Hand Making Axe Handles

[XP_Slinger]

I like it. A nice personal touch.

I thought so too. So I’m not going too over the top, sweet. Lol

 

[XP_Slinger]

As requested, here’s a hatchet handle from the beginning. The one on the left is the one I’m re-handling for the friend that gave me that Kelly. However, he liked the curve of my Plumb scouts hatchet but said he would like it a little fatter. So here we go.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Off comes the bark, I usually re-sharpen my draw shave after this step. The bark is really tough.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Once the bark is off I try to shave it to a uniform dimension. This helps later down the road, and I’m not talking perfect, just close.

 

[XP_Slinger]

This draw shave with its curved edge is an animal. Because of the curve it makes it easy to cut 45 degrees across the grain. Works perfect for evening wide areas.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Here’s the only step I’m not doing by hand. I could shave off all the extra wood but a bandsaw is so much faster and cleaner.

 

[ajschainsaws]

It is good of you too do this thread very interesting

 

[XP_Slinger]

It is good of you too do this thread very interesting

Glad you’re enjoying it, I’m enjoying the project

 

[XP_Slinger]

So here’s where having a dimensional billet makes things easier. Establishing a center liner for the handle really helps me keep things in line when shaving into shape.

 

[Wolverine]

Awesome work bud! Since you have a "brand" do you make them for people?

 

[XP_Slinger]

I bevel the corners with the bandsaw to help reduce the chance of scalping out too much with a draw shave.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Awesome work bud! Since you have a "brand" do you make them for people?

I’d like to eventually. I’m giving a couple as gifts this year. And thank you for the compliment

 

[Wolverine]

I’d like to eventually. I’m giving a couple as gifts this year.

I have some very premium tiger/fiddle back maple collecting dust...

 

[XP_Slinger]

This is where progress stops for a while to let the wood dry. The fawns foot is still huge for hanging the axe. Once the head is mounted I’ll trim it down and shave to final shape. Then it’s on to the sanding. I’ll post more pics once I start working on it again. Gotta start another one and pull my axes out of the vinegar to see how they look.

 

[XP_Slinger]

I have some very premium tiger/fiddle back maple collecting dust...

Is it something you’d be willing to sell? Or would you like a handle made out of it? I’d have to do some research on whether or not burly wood would make a reliable handle for ya.

 

[Wolverine]

Definitely not burl. I wouldn’t trust that at all. And I wouldn’t sell it. I have a small hoard of really figured stuff. So it’s just basically maple. Same stuff used in flint lock musket making among other stuff. I know tons of bats are now made w maple.

 

[ajschainsaws]

It’s funny I’ve looked at ash , elm , holly , oak and other possibilities but I’ve got one little project on the go that I will reveal when I have finished it whether it’s successful or not
White Hedge Ash is always known for its stringy fibres harder to split than forest ash it’s grain is bound together more like Elm
So this is a good wood if it’s straight enough for handles

Great thread love it

 

[XP_Slinger]

It’s funny I’ve looked at ash , elm , holly , oak and other possibilities but I’ve got one little project on the go that I will reveal when I have finished it whether it’s successful or not
White Hedge Ash is always known for its stringy fibres harder to split than forest ash it’s grain is bound together more like Elm
So this is a good wood if it’s straight enough for handles

Great thread love it

Looking forward to seeing your project

 

[CR888]

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.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Finished the one I started about a week ago. I cut the fawns foot because the end cracked while drying and I now prefer how this one looks. Think I’m gonna make my next hatchet handle out of heart wood, there’s just a little tease of it on this handle. It’s got beautiful color. Still have to clean up the pole