Shopsmith Forums

What is the handle wood, anyway? It looks pretty high-end for a garden tool. And that should NOT be construed as criticism ... I’m the type who likes to maximize both the functionality and the aesthetics. Otherwise, you might as well just buy something made in a factory.

The wood pictured is Cocobolo but I might well use Bocote. Both are darker woods.

I think one could buy a set of better quality and perhaps save a few dollars. The metal bits are about $15 and that is likely the cheap part of the deal. Forgot what I paid for the wood but lets say somewhere in the area of $30. Forgot the cost of the rings but they are pretty cheap. Then you epoxy the tools in the handles so as a guess another $10 for that. So to get started we are already up to $55. But they will be one of a kind tools when finished.

Ed

so it is a garden tool ? I think the longest lasting garden tool like that I had last about 3 years ,that said our dirt has a lot of clay in it so it is hard. As for something to use in a flower bed that may be different , maybe 5-6 years before the wood started doing its thing ? as far as function the brass may not help in life span , however it will look very nice/ I like the brass !! JMO

I like shiny regardless of color for the ferrules.

Use the copper. It's on hand, and after all, its a garden tool! That being said, make it the prettiest garden tool in the shed!

Not quite a year since I started this tread. And no I didn't get them done way back when. They just got put in a box and other things happened. Now they are back on my active list. I turned two of the handles have the third chucked up for tomorrow, I hope.

Still a ways from being done but closer.
Ed

Had a few of these handles available so I made a long handled garden spade. Bill V

You could get your brass electroplated.

b

Just remembered that I never showed the end result of this garden tool adventure.
Ed

Ed,

Thanks. These look really good. Hope you get some good use out of them.