Handle length?

C

Chopper1

Joined
Nov 6, 2020
Messages
5
Hello all,
Had my blacksmith make me a, would ya call it an axe? LOL
I wanted a thinner blade for collecting old standing dead cedar, that I use for walking staffs and other projects.
Head weight is 2.75 lbs.
Opinions about handle length?
I'll either use hickory or heart walnut.

Thanks in advance.
 
Could you give more information about what it is you are harvesting beyond that it's cedar? Even that is not so clear to me.
What are the conditions where you're taking wood and where, (Northwest cedar is something other than Rocky Mountain "cedar" and so on and so on and so on...? What dimensions, quantities, (seems not much), that kind of thing. And then above all, and mainly because it has got me curious, more on this (customized?) axe itself, so's that is a bit clearer. Then something sensible might be forthcoming from membership by way of this advise you're after.
 
Ernest DuBois said:
Could you give more information about what it is you are harvesting beyond that it's cedar? Even that is not so clear to me.
What are the conditions where you're taking wood and where, (Northwest cedar is something other than Rocky Mountain "cedar" and so on and so on and so on...? What dimensions, quantities, (seems not much), that kind of thing. And then above all, and mainly because it has got me curious, more on this (customized?) axe itself, so's that is a bit clearer. Then something sensible might be forthcoming from membership by way of this advise you're after.
Click to expand...
Trying to get a pic posted... head length is 12"
 
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Ernest DuBois said:
Could you give more information about what it is you are harvesting beyond that it's cedar? Even that is not so clear to me.
What are the conditions where you're taking wood and where, (Northwest cedar is something other than Rocky Mountain "cedar" and so on and so on and so on...? What dimensions, quantities, (seems not much), that kind of thing. And then above all, and mainly because it has got me curious, more on this (customized?) axe itself, so's that is a bit clearer. Then something sensible might be forthcoming from membership by way of this advise you're after.
Click to expand...
Axe blade https://imgur.com/gallery/84RWH9E
 
That's pretty good. In many ways it does suit the criteria of what constitutes an axe. Did you try pasting the picture's address in the pop-out window by clicking on the photo icon here in the bar above the response box? I'd think with that kind of configuration you'd want the handle not only to do its thing as a grip but significant counter-balance as well. I just think it because I don't know for sure how you're using it. Is that kind of in billhook fashion? I sense a single bevel. What do you think of such a tool, it's a coutre
dscf2841.jpg
NlQKOkR
and its handle mounting? You'd have to remove your collars from the back and reattach at the end with the appropriate off-set. Really, I'm just flailing about here in the dark's how it feels.
 
Ernest DuBois said:
That's pretty good. In many ways it does suit the criteria of what constitutes an axe. Did you try pasting the picture's address in the pop-out window by clicking on the photo icon here in the bar above the response box? I'd think with that kind of configuration you'd want the handle not only to do its thing as a grip but significant counter-balance as well. I just think it because I don't know for sure how you're using it. Is that kind of in billhook fashion? I sense a single bevel. What do you think of such a tool, it's a coutre
dscf2841.jpg
NlQKOkR
and its handle mounting? You'd have to remove your collars from the back and reattach at the end with the appropriate off-set. Really, I'm just flailing about here in the dark's how it feels.
Click to expand...

I8YcM5v.jpg
 
I’d be concerned about the welded collars- I have nothing to back up that concern except that, with any joint, there comes with a risk of failure. I also don’t really know the thickness of the intended target. If you were lopping off saplings, for instance, I’d say you could put a 44” handle on there and use it like a brush axe (rationale being 32” to the blade, ~12” blade). Dead, dry and thick wood doesn’t compress or bend like green saplings and doesn’t absorb shock as well. Out of concern for fatiguing the welds I’d go for 28” total length just to keep the velocity down.

actually I’m just now noticing @Old Axeman’s post and I’d take his advice over any of my guessing.

edit: also, won’t the handle be exposed to getting beat up by whatever you’re swinging at? Interesting design.
 
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http://imgur.com/gallery/OYccwqA

Temporary handle done... this one old heart cedar.
This axe will be used for sapling-sized cutting... no heavy use or splitting, so compromising the handle won't be an issue. 2.75lb head, 1.25lb handle. 4 lbs total at this point. Handle length is 30" for now.
The head does all the work, and the force is split between the 2 mounts. Weld fatigue won't come into play.
I mostly collect old standing dead cedar, 3" diameter or smaller, which will be its use.
The final handle I will use dogwood for. I have the stock cut, but will be a year or so before I work it.
This is a playful working piece LOL
 
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Interesting project- I’m interested to see how it works for you!
 
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