Axe restoration thread

[LondonNeil]

That looks excellent! I'd be proud of that now and I've done half a dozen now

 

[muad]

That looks excellent! I'd be proud of that now and I've done half a dozen now

Thanks for the kudos. Makes me feel good, and proud of the job I did. Still a long ways to go, but I have a few I want to hang. Next up is a True Temper single bit with the phantom bevels.

 

[Woodslasher]

As promised. My first hang. Critique away please!

Not the best pics, but it's what I could do quick before the wife yelled that pancakes were ready

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Looks nice! I don't see anything wrong with the . If it were mine I'd try making the area below the poll look a little more concave like the haft shown below (not my work, fyi). All in all, I'd say that's an awesome first hang!

 

[Haywire]

Had to rehang my wedge knocker. Original handle snapped. Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay. Now I've just got to redo my signature wood burning design. Haha

 

[Esq1997]

Good evening-

Yesterday I picked up a 3.5 pound Plumb single bit at an antiques store for $10.00. Had a lot of rust so I soaked it in a vinegar bath for 20 hours. The rust is mostly gone and it still retains some patina. Was wondering if anyone could provide any thoughts on its age and pattern. It looks like a Michigan pattern, but I’m not sure.

This is my first full restoration attempt so any comments on the axe head’s condition would also be appreciated. Should I hit it again with a wire brush, more time in the vinegar bath? I don’t have a wire wheel or bench grinder, so this will be hand tools only. Any thoughts would help.

John

 

[muad]

Had to rehang my wedge knocker. Original handle snapped. Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay. Now I've just got to redo my signature wood burning design. Haha

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I love that burn design, nice axe too!

 

[svk]

Good evening-

Yesterday I picked up a 3.5 pound Plumb single bit at an antiques store for $10.00. Had a lot of rust so I soaked it in a vinegar bath for 20 hours. The rust is mostly gone and it still retains some patina. Was wondering if anyone could provide any thoughts on its age and pattern. It looks like a Michigan pattern, but I’m not sure.

This is my first full restoration attempt so any comments on the axe head’s condition would also be appreciated. Should I hit it again with a wire brush, more time in the vinegar bath? I don’t have a wire wheel or bench grinder, so this will be hand tools only. Any thoughts would help.

JohnView attachment 876058View attachment 876059

I’d just get started hanging it. It’s got character and once you hang it and get after that cutting edge, it will look real nice.

 

[svk]

Thanks!!


I think it's decent, with minimal gaps. The spread/mushroom effect at the top was good, however I sanded it so it doesn't look as mushroomed as it was when I trimmed/sanded it.

I need to sand the handle some more, and then apply more BLO.

@cookies I left the grip at the bottom more rough for a better grip. I want the shaft to be as smooth as possible though, which could use a little more work.

After doing this, I need some more tools and I'm thinking of using blanks from now on to better fit the heads. This handle was better than the last, but still not perfect. The kerf was cut way too deep, etc.

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Looks good

 

[Esq1997]

Thanks for the response. I was worried that it was too corroded. Turns out what I thought was rust was actually patina. I’ve got to find a haft, which could be a challenge here in Massachusetts. Any suggestions on haft length? Oh, what pattern do you think this is?

 

[muad]

Looks like a Dayton to me, but I'm no expert.

 

[Drptrch]

would it be tabu to cut the adez side off a pulaski axe to use it for splitting/chopping ? It's a mint condition true temper i assume made in the 50's with clear stamp marks. Kinda figured I should ask before not after lopping it off.

would it be tabu to cut the adez side off a pulaski axe to use it for splitting/chopping ? It's a mint condition true temper i assume made in the 50's with clear stamp marks. Kinda figured I should ask before not after lopping it off.

would it be tabu to cut the adez side off a pulaski axe to use it for splitting/chopping ? It's a mint condition true temper i assume made in the 50's with clear stamp marks. Kinda figured I should ask before not after lopping it off.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[svk]

Thanks for the response. I was worried that it was too corroded. Turns out what I thought was rust was actually patina. I’ve got to find a haft, which could be a challenge here in Massachusetts. Any suggestions on haft length? Oh, what pattern do you think this is?

How large of a head is that? I like 28-32" handles myself.

 

[Esq1997]

It's 7" with a 4 5/8" single bit.

John

 

[svk]

Those lengths should do well with that.

 

[Esq1997]

Thank you for all of your responses.

 

[Vibes]

I see an axe listed locally with “Bell Systems” stamped in it. Would this be from Bell telephone for linemen?

Edit: Did some more looking and yes this is the case.

Yeah that would be Bell telephone. I have several Bell system tools. Stick rule Dykes and a pair of needle nose pliers. That axe is quite a find.

 

[Esq1997]

 

[Esq1997]

Here are some updated photos of my vintage plumb. Used a file. Will have to obtain some stones for honing.

 

[cookies]

without a haft I like to use a large whetstone to set the edge after filing

 

[U&A]

Well, I finally did it! I successfully hung an axe, and it turned out decent! Will get pics tomorrow, ran out of light. Looking for feedback from you all, and maybe some tips on steering the bit.

While the head looks to be sitting good on the handle, the bit isn't lined up with the handle perfectly square. I tried removing some material from the backside of the opposite side to kind of steer it where I wanted it, which helped a little but not enough. Overall I'm still very satisfied, and it splits great!!

I ruined the included poplar wedge, so I had to make one from some english walnut I have (I made blanks for knife/gun scales years back), and it actually tuned out good considering all I have are some hand tools.

Stay tuned

AWSOME!!

The one thing i have learned that is super important (obviously there are lots of important things to do right) is making the wood wedge the proper length and thickness so it drives down far enough and still provides good pressure at the top.



Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]