Council boys axe

R

readyme

Joined
Oct 4, 2004
Messages
762
I received my first axe today...since by Plumb Boy Scout hatchet about 20 years ago.
At first blush I like the size. It is small and light enough to be portable and handy, but large enough to actually get a bit of work done.
First order of business is to remove this terrible red paint from the head, sand the handle and coat in boiled linseed oil.
This will serve duty as my personal axe on the fire truck. We carry full size axes with 6-8lb heads, and damn they are beastly. Hey that's great when you are standing up and swinging with your body at doors/walls...but if I need my axe to get out of a bad situation, I am probably going to be laying on the floor. That is why I chose a short handled, light weight axe...very handy and manuverable in tight areas. Having tried using the full size axe for this purpose in training, and this will be a much easier tool to use.
Anyway, just wanted to share. I will try and update with pictures in the near future.
 
Have you considered a crash axe? Most of them have a pick on one end and a blade on the other. Google "crash axe" if you're not familiar with them, tons of stuff comes up. Stay safe.
 
Well here it is after my initial work. I used a wire wheel to remove most of the red paint, then worked it over with my random orbital sander using 100 grit, to try and even out what is left after forging. You can see swirls left from the sander, but I figure I will slowly work on it over time.
The handle shape is great, but the piece of wood they chose leaves a bit to be desired. As you can see hear the top, there is an obvious difference in the wood, and looking at the bottom of the handle, the grain is going the wrong way. Oh well, what does one expect for $35? I figure I will use it until it breaks...which is really likely never.
Here ya go.

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By readyme at 2012-02-29[/IMG]

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By readyme at 2012-02-29[/IMG]

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By readyme at 2012-02-29[/IMG]

This the the "hammer" face of the head, and you can see the pretty deep machining scars.

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By readyme at 2012-02-29
 
Nice job cleaning up your new Axe. May it give you lots of good use. Thanks for your service!!
 
Thanks wildmanh...and thank you for helping me decide on my purchase. I contacted you a while back about your axe knowledge.
 
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