So, Why Do I Design and Make Laminated Handles ....

  
 
The "Pan Handle" story started back in 2011, when I was asked "Can you make me a couple of these"? At the time I had no idea how many handles I would finish up making.

Please Note: These handles SHOULD NOT be considered water or dish washer proof. Prolonged exposure to water WILL result in damage occurring.

I use a variety of timbers to make replacement handles, often English Oak and Ash, but I regularly have Mahogany and Iroko in stock (African and American hardwoods). These materials are hard wearing and burn resistant, and are "Fit For Purpose".

Normally I use the timber I have available when an order is placed, and unless otherwise specified, all handles are supplied sealed and varnished without any additional colour.

Nothing is ever kept in stock, all my handles, lid knobs and fittings are made to order, normally, with a very quick turn-around. Other materials can been used, but often, they are subject to additional charges. Also, if additional work is required (or if fittings need to be replaced), the customer is ALWAYS advised up front.		  
 
 
 

What Are Laminated Handles, And Why Do I Make Them ?

  
 
   
Most of the handles I deal with have a hole bored through the centre for a long bolt which then attaches the handle to the pan.

Needless to say, there are always exceptions. Often, pans have some sort of flat rectangular shaft permanently attached to the pan which will then slide up inside the handle. This is because the original handle will have been some sort of moulded composite material which has now failed.

Handles for this type of pan need to be made in a completely different way.		  
 
 
My laminated handles are made up from 3 pieces of wood, and often, I make the middle layer in a contrasting timber.

This pair have been built up using Mahogany and Sycamore.

The centre layer has been cut with care. It is the same thickness as the metal pan stem, and has a hole cut in it to match the width and length of the pan stem.

This is illustrated here on the outer surface of one laminated block.		    
 
    Here, one of the handles has been turned to size and shape, and the rectangular hole in the centre has been revealed.  
 
  A close up view of the 2 laminated handles I made for Lyn Place in May 2022, all varnished and fitted.

I was on holiday in Bournemouth close to where Lyn lives, in April 2022. So, I was able to collect the pans from her without the need to pay carriage.

Three weeks later I was due to go to Jersey via the Poole ferry, so I also returned the finished pans.		    
 
    A griddle pan which needed a laminated handle, done in November 2019.  
 
  The same pan, done for Trish Fletcher. The laminated handle is made up from two layers of Ash with Mahogany in the centre.

The process is the same for all these. First you have to select the centre layer, and cut a hole the same size and shape as the pan stem.

Next, you sandwich the centre layer with either matching or contrasting timber, and finally, turn the handle, varnish, and fit. The ring of black tape was a temporary addition while the handle was being varnished.		    
 
    A pair of laminated handles and a matching lid knob.

Again, these are Ash with Mahogany, and were done for Eileen Norton in March 2021.