My grandfather started a handle factory in the 1930's in Potosi, MO while already owning and operating one in Des Arc, MO. Both small towns in SE MO located near the railroad. I remember a lathe in the mill, smaller than the one above I believe. While they sold handles to small hardware stores the majority of their products were sold to the Missouri Pacific Railroad for their use. When the railroad began to use a machine to drive the spikes in the railroad ties, the small factories went out of business.
Best source for quality replacement handles. I order the hand picked handles and the quality is superb. Great video now I know how the handles I order are made.
