind the blank. I would pause every while to place the blank into cool water, doing this through out the process until the tip was set and sharp.

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I tool a square Oak blank and began to shape the handle

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I had bored one end to fit the blank. That same end was reduced to fit a 3/4 " brass bushing I got at Lowes. I finish the turning the handle then wet sanded with 400 grit and soapy water. The procedure was done in the reverse mode and left a rather smooth surface. I then applied sanding sealer several times using a 800 grit paper in between the several applications. I finished it off with a mixture of beeswax and Danish oil plus other oils.

I put the Bedan and handle together.

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I did the same for a parting tool

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I sharpen the tips so I could cut with ease. I rather enjoy the fact that I saved quite a bit doing this.