I am also a begginer turner. I have made three handles for my old chisels. One I tried to copy the old one, kind of barrel shaped and short...I don't like it. Second one I made longer and tapered from butt to chisel socket. Works but not right.
The last one I made as long as my hand is wide, barrel shaped and used a heavy copper repair ring on the end (Home Depot $2.00). I like this one.
I have found that keeping the chisel SHARP requires less work and I can get by with a smaller mallet, thus doing less damage to the chisel handle end.
Bob
