Kevin
An inch or two into a handle should be plenty. Most commercial tools use no
more. While you look at masonary nails you might also consider some HSS tool
bits. Busy Bee Tools have them on sale right now. I just got their new sale
flier in the mail. You might like to check out the tool making pages on my
site as well.

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God bless and safe turning
Darrell Feltmate
Truro, NS Canada
www.aroundthewoods.com