You just never know what's under all that rust...ADDED PICS

[Casehardn]

I found two small hatchet heads at the flea market. One was rusted up pretty bad, the other not quite so bad.
Each went into a vinegar bath for about 60 hours.

Ended up with a nice Dayton/Delaware type pattern on one. Feels about 1-1/2 lbs. Only says "Cast SteeL' on the head.

The one that was real rusted up ended saying "Made in Sweden". I think there is less pitting on the surface of the moon. There is what looks to be a 1-4 on the other side. Maybe 1-1/4 lbs?

Either way, I figure I'd start with the Dayton and post pics as I restore it. I picked up a nice piece of pistaccio wood for the handle. So far I only ran them over a wire brush and then a 3M belt. More to come...

[bearhunter]

a little pitting builds character in an axe :

nice finds regardless of a little pitting...

[Casehardn]

a little pitting builds character in an axe :

nice finds regardless of a little pitting...

Bear,
I'm going to take your advice and do a mild restore on that one. I have a neighbor with a bead blaster. He says he can adjust the force of the unit so it doesn't hurt the finish underneath. Maybe I'll drop that one off with him while I work on the other.

[Casehardn]

Just finished the first hatchet.
Picked out a piece of Pistaccio wood, made a sketch to follow and carved out a rough handle.
Then I sanded out the details and fit the head to it. Very secure fit. Took down a 5 inch beech tree in about 2 minutes.
Head stayed nice & tight. Now I need to make a sheath for it. 5 Pics posted below.

http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/...n/P1000896.jpg
http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/...n/P1000897.jpg
http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/...n/P1000898.jpg
http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/...n/P1000899.jpg

Will work on number 2 hatchet next.

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Nicely done! Say, did you use a sander/grinder or by hand? Just curious that's all.

[SR69]

Good stuff!

Love it.

What's the finish?

[bearhunter]

that is one beautiful handle!

[Casehardn]

Nicely done! Say, did you use a sander/grinder or by hand? Just curious that's all.

Head was with a sander. Very slow process and light pressure so no heat build-up.
The handle was carved with a draw knife and then put on the sander.

[Casehardn]

Good stuff!

Love it.

What's the finish?

The finish is sanded with 600 grit, then I use Danish oil (2 coats). When the wood won't absorb more oil, I complete with a beeswax rub.

[Square_peg]

The handle was carved with a draw knife and then put on the sander.

It's beautiful. Pistachio did you say? Looks great.

[AeroNautiCal]

That's lovely!

Gorgeous handle.

[bkoregon]

Nice find, great restoration and beautiful work on the handle!

[jds1]

Very nice work!

Jeff