Axe wedge sunk too far?

[Erich9653]

I took my time with this axe, i cut the curf 3/4th down the head, measured out my wedge so it would fit with a little extra wood on top to be safe, and i pounded the wedge in until it mushroomed into pieces and would not go in any further. I decided to add a metal wedge and as i pounded it in the wooden wedge sunk in another quarter inch.. This is the second time this has happened on this axe.. the first time i decided to try again and it just happened again, should i try a third time or add wood filler and call it a day? I dont know if i can attempt it a third time with this handle, i've never had this happen and cant find any information online about similar problems.

I tested the axe and it feels solid but i don't really trust it or expect it to last.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[jake pogg]

Normally,if the wedge goes a bit sub-surface of end of tongue it's only for the better-it'll stay in there better.
Also,since it went down it must've had somewhere to go(you don't think it started splitting the handle and going into the crack? That,now,would not be good).

That metal wedge,however,does not seem necessary-you Should be achieving enough tension with that wooden wedge alone.
One or two smaller metal ones,I needed,placed diagonally is more reasonable,but why that big fat metal one?
(it's probably mushroomed on the top and the edges of mushroom is what drags your wooden wedge down;get rid of it and try re-wedging with wood only).

 

[Erich9653]

There doesn't appear to be a crack in the handle. The reason i decided to use a metal wedge was because i was having a hard time getting a good fitment and i was running out of shoulder wood. The fit was alright but was ledging out a bit so i wanted to play it safe. That being said i definetely should have used a smaller metal wedge this was my second axe so its a learning experience. Thanks for the advice. I guess i'll try round 3 with just wood

 

[DunRanull]

WE all live and hopefully learn... When I was living in the mtns and processing all my wood for heat and cooking.. I got to know axes and saws a bit.. Looking at your axe head there, even if a little unorthodox, I'd say it doesnt look like it's going anywhere any time soon! Use it and keep an eye on it- time enuff later to replace the haft if it cracks or loosens...

 

[G-pig]

I try to make sure the wedge has plenty of clearance from the eye *lengthwise*, you don't want that limiting the depth of the wedge. That might have been what happened here.

 

[Ernest DuBois]

Plenty of analysis but why did you resort to the metal wedge to begin with? Getting back to first principles, the function of this secondary wedging is simply anchoring the primary wooden wedge by inserting a metal fastener at 45 degrees to the long center line of the wedge. Metal wedging as conceived in this type of handeling has only an indirect relation to securing the head rather than alleviating an insufficiently fitted handle.

 

[Erich9653]

Plenty of analysis but why did you resort to the metal wedge to begin with? Getting back to first principles, the function of this secondary wedging is simply anchoring the primary wooden wedge by inserting a metal fastener at 45 degrees to the long center line of the wedge. Metal wedging as conceived in this type of handeling has only an indirect relation to securing the head rather than alleviating an insufficiently fitted handle.

I like having the top of my handles mushroom out a bit, my first axe i did the same thing and shes on there good. Just preference i guess.

 

[Ernest DuBois]

I like having the top of my handles mushroom out a bit, my first axe i did the same thing and shes on there good. Just preference i guess.

Which is fine and your success is admirable, all the same this effect should be got at through the mechanism of the primary wedge only then does the metal wedge come into question for the purpose already brought to light.

 

[thunderstick]

I took my time with this axe, i cut the curf 3/4th down the head, measured out my wedge so it would fit with a little extra wood on top to be safe, and i pounded the wedge in until it mushroomed into pieces and would not go in any further. I decided to add a metal wedge and as i pounded it in the wooden wedge sunk in another quarter inch.. This is the second time this has happened on this axe.. the first time i decided to try again and it just happened again, should i try a third time or add wood filler and call it a day? I dont know if i can attempt it a third time with this handle, i've never had this happen and cant find any information online about similar problems.

I tested the axe and it feels solid but i don't really trust it or expect it to last.

Thanks for any advice!

I had this happen to me a few times so now I glue the wedge and wait till the next day to drive in the steel cross wedge after the glue has set up on the center wooden wedge--problem solved.