hung my plumb rafting / construction axe

N

nzedge

Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
249
I did start writing this in the "what did you hang today" thread, but it got pretty long and had lots of pics so decided to make a new thread :)

I managed to get some work done on my new plumb rafting / construction axe over the last couple days.
I got a handle (32" only had an option for curved), which at first look I thought was pretty good..had really good grain direction.. was in a rush (lunch time) so didnt look at it too much more...but got home after work and noticed this..uh ohh. I decided I had heaps of wood to work with, and I like working on stuff so I set to work truing it up and thinning it down with my rasp (and making it less curvy)
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excuse my messy garage / storage area..haft is getting better
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pretty good now..
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mostly finished handle
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prepped and ready for hangin'
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perfect fit, no gaps, very very tight without the wedge (took about 30-40 rubber mallet hits to remove head from handle after each test fit)
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wedging..again very good fit before wedging
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shes straight as :thumbup:
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how she hangs
IMG_1446_zpst1rvlrun.jpg

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Very happy with how this one came out, im confident the head aint coming loose :)
I decided to leave the head as-is (at least for now till I change my mind) and not remove any of the old paint or anything..
Just needs a sharpen now :D
 
You did a nice job of this. The handle looks to be a compromise between conventional full length and a miner's stubby version. Put'er to work and let's hear back about what happens.
 
300Six said:
You did a nice job of this. The handle looks to be a compromise between conventional full length and a miner's stubby version. Put'er to work and let's hear back about what happens.
Click to expand...

thanks for the compliments guys, yea will do.
I like 32" hafts, im used to the length..they just feel right when I swing. :)

I did constantly have the thought in the back of my mind that most guys re-handle these with a straight handle to make better use of the hammering end/poll, so I did what I could with what I had to work with. (could not buy any straight axe handles at the store)
Handle does feel very nice though, its quite thin, tapers smoothly up to the eye, no humps or lumps :)
 
Muaddib1116 said:
Is that the 5 lb plumb national? Nice job shaping the handle!
Click to expand...

It's more like the "Constructors" axe shown in this Plumb catalog from the mid-1960s (bottom right), which was available in 4 and 5 pound head weights. The "National" pattern is shown here (left column) with only a 3-1/2 pound weight.

Plumb1964isCatalogAxes2.jpg


And I agree, a great job with the handle.
 
I have a similar but not as pretty but what a splitting machine these are, almost like a maul
Beautiful job!
 
Great hang! Thanks for the pics. You all know these axes are near and dear to me.

Beachlogger said:
I have a similar but not as pretty but what a splitting machine these are, almost like a maul
Beautiful job!
Click to expand...

Part of the reason they make such great splitters is how thick they are. The eye walls are almost 1/4" thick and the poll is almost 1-1/2" thick. Add the 5 pound mass and it's just an awesome combination for splitting.
 
nzedge said:
how she hangs
IMG_1446_zpst1rvlrun.jpg



Very happy with how this one came out, im confident the head aint coming loose :)
I decided to leave the head as-is (at least for now till I change my mind) and not remove any of the old paint or anything..
Just needs a sharpen now :D
Click to expand...

That is a great looking axe and hang!
 
Thanks for the thoughts guys :)
Im fine, as is my family. It was quite rural where it hit, so from what I can gather there is not that much damage to buildings etc, mostly roads and land slips. Lucky as it was a big one.

You guys are right. I need to be mindful of the power of the 5lb plumb beast. Should not have been swinging it like that in the middle of the night =D
 
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