Examples of refurbishing axe heads

[lmalterna]

At the risk of starting another thread that goes nowhere. How about one showing examples of work done to reprofile edges, work over chips and cleaning up polls and eyes?

We have quite a few work in progress or before and afters for rehandling but I do not find alot of examples of head work aside from removing rust. I will have a few to add as soon as I get decent pics maybe open my eyes to different opinions on how to preserve the life of the heads and return them to use.

I know for me, choosing the arc between heel and toe on a well used/abused axe is a little iffy. Maybe some sage advice on the difference in use between a flatter arc and a deep "smile" ??

Thanks in advance,
Bill

 

[lmalterna]

Here is a Kelly I just received. Other than cleaning up the mushrooming with a file I do not like the amount of rounding or smile on the bit. The masking tape illustrates where I intend to reprofile the bit. it means taking the center of the arc back almost .5" to bring it more in line with the points of the heel and toe.

The Craftsman just arrived today and has a nasty chip gone from the toe. I do not want to take the entire edge back as I like the profile and want to save as
much of the bit as I can. I am thinking to take a straight line from bottom of chip to top of poll. it will change it from a symmetrical flare to a tiny beard like profile.

The third axe is just there to show the lag bolts and washer! I had never seen this before. It is a no name boys axe mounted off center on the handle. I will probably tune it up and gift it to my son as a truck axe.

Comments are welcome and the point of this thread.
Bill

 

[Operator1975]

I did a couple threads on head work - filing out bits with chunks out, sharpening, etc. Many moons ago though. Ill see if I can find it. Or Steve will he is awesome at that stuff.

 

[bbforstr]

Bill

What you are showing with the masking tape is definitely possible. Just go slow and keep the heat down. I would profile it to the shape you want with a flat bastard then sharpen it to your desired shape. It looks like you have plenty of hardened bit left on that head. I like a little straighter edge than what you are showing but that's just me.

Later
Brent

 

[Square_peg]

I did something similar to an old Stiletto DB. If you're taking the time to do this then I wold go ahead and grind the heel back at least even with the toe. Before removing that much steel it's a good idea to do a vinegar soak and verify that you have enough hardened steel to work with.

 

[filedog]

Here's a Craftsman (by Plumb I believe) 1.5 lb hatchet, before and after. Used a grinding wheel on the angle grinder to reshape the poll, then a flap sander disk and my cheapo 1" belt grinder.