Plane-adjusting Hammer Part 3
This is the third and last post on the hammer; I combined previous videos #3 and #4 into one to tighten things up.
Shaping the handle can be a little tricky; it’s easy to overdo it or taper it too much. Start with straight-grained stock (unlike me). Take your time and feel it as you go. If you mess up, start over. It’s not that much material. The drawknife is a great tool and fun to use, but if you only have a spokeshave that will work but it will take a little longer.
Creating the tenon is easy with the Veritas Tenon Cutter but you could also cut it on a lathe if you have one. If you go that route, create the handle a little lower down on the stock, leaving an inch extra at the top. Use a drive center at the bottom and and a live center at the top, cut your tenon (verify the size with calipers), and then cut off the extra material. Using a lathe has the added benefit of ensuring the tenon is parallel to that handle.
I suppose you could also cut the tenon by hand, carefully carving it to shape. It’s certainly possible but would be a challenge to get a good fit.
The rest is pretty straightforward. I know you will enjoy your hammer if you make one. It’s one of those things you’ll appreciate every time you use it.
