Collins Legitimus restoration

S

Square_peg

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Feb 1, 2012
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A few months back I posted a pic of this messed up axe.

Legitmus1.jpg



In real bad shape but with good bloodlines. Today I finally fixed it up.

Legitimus3.jpg



I hit it with a wire wheel to remove the rust. Then I reprofiled and sharpened the edge. It's not the hardest axe I've ever filed but it's pretty hard. Right now it's hair poppin' sharp.

Legitimus4.jpg



I hung it on a nice octagonal hickory handle from House Handle.

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I like the feel of it and it has a good grain.

Legitimus6.jpg



The sharpness of the corners makes for a nice grip.

Legitimus7.jpg



I've been so pleased with my Collins Boy's axe that this old thing has been haunting me. Can't wait to give it a workout.
 
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Beautiful! Threads like this make me want to look at the local flea markets.
 
Heck, I remember that old thing.
That sure turned out very nice pegs, except you hung it upside down :D

I really do like that pegs! I've got my 'eyes peeled' for a legitimus boys axe...
 
That came out really nice. I like the look of those octagonal handles, going to have to order one and try it out.
 
jwaj said:
I like the look of those octagonal handles, going to have to order one and try it out.
Click to expand...

House does a nice job with these. Fitting it to the eye required probably the least work of any axe I've hung. It was close as shipped, with just enough extra material for that perfect fit. The wedge didn't need to go very deep. I hit the wedge and kerf with generic Swel-Lock for a tight fit.
 
What can I say Peg...That's the ugliest piece of junk I've seen in a long time. Best you put her on a ship and send her my way so I can dispose of her for you.

Honestly though she looks great. Like the look of the haft. Don't see them like that here. Do you think it is something you could use for long periods or would it put extra stress on hands. Great pattern with good weight in the poll.

She really is a good looker...Must be related to 'Big Betty Collins' somewhere in Montana.

regards...Frank
 
Frank-New Zealand said:
Like the look of the haft. Don't see them like that here. Do you think it is something you could use for long periods or would it put extra stress on hands. Great pattern with good weight in the poll.
Click to expand...

I actually think it will create less stress because it's easier to grip. The haft is also rather slender which I prefer.

My Collins axes do have nice polls and good balance but what really draws me towards them is the shape of the cheeks. The cheeks are the perfect convex shape to toss out chips and resist sticking in the wood while still cutting deep. I have a 4 pound Stiletto with a similar shape out in the garage waiting to be hung.
 
Another thing I love about this axe is the beautiful round face. Nice and even from heel to toe. She would 'lead-in' to the timber with a minimum of effort. The more I look at this axe the more I like her.

regards...Frank
 
very nice job looks great. Ready to go to work.

good looking file too, i have one in that pattern they cut great
 
For some reason, I can't get the pictures to load. Anyone else having this issue? I REALLY want to see this thing!
 
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