Captive Ring Tool Question

[TDKPE]

I'd like to try my hand at some captive ring turning, using a massive collection of broken ash and maple baseball bats from my son (former minor leaguer, now coach).  But I'm unsure of what tool(s) to try, especially since I've never tried it before.

I can get a single size 3/8" tool from my local Woodcraft, which is the cheapest way to go, but the only size in that brand.  Or spend a bunch more on those with replaceable tips (1/2" and down).  I just hate to spend money on something I may not like, or be any good at, for that matter.  

I'd like to make a baby rattle with two rings for my new granddaughter, and thought 1/2" rings would be safest, but hard maple or ash is pretty tough, so maybe I'm overthinking this.  With no shortage of seasoned hardwood rounds, I can mess up a lot of them to get one that's right. 


A search didn't turn up much, so I'm asking for direct input on tools.

[Arlin Eastman]

Tom

I had the 3/8" and 1/2" and never used either of them until a vet used them and he loved them so I gave them to him.

[TDKPE]

Arlin - do you recall what brand, or at least, what style (replaceable tips vs not)?

[Arlin Eastman]

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SRCH&Store_Code=Packard

Also I thought you might be thinking of this tool after your last message

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant...term-multi


Which is called the Termite tool and I had that also and never used them and gave them to the same guy.  Sometimes I wish I did not since I kind of like it on boxes and small bowls

[TDKPE]

This is the cheapest option I've found, but it's the only size in that brand.  

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/146223/...-tool.aspx

And this is the one with interchangable tips.  But it's a lot of money for just trying something for the first time.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/835859/...l-set.aspx

Just found this Robert Sorby 1/2" tool with replaceable tip.  Maybe a good bet after all, since I could get additional tips (if I get into it).

https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Sorby-805H...+ring+tool

https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Sorby-805C...36ESFCKS8A

[Dennis Puskar]

Penn state has a three pc set for $46.95.

[TDKPE]

1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  That'll do it.  Thanks.  

[hairy]

Roll your own. Allen wrench in a handle. youtube has several options.

[NCPaladin]

Until I knew I would use it a lot I would do similar to Hairy.

Take some square bar and grind one end down to thickness (1/8"?)
Take to the drill press and dill the hole(s).
Back to the grinder leaving only 1/2 of the hole.
Probably make 3 for <$10.

[Arlin Eastman]

Dennis

I have that set right now and do not care for it.  To make work better I ground off a lot of the outside and close to the cutting edge since it does not feed well into the wood.  I had to push very hard before they would cut or do anything and think these were not thought out well.

The Sorby 1/2 looks really nice to use and that it would work great.  Take alook at that one and compare it to the rest of them and you will see the difference it is around the curved part and the PSI ones.