Axe restoration thread

[U&A]

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 real nice!!


Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]

 

[Esq1997]

This is my very first restoration, so I was very hesitant to take a file to the axe. I think it looks okay, but I will need some stones for finishing. As for a haft, I think that my best option is House Handle. I’ll be careful with the wedge. Hoping they will send one that is usable.
Any thoughts on my file work? Does it need additional filing, if you can tell from the pics? Was trying to be careful not to change the dimensions/profile of the bit.

 

[bigbadbob]

May have posted B4, my collection, mostly from flea markets and yard sales. And my favorite,, Walters Black diamond, also had a Isaiah blood axe but ebayed it.

 

[U&A]

May have posted B4, my collection, mostly from flea markets and yard sales. And my favorite,, Walters Black diamond, also had a Isaiah blood axe but ebayed it. View attachment 878007View attachment 878008View attachment 878009View attachment 878010

I want a cross cut. Id like to try it for fun.


Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]

 

[bigbadbob]

Middle one is a near new Simons Royal Chinook,, supposed to be a keeper/holy grail, one above is the same worn out.
Got a few more ferreted away. Ice saw was hard to find. I have the saw sets for those as well,, for setting the teeth angle

 

[muad]

Worked on the plumb more today. I tried burning the handle, which really brought out the beauty of the handle. I also worked on the head (got it hair popping sharp, cleaned up the pole, sanded the sides of the bit with 320 grit). I'm debating on painting 2/3 of the head red; which is what it looks like it was originally. Also cut the handle flush on top of the head, as I had left it a little proud previously.

Still needs a few more coats of linseed oil on the handle.

Sorry for the sideways photos... Stupid iphone...

 

[Esq1997]

Looks great! Hope my Plumb comes out half as nice.

 

[muad]

Looks great! Hope my Plumb comes out half as nice.

Thanks!! I'm really happy with it.

 

[cookies]

Looks ready to get used! beware of oiling it too much, it only needs a little applied then temperature changes cause the wood to draw it in deep and you can apply again...too much and your grip will suffer

 

[muad]

Looks ready to get used! beware of oiling it too much, it only needs a little applied then temperature changes cause the wood to draw it in deep and you can apply again...too much and your grip will suffer

Thanks for the tips.

 

[Woodslasher]

Worked on the plumb more today. I tried burning the handle, which really brought out the beauty of the handle. I also worked on the head (got it hair popping sharp, cleaned up the pole, sanded the sides of the bit with 320 grit). I'm debating on painting 2/3 of the head red; which is what it looks like it was originally. Also cut the handle flush on top of the head, as I had left it a little proud previously.

Still needs a few more coats of linseed oil on the handle.

Sorry for the sideways photos... Stupid iphone...

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Nice! Looks a whole lot better than when I got it!

 

[Esq1997]

Most recent acquisition. Craigslist for $40.00. No name visible. Any thoughts? Scraped and sanded haft. One coat of BLO so far. Will need some file work on the bits.

 

[Esq1997]

Axehead shows a trace of blue paint.

 

[muad]

Looks like a True Temper Kelly Perfect Double Bit to me.

But, I know many makers used those phantom bevels.

Nice score!!!

Will defer to more knowledgable posters.

 

[Esq1997]

It’s a little over 10” long with 5” bits.

 

[muad]

For those working on hafting, what vise are you running? I'm looking at a couple vintage Colombians wood working vises in ebay, mainly because they were made in Cleveland Ohio. I'd kind a like to find an older unit, versus something newer made. Although Milwaukee tools makes a nice one, but they're pricey.

 

[Woodslasher]

For those working on hafting, what vise are you running? I'm looking at a couple vintage Colombians wood working vises in ebay, mainly because they were made in Cleveland Ohio. I'd kind a like to find an older unit, versus something newer made. Although Milwaukee tools makes a nice one, but they're pricey.

I just use a bench vise with smooth jaws, or I'll hold one end of the haft and brace the other end of the haft against my leg, a log, my vise, etc.

 

[Esq1997]

Another find. Any idea it’s age? Only imprint is True Temper Flint Edge

 

[Woodslasher]

I’d say 60’s or 70’s.

 

[Esq1997]

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

I’d say 60’s or 70’s.

Were they still using good steel/manufacturing processes? The patina was such that I thought it might have been older.