Letter opener?

[kalynzoo]

So now that my kids have oood and aaahed me pen turning, then asked for letter openers to add to Holiday gift packages. I want to turn a completely wood letter opener. Figure I'll start with 1.25" x 9" stock, turn the handle, spindle down the opener, then sand a knife profile. Any suggestions...that is to say can you share possible mistakes, before I re-invent the wheel.
Just something to keep me busy when I'm not watching the twins.:D

[JPG40504]

Do not get carried away trying to make a sharp wood blade.

Although NOT wood, I use a small screwdriver with a 1/8" shaft. It works quite well(Not a totaly clean cut like a sharp knife, but reasonably straight down the fold).

Thus a 1/16" radius works.

[rkh2]

Gary

Here is a PDF file I found while doing a search for turning a letter opener. Most results were for a wood handle with a metal blade but this particular one shows a complete wooden opener. Hope this helps you.

http://www.fwcwt.org/%5Cdownloads%5CLathe%20Turned%20Letter%20Opener2.p df

[kalynzoo]

Thanks Ron. The PDF file is perfect. I'll give them a turn.

[Ed in Tampa]

Before I learned you had to have a kit I made this letter opener from walnut. It is about 30 years old and not to badly beat up.

I turned the handle and then shaped the blade on the band saw and then used the disk and drum sander for final shaping of blade. I made a mess of them and gave them away. This one was one I kept for myself.
9048

[charlese]

Hi, Gary! The PDF that Ron gave us is really nifty! I love the way the PDF shows to flatten the blade.

Ed - I really like your opener!

A long time ago, when taking a carving class I also made one from walnut. The important point here, is the blade can be made from carving, as well as machining. I made the blade pointed, as Ed did and the edges are pretty sharp for a letter opener. It won't slice like a knife, but it opens envelopes really well.

In case anyone is interested in the "twisted rope handle" I bored the holes with a drill and carved away the rest of the wood.

The other "carving" is an oak rose carved with a sander on a Dremel plus a little wood burning.

9049

[joedw00]

Gary
Thanks for the PDF file. I put it in my to do sometime file. :)

[efmaron]

Hey chuck, that is a very nice letter opener and rose, very well done.