Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has introduced three new turning kits that enable anyone who can use a lathe to craft custom, heirloom-quality garden tools.
Users turn a handle from their choice of material to attach to the hardware to create a garden Trowel, Transplanter or three-pronged Cultivator. The hardware is made from heavy-duty hardened steel with a matte black oxide finish, and the ends of the tools are set at an angle to the handles for good ergonomics.
"We know how passionate people can be about gardening, and we wanted to create garden tool turning kits worthy of that passion," said Steve Krohmer, Rockler's vice president of product development. "This hardware is made to stand up to regular use, with a heft and finish found in upscale garden tools. When you add a custom turned handle, you get one-of-a-kind tools that are a pleasure to use or to give as gifts."
The Trowel features a 6" long by 2-3/4" wide curved blade for general gardening and working with medium-sized plants. The Transplanter has a narrower, more tightly curved blade with engraved inch and centimeter markings up to 4" (10cm) for transplanting to precise depths. With its three pointed tines, the Cultivator is designed for loosening soil for planting, removing weeds and small-scale aeration.
The minimum recommended turning blank size is 1-1/2" by 1-1/2" by 6" long, and a 21/64" diameter x 2-1/2" long hole is required in one end to accommodate the mounting post.
The Trowel Turning Kit (55907), the Transplanter Turning Kit (50488) and the Cultivator Turning Kit (53723) are priced at $19.99 each. They also can be purchased together in a set (63703) for $49.97, a $10 savings.
All three kits can be purchased exclusively at Rockler.com or at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, as well as through the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.