tool makers: make your own ergonomic handles?

Australopithecus scobis wrote:

snip

> 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 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

In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
> On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 09:02:14 -0500, Australopithecus scobis
> <[email protected]> wrote:

> >Greetings,
> > My collection of samizdat tools
>
> 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]
>

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]

On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 09:02:14 -0500, Australopithecus scobis
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Greetings,
> My collection of samizdat tools


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]





> is growing nicely. When I shape
>handles, I test the grip as I go. They fit my hand, feel good and work
>well.


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





>
> 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.

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






>
> 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.


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...

In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] wrote:

> On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 09:02:14 -0500, Australopithecus scobis
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Greetings,
> > My collection of samizdat tools
>
>
> 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]

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>
> If you're going to be pushing the tool for extended periods wrist
> angle and grip volume become important.
>
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.
>
> I'd be interested to see pictures of some of your tool handles. if you
> can, please post some on ABPW...

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.
--
"Keep your ass behind you."

On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 11:13:49 -0500, Australopithecus scobis
<[email protected]> wrote:

>In article <[email protected]>,
> [email protected] wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 09:02:14 -0500, Australopithecus scobis
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >Greetings,
>> > My collection of samizdat tools
>>
>>
>> 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]
>
>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.


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.






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

please.









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



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