Broken axe head

[Kessik221]

So im trying to rehandle this axe head i picked up at a garage sale abd the problem is theres a chunk of handle still stuck in it. The problem is it seems the last owner used nails and epoxy to secure the handle in place. Ive tried just pulling the nails but they are so bent in that i ended up tearing the nails. Ive tried just punching it with a pry bar to no avail. I also put it on the drill press but it just wont fit. Any suggestions?

 

[Square_peg]

I don't follow you. How does it not fit on a drill press? Do you have a drill press vise?

If found that drillibng as many 7/32" holes as possible in an old handles always makes it drive out easy. A chunk of an old hangle makes a nice punch to knock out the remains after drilling.

 

[Square_peg]

Here's what I do.

 

[Woodcraft]

I am constantly making wooden drifts and wooden clubs for pounding. On a recent re-hang I mangled a piece of oak and started using an old hatchet handle I had lopped off quite some time ago just below the head. The shape is quite perfect to give solid purchase on a full size ax in the eye without worrying about causing damage.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Remember to knock the old handle tongue from the bottom out the top, because it is flared out and because the bottom of the eye is normally smaller.
BTW as to the title of this thread, how is this axe head broken ?

 

[Square_peg]

I think he means the handle is broken.

 

[Agent_H]

Here's what I do.

That is a good visual how-to. Thanks.

 

[Square_peg]

If you leave your drill press table a little loose you can swing it and rotate it to bring any part of the vise under the drill bit. Fast easy work to drill out a handle. Swiss cheese it and knock it right out. High speed drill bits drill through soft steel wedges and nails, too.