Couple of old Kellys

A

axesbold

Joined
Aug 3, 2007
Messages
400
Well Hi guys!

Lurking in this subforum has inspired me to hone up on my rusty axe skills. I picked up a new Council Jersey, and have pulled a couple of old Kellys out of the shed.

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I think they're jerseys but don't know how to be sure. Around here they're just old pole axes. They are both about 3 1/2 lbs, and the one on the left has more poll behind the eye. Comparing them to the old catalog info reproduced in "An Ax to Grind," that's what they seem closest to. Any comments or corrections would be appreciated!

I've picked up a couple of 36" straight handles and will put them back in to use. I'm not the greatest hanger though, so we'll see how it goes.

Got a few more "old heads" laying around here, and some of them are axes. I'll see what else I can scratch up.
 
I wish I had a couple of old Kelly's kicking around in the shed.

Just clean 'em up with a cup brush on an angle grinder and take your time to file them sharp. The old True Temper Kelly will be quite hard. You'll want a fresh file for that job. I bet you'll find them to be at least the equals of your new Council - maybe even better.

And if you have questions - ask. The guys around here have sure taught me plenty. They're very helpful.
 
Those are some fine looking axes that you had "laying around".
You'll love those 'Kelly's' once you get them hung and put back to work.
 
I knew 'Peg' and 'Bear' would respond to your thread. They are both 'Good old axe boys'. Bloody good hangers too, along with the 'hanger from hell' Memphis. If you listen to these guys and take their advice you will not go far wrong. Good on yer mate, you are starting a journey that will last you a lifetime.

regards...Frank
 
Nice looking heads no doubt. Hanging jerseys does take more time than your conventional axe, so just have that mindset going in.

I also have a new Council jersey, cant say I really like it all that much. Cant believe how ugly it is compared to the older axe heads. Think in this day and age we would be able to make a better looking axe, but guess not.

Sweet finds you have, you will enjoy them!
 
You my friend have a Kelly perfect that I want I think it's a perfect at Least, small pictures on my phone

But either way, very nice finds
I just picked up an axe today with the same head pattern

I cant find a makers mark, but it is the widest edge axe I have now

Good luck with the Kellys and nice finds
 
Thanks for the kind comments guys. Being as I'm getting kind of old, and my family has been in the same homstead for 5 generations, I've got some stuff stashed around. I found one of these heads in my cousin's collapsed garage probably 20 years ago, and stuck it away... thinking some day I'd want to fool with it. The other one's just been here, not sure of its origins.

One of them is stamped perfect, and I believe it is the newer of the two. It's also in better shape. And yes Op, I've been struggling a little with them today. Here's what I've got:

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I had problems with the bottom one. It wasn't centered when it went on but I rasped on it for a while and it's pretty good now. The top one I just powered on, and it went pretty well. I haven't wedged them yet, so they can still be tweaked.

I do have a question about the handle alignment though. Cook says when they rest as pictured the bit should be resting on its center. Ax to Grind says the bit should be on the bottom third, as mine seem to be. Both illustrate with a curved handle. I don't know if that makes a difference though. Anybody got any thoughts on that?

At any rate I'm enjoying myself. Way too hot to be chopping today, but I'll get them out real soon :)
 
axesbold said:
I do have a question about the handle alignment though. Cook says when they rest as pictured the bit should be resting on its center. Ax to Grind says the bit should be on the bottom third, as mine seem to be. Both illustrate with a curved handle. I don't know if that makes a difference though. Anybody got any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...

I don't think it makes a difference. Your palm will be placed in the same relationship to the swell on either haft. Keep in mind, an 'S' haft curves up before it curves back down to the swell.

I disagree with Cook and prefer a hang landing on the bottom third as described in 'An Ax to Grind'.
 
Thanks Square peg. Still haven't wedged them but I think the top one is fine. The bottom one is still off center, pointing left. I'll work a little more on it. Appreciate the help!
 
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