Have you ever had a project sitting around for months or even years that you’ve been meaning to get to? I have been “meaning” to build a wooden handle for this Buff Rake, since I build my little shop buffer. That was a long time ago. I ordered the metal rake insert with every intention of making a handle for it. I even have the piece of wood I’m going to use. I’m tired of moving this thing around the shop, its finally time to make the handle and check this off the list.

This project is actually quite simple. I’m using a piece of live edge Elm for the handle. The first thing I need to do is slice off one live edge and joint that edge straight. Then I can rip it to width on the table saw. Now I just need to transfer a few measurements to the wood from the metal insert, and I can rough cut the shape of the handle at the bandsaw. This will remove the bulk of the material. I’ll then need to use a file and rasp to fine tune the edges before using a roundover bit in my router to round over all the edges. This will make it much more comfortable. Now, we sand.

After a bit of exciting sanding, I’ll wipe on a coat of Tung Oil Finish. This is different than Pure Tung oil which I’m not a fan of. This seems to dry quicker and without the weird stink you get from Pure Tung Oil. All thats left to do, is attach the rake insert to the handle with some screws. I had to find s couple new screws because I seem to have lost the screws the insert came with. Thats what I get for taking so long to get this done.

I’m happy to have this completed. It wasn’t a difficult project, but its been nagging me to get it done. Now I won’t keep moving it around the shop because its in my way. I’ll have this stored right with the buffer. This is one of those projects that brings a bit of satisfaction knowing its done. We need those projects from time to time. Check out the video below. Have an awesome day.

— Affiliate Links to Products Used —
Buff Rake Insert (similar to mine) – https://amzn.to/2LGf2MQ
Don’t want to build one? – https://amzn.to/34p2Y9q
Half Round File – https://amzn.to/3p2rZz0
220 Grit Sandpaper Discs – https://amzn.to/389tNiI
Tung Oil Finish – https://amzn.to/3r8LV5c

Here are some other videos you might enjoy