Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
Not pretty, but practical?
Axe restoration thread
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Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
Thanks. It took hours to hang that Plumb due to an utter lack of experience. Have it to my buddy. Just hung the double bit. Octagon handle from House Handles as well. Took a long time, but I think it looks pretty good. Just put first coat of BLO on the handle.
Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
Just finished cleaning up an older Mann Forestry Service axe. Removed the head from the handle by removing two ancient metal wedges. Had to drill out the wood wedge. The handle is kind of beat up by the top, so I deepened the kerf and rehafted the head. It’s on there pretty snug with mushrooming at the top. Unfortunately, I think that this will be a wall hanger due to the condition of the handle.
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Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
Number five. A 3.5 pound flint edge on a 32” House Handle. Took too long once again to fit but it came out okay. Two coats of Watco Danish Oil - dark walnut. Kind of like the way it brings out the grain versus the natural look of BLO. Anyway, would love to hear your comments and suggestions.
I love the color of the wood, but I don't like half the handle sticking out the top. Just me, so don't take offense, a lot of guys like them like that. American axes were never hung like that.
Probably already seen this. This is how I like to hang axes.
Probably already seen this. This is how I like to hang axes. I tried to post the link to "An Ax to grind" the Forestry Service video. But it kept trying to load the whole 1 hour long video. Do a search for, "An ax to grind", it's good watching.
Now it loaded!
There's proud and there's.....hmm. Your choice though, your axe. looks really good, really really good other wise. What do you mean 'took too long.'? It's not a race is it? No one told me I needed to get quick!
Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
Thanks for the comments!! I left it proud (probably too proud) because I’m not very confident that the head will remain affixed to the handle. I’m still a noobee. By mushrooming the end I feel it’s more secure. Don’t want to use a metal wedge. I would cut it a little lower, but my saw is so dull it might just mess it up. Need better tools.
You are turning out some pretty good work, don't sweat it. It's your style, go with it, the next one will be better. I'm going to check some of my originals and see if they used cross metal wedges?
Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
Here is my latest. A 2.25 lb. Collins on a 28” Whiskey River boy’s axe handle. Was going to leave the handle a little proud (as is my practice - for now) but the wedge split and was unusable above the top of the eye. I cut the handle flush and put a metal wedge in place. Kind of a nice camp axe with Watco danish oil finish. Cleaned up the bit with a file and my Norton stones. Convex but not shaving sharp.
Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
I’m sort of disappointed with this one as the wedge split up while using the dead blow hammer forcing me to flush cut the haft. Hoping I got enough of the wedge into the kerf. The wedge was soft wood. I prefer to use harder wood for wedges.
Got a few I’m working on - need to make or substantially modify a handle for the craftsman mini hatchet, fitting a handle for the plumb boy scout hatchet, and as a part of the find, work on handles for the old Plumb sledge and Weco(Japan) maul.
I think that wedge and flush cut is Beautiful! That’s the way American axes have been hung forever. I don’t mind the proud hang on European axes, that’s the way lots of them are hung. I realy like that one
One almost finished - just need to oil the handle up - the other one finished. Been using timber oil and happy with the results. Up until a few weeks ago I had never seen a Powerkraft or Wardmastr marked axe. Always learning something new. Both had pretty worn toes, and I adjusted the bit somewhat to compensate for it. Looks like they turned out ok, and was able to keep some of the patina intact. My recent discovery of House Handles has been a nice change from the hardware store selection.
Esq1997
ArboristSite Operative
I’ve purchased several handles from House Handles. Great service, prices and fast shipping. The only issue I’ve had is the finish around the haft’s shoulders had to be smoothed out for symmetry.
I’ve found the same issue - they do turn out purty, though.
