I’m looking for a source for bradawl blades. These are the classic square shaft awl, about 2 to 3 inches long. Woodcraft sold them several years ago but are now discontinued. I know that Crown and other British firms make a simple standard one but I want a source of shafts without handles.
All suggestions appreciated.
Replies
Have you thought of making your own? This is very simple.
I use masonery nails. These are round, but some report square ones.
1. Chuck one in a drill and, as it spins, hold the end of the nail against a spinning disk sander. This will put a even taper onto the nail (ala scratch awl).
2. It does not seem to matter which order you do the next two steps: Grind the four flats sides on the awl on a belt sander.
3. Heat treat the nail by getting it red hot and quenching it in oil or water. I have left mine at this point and, although the steel may be more brittle, I have never experienced a failure in a great number of awls so made. The alternative is to do 2. and 3. the other way around as the heat from grinding the flats may induce a little softness.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Edited 8/9/2007 7:31 am ET by derekcohen
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