I see I want I make

maltrout512 · 3 Oct 2010

I think I am right in saying that this is my first post in Hand Tools. So yesterday I spent a little time making something that I always wanted to make.
A London Pattern screwdriver.

Requirements
One old file
Flat bit of brass
oh and a little bit of wood.

First the file

Then shape

Marking the curves

Shape a little more and tapper

Round the brass to size then silver solder

Clean the blade

Make the handle and fit and polish to finish

The wood used is pear.

All comments welcome

AndyT · 3 Oct 2010

Very nice! It really looks the business.

You are teasing us though, leaving out all the hard bits!

How did you do all the grinding and shaping? Did you need to soften the steel, then temper it again?

woodbloke · 3 Oct 2010

AndyT":2ebhgpfo said:
Very nice! It really looks the business.

You are teasing us though, leaving out all the hard bits!

How did you do all the grinding and shaping? Did you need to soften the steel, then temper it again?

Agreed...there's a lot more here that's not been explained - Rob

jimi43 · 3 Oct 2010

Super bit of workmanship...I simply love those London Pattern tools...

I am also encouraged at the use of fruit wood...it looks the part and I need to get some to try...it has been a thing I have wanted to do for a long time.

I bought a tang from a Holtzapffel turning chisel on FleaBay this weekend...since I found how lovely the screwdriver was and I intend to turn up a handle for it....not a London one of course but I may try pear...I like that colour!

Give us the breakdown on the tempering...I take it you haven't left it brittle...

Jim

Sportique · 4 Oct 2010

jimi43":1xru99of said:
Super bit of workmanship...I simply love those London Pattern tools...

Give us the breakdown on the tempering...I take it you haven't left it brittle...

Jim

Yeah, more info for me too please ....

Dave