Is this handle correct on a axe

S

singleshot03

Joined
May 18, 2013
Messages
33
Hello, I am new to axes and trying to hang my first handle on an axe. My question is that the handle does not competely fill the top of the eye(?) completely is that OK? The handle is tight around the bottom of the eye. The axe head seems pretty solid and no movement. Thank you for your help,

Jim

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How far up from the shoulder is the base of the axe head? You can always rasp the handle more and bring the axe further down towards the shoulder, which should give you a tighter fit. Then you can just take off the excess with a coping saw.
As it stands, it would probably be just fine with a long enough wedge.. but if you can make the fit tighter, why not save yourself the hassle down the line?
 
I rasped the handle down another 3/8+; it did give it a tigher fit but I still have the gap as mention earlier. Is that normal or should i be shopping around for different width axe handles?

Thank you for your help.

Jim
 
You could make that work just fine with a good thick wedge. It's possible that you have a boys axe handle with a full size axe. Boys axe handles are typically 28" long and fit 2 to 2-3/4 lb heads.
 
I would venture to guess that you have a Connecticut pattern made by True Temper or Collins from the 50s-60s. Probably wrong but I'm curious if I'm right, can you post a picture of the head?. I've found both manufactures went with a longer eye during that period with the CT pattern for some reason. To hang those I've used a wedge for a double bit because of the added length which may help with the job you're doing.
 
I greatly appreciat everyone's help. The handle length is 36". The axe head is a Plumb. My first axe that I have bought. Below is the picture with dimensions. Thank you again.

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Singleshot, its normal to have room at the narrow end of the eye(top only).
If I was hanging that axe I would remove material from the handle so that it was a smooth transition. You would be moving the shoulder of the handle up rather than the axe head down. Notches weaken the wood.
 
Thanks Garry, I will work on moving the shoulder up. I want to clean the head up and sharpen it before I finally drive the wedge home.
 
Good deal, here is a picture of a Jersey pattern that I hung. Seems that some hate to hang these because of the lugs or ears. It should not be a problem as long as the lugs are not bent. I picked the jersey to show you what I mean by moving the shoulder up. I never work from just the top down.
Looking forward to your pictures when your project is done. Each one just gets easier.
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garry3 said:
If I was hanging that axe I would remove material from the handle so that it was a smooth transition. You would be moving the shoulder of the handle up rather than the axe head down. Notches weaken the wood.
Click to expand...

This bears repeating. Notches and even sharp angles weaken wood.

Great hang on that Jersey, garry3.
 
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