Axe helving and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Marcelo Cantu

Marcelo Cantu

Joined
Jan 18, 2003
Messages
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I'm not much of a poster on the forums anymore, partially due to the aforementioned affliction. I'm even worse with the pictures but over the last few years, I've hafted a good two dozen axes, hatchets, mauls, sledges and hammers. I've learned quite a bit and attribute much of that to this forum. For that I give thanks.

Lately my CTS has gotten to the point that I can only do about six a year due mainly to the immflamation from repetetive filing, sanding, and then the multiple mallet and sledge stikes. After a good day of my favorite hobby, where generally I'll do two axes, the consequential pain is such that even with upper limit doses of NSAIDS, I can expect two nights of no sleep or even being horizontal. I've deduced that the main culprit is the impact. I can rehab many more heads than helve.

My question is apart from having to purchase something like a hydraulic log splitter and then modifying it, do you guys have any ideas of what I can use to press the handles in and then the wedges?

Thanks.
 
Marcelo Cantu said:
. . .Lately my CTS has gotten to the point . . . I can expect two nights of no sleep . . .
Click to expand...

Maybe you can come up with a creative solution using a bottle jack or similar low cost option. I will leave it to others who might help with that.

I know that this is not what you are asking, but having had CTS myself, I thought I would share my experience with you. So FWIW, If you are able to have release surgery done, DO IT. I stubbornly put up with it until the pain went up my arm and then into my shoulder, loosing sleep every night. I had this done approx. 16 years ago and no problems since. It is a short, out patient procedure. I didn't need pain med for the the effects of the surgery. I did take the next day off, but in hindsight this was unnecessary. What a relief. Of course YMMV.

Whatever you do, I wish you the best. :)

Bob
 
I would look into a Hydraulic pressing set up as posted. Block the haft out with scrap wood flat on a table and press with a bottle jack or port a power. Good luck with the CTS
 
There are some stretching exercises that can help with your CTS. But everyone I've talked to that had the surgery was pleased.
 
Of course a hydraulic press is handy for all manner of things.
My 10 ton utility press is used every few days from making DIY mycarta or pressing bearings on a shaft.

Anyway, for pressing axehandles. A diy mechanical press along the similar principles of a Hi-Lift jack, or for that matter a Hi-Lift could easily be set up for pressing axehandles.
 
Thanks Bob and all for the kind words. I too have been very stubborn, much to my wife's chagrin. I'll be setting up an appointment with a hand specialist. I won't tell her that it was your post that put me over the edge.
I did try two 1/2 ton bar clamps and was able to seat a wedge but I still had to give it that final whack.
 
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