Actually its not all that difficult to hollow out a gandar, and to make a wrongko in one piece. Yes, it does require a degree of skill, but this skill is more in the shaping of the outside of the wrongko, than in cutting the hole inside.To make that long hole in the gandar you first drill with a long bit. In Jawa they use the old-time bow drill, but it is possible to do it with a long series bit in an electric drill.Once the hole is drilled you use a tool called a segrek to open up the hole to accomodate the blade.A segrek is a bit like a cross between a saw and a rasp that cuts on the draw stroke.It takes one days work for an average tukang to make a standard gandar.
This wrongko is worth saving, and perfectly saveable. It can be reshaped into the kacir form.Pic of example shown, it would not need to be exactly like the pic.
Skeeter, turning the handle can be either very easy or quiite difficult and dangerous. I suggest that you try to turn it while gripping the blade wrapped in a piece of cloth. Gently work it back and forth with increasing pressure, but don't get too strong in the wrist, because it is possible to break the tang and/or split the handle. If you can get a little bit of movement you may find that you can turn it to the correct position. Above all, do not force it when it is cold.
We normally remove a stuck handle by heating the base of the blade gently. A candle, a small kerosene lamp, or passing quickly and repeatedly through a propane torch flame will give sufficient heat. Hold the blade a couple of inches from where the heat is applied so you will know if it is getting too hot. Heating and then trying to move the handle backwards and forth will normally loosen up any stuck handle. You can clean off any smoke black with mineral turpentine.
|