I've had this Thompson multi-tool set for some time now and use it for demos and workshops outside my shop. Great set for sure. Four tools in the handle with 3/8" shanks. I have never been a fan of set screws holding tools in handles. I realized Doug makes the collet style adapters for Jimmy Clewes so I got to thinking about adapting one to this handle. I talked to Doug at a recent symposium and bought a 3/8" adapter to see if I could get it to work. It has a 5/8"shank. I set up my steady rest to support the handle at the tool end and held the back end in a chuck on my lathe. I drilled 1/2" first and then 5/8" and even followed with a 5/8" end mill and some finish sanding with paper around a small dowel to get a nice fit for the adapter. End result is just as I had hoped-a Clewes collet on a Thompson handle with Thompson tools stored inside. Works great and now I can use it when I do 2 days with Jimmy himself in a couple of weeks at our club shop. Thanks Doug!
What a cool idea! That Thompson traveling tool handle with the tools inside is my "go to" set-up for anything outside my shop. Roll it up in your smock, stick it inside your face shield, toss it in a bag and go. The only fear was loosing the little set screw wrench in the shavings when changing tools. You've just solved that problem...wonder if Doug would make some like that???
I wonder how many will try this and ruin the adapter as it is made to glue into a handle not be tightened by grub screws which can easily break the adapter as it is at its thinnest in that area.
