bobasaurus Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I forged this so-called "perfect handle" screwdriver for a tool swap on lumberjocks. I'm just starting to learn some blacksmithing to augment my woodworking, so it's not super clean but I'm proud of it. The blade is O1 steel that started as 3/4" diameter drill rod. I heat treated it myself in the forge and my kitchen oven. The scales are dyed maple burl. Finished with BLO and renaissance wax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7A749 Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 That's sweet man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rashelle Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I like it. Nice flow and clean. I think I'll try having some of my youth students try their hands at something similar for prep for knife handles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1forgeur Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I like that a lot!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Beautiful job Bob! Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Very nice. Love the maple burl for the handle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnie Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Very well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 I just love that cept for the part of me that wants to strangle someone every time I run into a flathead screw! Give me a Phillips or Star any day! I end up cursing like a sailor every time I have to deal with a flathead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwistedCustoms Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Very nice, any cabinet maker doing period work would love to own a set of those in graduated sizes. Well done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Spanky, look for a set of Chapman gunsmith screwdrivers. They come in a set. What makes them different is that the blades are straight up, not a wedge like most are. The straight sides, and width choices make them fit the screw slot perfectly resulting less camming out. Another trick is to put the screwdriver in the slot, then belt the handle with a hammer-the style above or one with a through shank is best. The shock will loosen the screw many times making it easier to remove. If the item can be put in a drill press, put a driver bit in the chuck, bring the handle down so it is in the screw head, then while applying down force like you were drilling a hole twist the chuck to loosen the screw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 Wait, what? A tool I've never heard of before?! Nooooooo! Must look up Chapman, must possess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave51B Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 The little ratchet handle is awesome. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gote Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 I have destroyed a fair number of stainless wood screws with phillips heads using a battery screwdriver. I then have to try to get them out wit pliers. Pozidrive seems to be slightly better but I use torx whenever they are available. I agree, a very nice screwdriver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch4ging Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 Very nice! I have contemplated making one as well, yours is an inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 A superb screwdriver. Very professional looking. Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Ling Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 it looks like you did a good job with forging it pretty close to finish. very nicely made, if only every one else made just as good looking/quality screw drivers, but I guess that wouldn't be very reasonable. Littleblacksmith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfootnampa Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 I very rarely use such screwdrivers for their intended purpose these days. I do pick up quite a few from flea markets though... they make nice chisels for my leatherwork! At fifty cents to a dollar each and with just a minute on the grinder, they are better quality and vastly cheaper than chisels from the leather stores or woodworking shops! Most are not nearly as nice as this one though! They work well as small wood chisels too, for such fiddly work as inletting door latch plates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobasaurus Posted June 4, 2016 Author Share Posted June 4, 2016 1 hour ago, bigfootnampa said: I very rarely use such screwdrivers for their intended purpose these days. I do pick up quite a few from flea markets though... they make nice chisels for my leatherwork! At fifty cents to a dollar each and with just a minute on the grinder, they are better quality and vastly cheaper than chisels from the leather stores or woodworking shops! Most are not nearly as nice as this one though! They work well as small wood chisels too, for such fiddly work as inletting door latch plates. Hah, I would die a little inside if someone used this as a chisel. I actually want to forge some chisels soon, though I might need to make some tooling to form the socket or tang. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Ling Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Their isn't a whole lot of tooling involved. Really only the only thing is a mandrel of some sort to form the socket around. Littleblacksmith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Look at the tooling In Weygers' Complete Modern Blacksmith for socket chisels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfootnampa Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 Well, yeah... One as nice as this I couldn't bring myself to sharpen for chiseling! Mostly I save the nicest ones anyway. I do like the wooden handled screwdrivers for chisels though! They just feel nicer in my hands! I think the older ones are better steel as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacob Nothstine Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 Looks great really like the handle. add it to my long list of cool stuff to make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMSav Posted June 9, 2016 Share Posted June 9, 2016 Really nice work. Very well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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