Hand Making Axe Handles

[RI Chevy]

Looks awesome! Excellent fit and finish on that. You have a great talent there!

 

[XP_Slinger]

Your blessed with some nice ol wood working tools and a beaut band saw. Is there a particular draw knife you use most? Curved, straight, long blade, short, angled handle etc? I don't think you save any money making handles, but the few I've made were very rewarding and you tend to like using axes with handles you have made.

The one I use most is the larger one with a curved 10” edge. When I add perpendicular motion in addition to drawing it to me it cuts wood like its cream cheese. I considered buying a new draw shave from a local hardware store but it looked like a lawnmower blade with handles. I prefer the antique hand made ones and as a bonus they’re typically cheaper than buying a new low quality one.
You’re absolutely right, I’m not saving any money making my own handles. The satisfaction you mentioned is what I’m enjoying. Nothing like it

 

[XP_Slinger]

Looks awesome! Excellent fit and finish on that. You have a great talent there!

Thanks bud. I’m still learning something on every handle I make. Having only completed 3 so far, I’ve got plenty more to learn.

 

[RI Chevy]

Thanks for taking the time to show us the step-by-step, "How to do's" of making a handle.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Thanks for taking the time to show us the step-by-step, "How to do's" of making a handle.

No problem. Hopefully I remember to continue posting pics of the hatchet handle when I finish it next week

 

[RI Chevy]

I need to get me one of those bark shaver tools. Lol

 

[XP_Slinger]

I need to get me one of those bark shaver tools. Lol

They’re pretty easy to find if you’ve got a couple antique stores around. Up here they’re usually $20 - $35.

 

[RI Chevy]

Cool. I gotta start my search.

 

[heritageguy20051]

I need to get me one of those bark shaver tools. Lol

Check local flea markets and antique stores. You can get them really cheap. I've been experimenting with old hand tools. Very inexpensive and they work great! Less mess, no power needed, no screaming machines and they are very fast. They also look and feel really cool.

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[heritageguy20051]

Very cool thread. They look great! Thanks for sharing.

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[RI Chevy]

Check local flea markets and antique stores. You can get them really cheap. I've been experimenting with old hand tools. Very inexpensive and they work great! Less mess, no power needed, no screaming machines and they are very fast. They also look and feel really cool.

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Will do. Thanks.

 

[XP_Slinger]

I feel an antique wood working tools thread coming on.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Very cool thread. They look great! Thanks for sharing.

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Thank you, I appreciate the compliment. I’ve got lots of axes to hang so I’ll be making several more handles. I’ll keep posting them as I make them.

 

[heritageguy20051]

Will do. Thanks.

If no luck there, eBay is also a good source. Just be careful. My girlfriend thinks I buy this cool stuff for her to hang for decoration!

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[Wolverine]

@XP_Slinger I can’t afford it right now (water heater almost burned my house down last week). Just inquiring for when I can. They look great! Here's a pic of the maple I referenced and a project I made with it.

 

[RI Chevy]

Beautiful wood.

 

[heritageguy20051]

I feel an antique wood working tools thread coming on.

Hand tools have been great for me as I don't have a big shop. I've refurbished a few and also bought some new stuff. I can work in the basement without a huge mess. It's been very enjoyable for me.

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[XP_Slinger]

@XP_Slinger I can’t afford it right now (water heater almost burned my house down last week). Just inquiring for when I can. They look great! Here's a pic of the maple I referenced and a project I made with it.
View attachment 99631 View attachment 99632

That’s not good, glad it didn’t burn your place down. That is some beautiful wood, be nice to see you turn more of it into something. I’m confused as to what you can’t afford...were you wanting a handle made?

 

[XP_Slinger]

Hand tools have been great for me as I don't have a big shop. I've refurbished a few and also bought some new stuff. I can work in the basement without a huge mess. It's been very enjoyable for me.

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I’m getting more and more content doing things the old fashioned way and could just leave the power tools unplugged. Except for the bandsaw, god help me I love that thing. Lol

 

[Wolverine]

That’s not good, glad it didn’t burn your place down. That is some beautiful wood, be nice to see you turn more of it into something. I’m confused as to what you can’t afford...were you wanting a handle made?

Yes, and your craftsmanship isn't free. I have the tools to do the job but have never made one and wouldn't want to experiment getting fit right on nice wood.