Axe ID/info thread

Well, I just got to test use the 2 Kelly perfects, and with my horrible technique, they are awesome. Then again, I was using a new manufacture big box store axe before these.

I only got to cut a few horizontal 6-8
Inch logs for because of time, but I must say, the chips that these things throw off are probably 2 x the size of the home depot one we have.

I am worried a slight amount about my handling job, so I may be posting some good pics soon, showing them of and asking how I did lol.

Also, another question I have been meaning to ask, the roofer axe and the smaller china made head are getting new hafts, any advice on length?

My grandfather has a plumb roofers axe that is avery similar to this one and it has a haft around 22 inches give or take (maybe 24) and I like it, but I would like input from the people here who know more than me. so I was thinking about putting it on a 24 inch boys single bit axe handle like what I think his is.
 
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here are some pictures of the 2 kelly perfects. Please tell me what yall think, about the axes, my sharpening (from what you can see), and how I did hanging them.
thanks in advance

The double bit

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The single bit

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I know the wedges still need to be trimmed up some, and I need to seal them, but other than that, how do they look to everyone here?

on a side note, I definitely like cutting with the double bit better, it is a bit easier to swing, and cuts better.
 
Not too bad crazy-e. A little rough around the edges maybe. That's something I'm trying to improve upon myself. I look at the restorations by Skogniv, M3mphis and many others on here to get inspiration.
 
They look fine. I like to sand the shellac offa my handles if I buy em. I'd say you are proficient enough at hanging them if they stay tight. Put the rest of the effort into learning to use em good.
 
Thanks to both of you, I know they are a bit rough in the edges.....I have work to do till get it to a point were they look new. I like the roughness, but also want to be able to do a full restoration.

The handles seem very snug and don't feel like they are going anywhere. I will probably coat the top win epoxy to make sure though.

And I am learning how to use them now, I don't have much experience, but I know what I have seen others do and can figure out what works and what doesn't. I believe I will learn how to use these well this summer while I build a shooting range (hopefully, I plan a 200 or maybe 300 yard range)


Oh, and I forgot to mention, The 2 handles had the lacquered finish sanded off, I had just put on a coat of
Linseed oil before I took the picture

Now then, there is a big flea market near me, I may have to go looking again already
 
Sounds like a fun summer. G-pig is right, the most important thing is that the head stays tight (and is aligned well). The rest is just icing on the cake.
 
trailmaker said:
Sounds like a fun summer. G-pig is right, the most important thing is that the head stays tight (and is aligned well). The rest is just icing on the cake.
Click to expand...

Well they are good and snug and aligned fairly well.

Now I just need to learn how to make them look pretty now


And the range has a bunch of 6 inch trees or so that are gonna have to gnome down
 
crazyengineer said:
here are some pictures of the 2 kelly perfects. Please tell me what yall think, about the axes, my sharpening (from what you can see), and how I did hanging them.
thanks in advance

The double bit

7298952150_5365f8f411_c.jpg



The single bit

7298983056_362f2c4378_c.jpg


.
Click to expand...

Sure looks like you did a nice job on your Kellys. I have a great fondness for the Kelly Prefect line of axes. It is nice to see that you have brought these back to life. Treated well, they'll be pasted down to future generations. Nice workmanship!!:thumbup:

Double Ott
 
If they're hung tight and sharp then that's all that really matters as far as using them goes. Most of my axes aren't so pretty too look at.

crazyengineer said:
I will probably coat the top win epoxy to make sure though.
Click to expand...


I don't think adding epoxy will make any difference. There's no harm in it, though.
 
Well, today I found a smaller axe head

I would guess maybe 2-2.5 lbs, handle was about 16 inches

It is a plumb, any ideas what model or anything?

The original handle was pretty much shot from cracks, etc....skin it has been removed and will have a 28" boys axe handle put on. I also got the china head hung as well

The plumb I got for 5$, I was happy wit it


Did the plumbs ever have paint on them originally? I plan on restoring this one a bit more than the last 2

I will post pics when I can
 
Other than the rust it don't look too bad. Not much ground off the edge and the poll isn't beat to heck. I'd guess it's something under 2 pounds.
 
Square_peg said:
Other than the rust it don't look too bad. Not much ground off the edge and the poll isn't beat to heck. I'd guess it's something under 2 pounds.
Click to expand...

The rust came off easily with a drill and brass wire cup brush. The poll is a little feared from beating on it

It like the weight on it I have it mounted on a 28 inch boys axe handle, but after I mounted I noticed it was not aligned well.... So i will probably redo it
 
Here is the finished plumb, a bit more done to it compared to the Kellys, I did end up rehanging it and this is the final
Handle, I like the length with the head weight, it seems to me that the overall size is a good all around light weight axe


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Oh, the handle length is 21 inches from bottom of the head to the end

I found it at the flea market today, it has an awesome grain on it

I also found a plumb broad hatchet, I will take pictures of it later, when I have time to get it and my camera. It needs a bit of work on the edge to get it were it is supposed to be, I'll need to take it back to a chisel grind

By the way, does anyone know if this is a boys axe that I have? The original handle that was on it was 13.5 inches from tip to the bottom of the head
 
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Are you sure that was the original handle, the 13-1/2" one? Boys axes are typically 2 to 2-1/2 pounds. Hatchets are usually 1-3/4 pounds or less.

OK, wait. After going back and looking at your original photo of the Plumb it sure looks like the red color of an original Plumb handle. So I'd say you have a hatchet head there not a boys axe. But terms don't really mean anything. A hatchet-sized head on a boys axe handle would be a handy tool and would do more work than a hatchet.

It looks good on the new handle. If you like how it swings then you've done a good job. :cool:
 
Then I did a good job judging by how it handles (haven't used it yet)

I didn't know for sure on whether it would be a hatchet or boys axe, because it seems pretty heavy for a hatchet. I I had to guess I'd up it at bout 2.5 lbs or so, all my hatchets that I have are 1.25 or 1.5
 
Well, I was finally able to get out today and give the plumb a few test swings (small cedar tree i think, that needed to go for the range I am building)

It handled very well, it was light enough for me to choke up I. And use with one hand to take off all the small branches from the cedar so I could get to the trunk. And the. It was long enough with the 21 Inch handle to swing well. Took good bites out of the tree.....until my bad technique caught up with me lol


And an update on the range if y'all are interested, I was originally planning a rifle range, but my parents (I'm 19 living at home in the summer) decided that a rifle range wasn't a good idea (insurance I believe) do I'm building a pistol range. I got it staked out today and tomorrow I'll go out with a weed eater and take care of the waist
High grass. I'm gonna build it with only hand tool (the weed eater being the only exception. As I have nothing I can do that job with)

I'll post pics when I finish (and pics of the tools at work)
 
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