Hand Making Axe Handles

[XP_Slinger]

Looks good. How heavy is the maul bit?

Looks like an 8lb to my eye.

 

[XP_Slinger]

What is a good source for off the shelf axe handles and sledge hammer handles? Good quality handles preferrable.

I just picked up two Kelly heads while working in North Carolina over the last few weeks and need to re-handle them along with my grandad's old sledge.

Lots of good handles in regular hardware stores. The problem I run into is they are coated with poly which even after sanding makes it difficult to revitalize with oil.

 

[BangBang77]

Lots of good handles in regular hardware stores. The problem I run into is they are coated with poly which even after sanding makes it difficult to revitalize with oil.

Thanks for the info and sorry for the thread derail. I meant to ask my question in the axe thread and not this thread.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Thanks for the info and sorry for the thread derail. I meant to ask my question in the axe thread and not this thread.

No need to apologize man, not a derail at all. Not everyone has time to make one, including myself lately lol

 

[ajschainsaws]

No need to apologize man, not a derail at all. Not everyone has time to make one, including myself lately lol

I agree I’ve had four peices of wood all pencilled in ready too make handles
And they’ve been like that for weeks and weeks no time

 

[RI Chevy]

Lol. It's all good. This is a cool thread...

 

[Likesaws]

What is a good source for off the shelf axe handles and sledge hammer handles? Good quality handles preferrable.

I just picked up two Kelly heads while working in North Carolina over the last few weeks and need to re-handle them along with my grandad's old sledge.

Try here I’ve had good luck with these they have everything.
https://www.househandle.com/

 

[XP_Slinger]

Going to try and find some time to make a couple handles. A couple of my friends have been asking and I need to make a handle for my wedge driver. These are in a tub of Evaporust, the big Hudson Bay is pretty severely pitted but I’m cleaning it up just for gits and shiggles. The 3 on the left are in decent shape, Collins, Plumb and Norlund.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Time lapse...2 days later. Gonna get some flap wheels and try to sand out the pits on the Hudson and the little plumb. Lots of meat to work with on the tomahawk, not so much on the plumb. Worth a try though.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

@XP_Slinger
Have you googled/YouTube electrolysis to remove rust from a axe head.
I think it could look better in the end if you were to seal it with some linseed oil.

 

[CR888]

I think the evaporust did a good job. You can sand out the pitting, you can mirror polish them too but I think they look great as they are, the patina they have will not rust as easy as fresh sanded steel. I'd hit them with a wire wheel & call it a day, but they are yours to do as you want.

 

[XP_Slinger]

@XP_Slinger
Have you googled/YouTube electrolysis to remove rust from a axe head.
I think it could look better in the end if you were to seal it with some linseed oil.

I’ve used electrolysis before, does about the same as the evaporust.

 

[XP_Slinger]

I think the evaporust did a good job. You can sand out the pitting, you can mirror polish them too but I think they look great as they are, the patina they have will not rust as easy as fresh sanded steel. I'd hit them with a wire wheel & call it a day, but they are yours to do as you want.

I normally leave them like this but the pits are pretty bad.

 

[ajschainsaws]

Time lapse...2 days later. Gonna get some flap wheels and try to sand out the pits on the Hudson and the little plumb. Lots of meat to work with on the tomahawk, not so much on the plumb. Worth a try though.
View attachment 264192

lovely axe heads and that Hudson Bay will look good shined up

 

[Xr650jkallen]

That Norland is gonna be sweet!!!!!

 

[XP_Slinger]

That Norland is gonna be sweet!!!!!

I’m meh about it, although it’s in nice shape and I’m happy about that. It’s a shame some A-hole mushroomed the poll. About a 1.5lb camp ax, I’ll probable make a handle for it and give it to one of my kids.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Working on a new wedge driver. Had a 16” handle on the one I was using, going 24” on this one so I have mo powa when needed. Also gonna leave it octagonal, I like the look and feel. First one I’ve done like this.

 

[ajschainsaws]

Working on a new wedge driver. Had a 16” handle on the one I was using, going 24” on this one so I have mo powa when needed. Also gonna leave it octagonal, I like the look and feel. First one I’ve done like this.
View attachment 264472

Looking good can’t wait too see the finished handle

 

[XP_Slinger]

Wedge pounder done. Decided I’m going to give it to my cousin, he’s learning how to drop trees while we clear land to build his house. It’s a 5lb Kelly if anyone was wondering. The burn hides the shape in the pics, it’s still octagonal. I’m going to put a blaze orange Cord wrap near the head so he can see it laying on the ground.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Made this as a gift for a friend thats retiring soon. He’s an outdoorsman and a certified search and rescue volunteer. He expressed interest in a vintage ax a long time ago but never bought one for me to hang. This Plumb national pattern is one of my favorite camp axes. Gonna miss it but I know it will be taken care of.



Personal touch, this is how he writes the first letter of his name. It has a military story that’s too long to tell here lol



Painting it for visibility and corrosion protection if he’s out on a bad night doing SAR.