The ferrule is basically used on tools like chisels and gouges to stop the wood handle from splitting. The brass ferrule we used is actually a brass nut used for plumbing but when turned makes a very substantial and attractive end for a woodturning gouge.
In the past we have always used copper pipe (as you can see here) for our ferrules. However, because of the size of the shaft for the 5/8″ gouge we needed something a bit larger. Brass, like copper and aluminum, is a fairly soft metal and can be easily turned.
Here’s some more photos of how we made the handle:
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_02.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_03.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_04.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_05.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_06.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_07.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_08.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_09.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_10.jpg)
Here’s another handle that we made at the same time for 1/2″ gouge with a traditional grind that has a copper ferrule (the other gouge, a 5/8″, has a fingernail or Irish grind) :
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_11.jpg)
![Gouge Handle With Solid Brass Ferrule](http://ravenview.com/wp-content/uploads/05_18_10_gouge_handle_with_solid_brass_ferrule_12.jpg)
Back to the shop…