Ferrules for chisels: Brass or copper?

[Bodrighy]

I am making some mini turning tools and want to make the handles. I can get hold of copper tubing for the ferrules no problem but can't find any brass tubing online except at Craft supplies who seem to be out of stock. I also need to rehandle some chisels I was given as well. Is there any benefit of brass over copper or is it purely aesthetic / tradition. Also what sort of size would I need for ordinairy chiselss?

Pete

 

[Tusses]

I guess brass doesn't react/oxidise as much as copper. but thats a great idea - I was thinking of making some handles and wondering where to get the brass do-dah's

I'll give the copper pipe a try

 

[CHJ]

Pete, copper water tubing or nibco solderless connectors cut in half work fine, 15mm for your miniatures and 22mm for the larger ones.

Main problem with copper if you try to press too tight a force fit it will collapse on you.

 

[Blister]

If you contact http://www.ashleyiles.turningtools.co.uk/index.html
he sells then

He has them at show in trays alongside the chisels

:wink:

 

[Bodrighy]

Thanks guys, I'll check Ashley Isles out and perhaps look for copper as well.

Pete

 

[Paul.J]

Hows about These Pete.

 

[ike]

You may find bought ferrules are work-hardened, and prone to split over the course of a damp winter (like mine did). If you buy, to be sure, just heat them to dull red and let aircool.

Ike

 

[Bodrighy]

Thanks Paul, I had spotted them but will need the smaller ones as well. Wait and see what price they go to compared to using tubing.

Pete

 

[johnjin]

Hi Pete

I make mine from copper tube and heat them with a blowlamp them slip them on so that they shrink to a nice tight fit. Clean them up with a bit wirewool when cold and then give them a coat of clear nail varnish. this will keep them nice and bright.
Hope this helps

Best wishes

John

 

[Rich]

hi pete, if your after small ones at no cost, try using the ones from broken or discarded snooker and pool cues.

Regards,
Rich.