Hand Making Axe Handles

[ajschainsaws]

Got the handles and heads but Iam always having trouble getting the right wedges , I think I’ve cracked it got the bandsaw out new band made a jig
Done some adjustments tweeted it a little and here’s what I’ve come up with

 

[ajschainsaws]

[/ATTACH]

 

[ajschainsaws]

 

[ajschainsaws]

It’s working well cut a selection of wedges from different woods

 

[XP_Slinger]

Looks good AJ! I especially like the color selection you have.

 

[pavel408]

Nice wedges. Just wondering - is the grain important? I am no expert, but thinking about hammering the wedge into the handle... The green one should be better than the red one, or it doesn't matter at all?

 

[XP_Slinger]

Nice wedges. Just wondering - is the grain important? I am no expert, but thinking about hammering the wedge into the handle... The green one should be better than the red one, or it doesn't matter at all?View attachment 198036

In my limited experience the green one will actually be more likely to crack. But, if the wedge is fitted properly against the front and back of the eye it will hold together.

 

[ajschainsaws]

In my limited experience the green one will actually be more likely to crack. But, if the wedge is fitted properly against the front and back of the eye it will hold together.

Yes that’s very true sir it’s Ash the green one and it’s a fast grown bit of timber
I done a bit of everything because the buyers pick the wedges within reason
And some are pretty determined too get a wedge too match there handle
In grain , I wouldn’t personally use that type of wedge

 

[ajschainsaws]

Nice wedges. Just wondering - is the grain important? I am no expert, but thinking about hammering the wedge into the handle... The green one should be better than the red one, or it doesn't matter at all?View attachment 198036

Yes the grain is important but not as important as a long taper on the wedge going in if the wedge goes from fat too thin too quickly then you’ll have at least 1/3 of the head not covered by a wedge

But also what I’ve found with these exotic hardwood blocks when your cutting them it’s so easy too loose sight of which way the grain is running

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I got myself an 4.5 lb axe from the car boot the other day.

Although the handle was good and curved it was a bit small for my hands.

I faffed around and thought I’d buy a handle (oops, did I swear,)

Well it took me some time to fit it. I'm happy with it....but now want more axes and make the handles myself..... so I been readin this thread that I’ve ignored for ages, and now katchin up un stuff....

Edited. To add pic..
The clipper lighters the side is just for scale.

 

[ajschainsaws]

That’s a nice head and they’ll take a good handle your options are endless
Buckin likes those heads he calls them the English arvika

 

[ajschainsaws]

I forgot too say I gotta couple of those on t(e axe thread but there not a patch on your head there rusty as hell

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I will get a pic of the axe handle that was on it and the one I fitted.

I did get the wire wheel on the angle grinder to clean it up a bit after I got it., it took the surface rust off but not much more, oh and I sharpen it a little. I did Just a little bit,,,, a little bit each time, and not to heat it and over do it. You can’t put it back...

I do think it’s been oil hardened as the file just glides over it and it has a bit of background colour other than rust.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Well here’s the pic of the axe with a new Handle..
It may not look as good as the original, I did like the original. Are my hands are big or the fawns foot handle small ? it had a twist in the handle as well as curve that I almost got out but I guess it’s a spare now..

The red painted handle was about a 3rd down, so I scraped most of it off...

 

[ajschainsaws]

Looking good that handle will serve you well

 

[XP_Slinger]

Finally got around to making a handle for my cousins WWII hatchet. It has the original handle so I decided to try to replicate it.




All was going well until...
Back to square 1

 

[ajschainsaws]

That handle was a perfect match shame you slit the end it sucks ive done it
Many a time

 

[XP_Slinger]

That handle was a perfect match shame you slit the end it sucks ive done it
Many a time

Seems to be part of this hobby. I’ll get it on my next days off.

 

[ajschainsaws]

Seems to be part of this hobby. I’ll get it on my next days off.

Yes it does true I can’t get the best out of a spokeshave if Iam gonna fug it
That’s the tool that’ll do it

I do as much as I can with a chainsaw then blacksmiths rasp

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Have you thought about using some water proof wood glue, get a zip tie to poke it all the way in there and then bind it tight with some string. Or is that cheating

I had to do it to one of my old little axe handles.. it seemed to work very well. I know I need a new handle but it will do till it lets go again.