Wood worries
I'm turning some new handles for my Atco Standard, and the project has thrown up a couple of queries: While I'm using some old table legs for these, it made me wonder what was Atco's choice of timber? Also, I can just detect on the original worn and split handles a trace of two bands cut into each handle. Were these just fine cuts or did Atco's carpenter wire-burn them? Now I'm also pondering the choice of timber for the rollers. And what is the best finish, oil/stain/varnish?
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Very good info, thanks very
Very good info, thanks very much. I certainly found some hard spots, knots in just the wrong place! Typical. I shall use some oil, and look out some ash when I get round to making some new rollers for my ancient Ransomes hand-pusher.
I can just detect on the
I can just detect on the original worn and split handles a trace of two bands cut into each handle. Were these just fine cuts or did Atco's carpenter wire-burn them?
Good question.
All handles for Atco's were
All handles for Atco's were produced from Ash, as its good nature when on a lathe, alot of the original rollers were also ash but sometimes elm the latter being a denser wood when turned.Only one problem here, because of Dutch Elm disease in the 1980's the latter is now scarce. Beech is also good for the rollers.On rollers the best finish is linseed oil as it allows the wood to breathe.
One foot note,Be very careful using second hand timber on a lathe, as with age the timber can get hard in places, which can course shaking and cracking, which could then course a nasty accident when the lathe is in use.