Some of my thoughts on strikers, striker making, tooling, etc. What are yours?

[dogcatcher]

It needs to be solid, I always shove the striker end all the way with glue on it.  I use CA and it grabs quick, so leaving a gap inside is always possible since they are a tight fit, but I haven't noticed a difference in any of them. 

Marvin

[Bill]

Thanks

[the stig]

When finishing a striker do you want to apply finish to the whole thing or leave the last half inch (the end that meets the slate/glass/aluminum/whathaveyou) or so unfinished and rough it up a bit say with 120 grit to get that raspy hen sound?  sorry if the question isnt worded the best.  one of those things that makes since in my head
thanks
hunter

[Vince at VECtor Calls]

You do not want finish on the working end, that is for sure.  You can decide how for you want to get down on it.  But, the end needs to be 'clean'.

Parker

[muddpuppi]

i use a 4 jaw to turn mine...i may go at it a bit backwards from some....i use a 12" long blank to start and make the head of my striker toward the tailstock....i use a 3/4 roughin gouge but thats what im used to...lol....once i get it turned to my liking i sand and finish...then i use a parting tool to cut the peg end...i round it a lil as i cut...typically the striker just drops after cuting through...while im set up i swap the live center for a drill chuck and drill the remainder of the blank for a 2 piece....turnin a 2 piece i glue my peg in first and let sit then i use a collet chuck to hold the peg and turn the top...the peg acts like a mandrel and use a live center to stabilize it...been workin purdy good fer me...