I belong to a 'mens shed' - a sort of club or workshop where men can gather and support each other while carrying out crafts especially wood work.
Last week I was approached by another member who introduced me to a newcomer.
They had just finished restoring their Fathers 1956 River P4. They had the original tyre pump, but it had no handle - could I help make one. Handles were once a mainstay of a turners work, so I said I'd be delighted to.
At last, a chance to emulate the BBCs 'repair shop', at least in a small way.
I looked up the shape needed, and found a fair image.
I chose a piece of cherry, largely because that's what I had to hand. The timber didn't need to have any specific characteristic s, and fruit wood is easy/smooth to turn and gives a nice finish.
This is the branch on the lathe, 'between centres', the simplest way to hold the workpiece. I used a tool called a spindle roughing gouge to take the bark off and reduce it to a uniform cylinder.
I then did some guesstimate measurements from the picture, and marked them out on the workpiece, to ensure it is symmetrical.
From there I used a spindle gouge to create the shape, comparing all the time to the illustration.
Nearly there
A light sand, and it's ready to be 'parted off' h which means using a tool to remove both unwanted ends
The Customer wanted it black, as that seems to have been the original finish. I tried to persuade them to have the wood grain visible, but they were probably right to go with the original. So ancoat of primer
Then drill a hole for the brass insert which enables it to be attached and detached from the pump itself for compact storage in the boot. That was slightly recessed to make it neat, and epoxied in. Then three coats of gloss black with a light rub down
in between.
And then a test fit on the pump
I'll deliver the handle wrapped separately, and let the customer spin it on. I think he'll enjoy that.
Overall a very satisfying process and result.
What could I make for you? Just email me on cornishglenn@gmail.com and ask.
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