Is this Kelly Perfect worth fixing up?

W

WillieD

Joined
Jan 22, 2004
Messages
267
I was given this axe by my neighbor years ago. It's in pretty bad shape. Is it worth cleaning up with a file and putting a new handle on? Should I worry about cleaning up the mushroomed backside or is that too much work? Thanks
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The eye looks deformed but it would still be a worthwhile project IMO. You may want to check with operator1975 a member here. He will be able to tell you how much of the bit is gone and if the eye is indeed out of shape..

Best regards

Robin
 
The eye is rather deformed, probably from all the abuse the poll has taken. This tool seems to have been used as a hammer more than as an axe. The bit looks good, so you can use it, but watch out for any further deformation of the eye.

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/
 
I put an edge on it today and sanded some of the rust off. Oiled it up. Can't shave with it, but it's alot sharper than it was. I'll probably just use it for cutting out tree roots. I'm just going to but a decent hatchet for around the fire out back and the little bit that we camp. Probably just pick up a Graintex from Sears or something.
 
Nice piece. First of all, if I am seeing the pic right, it looks like it says W C Kelly - which helps to date the piece. The WC Kelly is the logo and imprint that some of the original Kelly axes had on them. While yours is not in pristine condition per se, it is still a nice piece. And the WC helps to give it a rough time frame, but it is hard to absolutely tell because the name was used even after the old man passed on. The fact that it says Charleston on it atleast dates it to post 1904 though.

What I would do, and this is just an average joes 2 cents, is I would clean it up. I wouldnt mess with the poll and trying to even it up, you might end up hurting the imprint, which you dont want to do in this case. I would try and shine up the face, and I would probably replace the handle. Getting those nails out is always interesting, but you should be able to do it. Then I would put it on the wall somewhere. I wouldnt use that for getting roots out, unless you really wanted to.
 
Well, I got the handle apart and found some interesting stuff in there. Is the washer a common thing to find? Couple of shims and nails out the ying yang. Hit the head with some 320 wet/dry for starters. Guess I'll pic up a handle for it this week. Do they come with shims or do I need to make/buy some?
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wow, I've never seen that assortment of metal used to wedge the head. I've seen nails and things, but never a washer. The head looks a lot better already!
 
Nice axe. The metal washer was interesing. The nail as well. Almost looks like a horseshoe nail. I would clean it up and use it.
 
I would say it is worth your effort. Owning several different axes (Gransfors, Wetterlings, Oxheads, Collins, Plumb, Kelly), one of my best performers is an old Kelly in terms of edge retention and toughness. Seriously, it is right there with Gransfors.
 
Most interesting thing I have found in an axe head so far is an old nickel. Many washers, nails of all kinds, screws, i even found a stone one time.
 
Giving it a vinegar soak and searching out a handle for it. What would be the proper length handle for this head? It had a 32" on it before. Wasn't the original handle I don't think. Had ACME stamped on it.
 
WillieD said:
GWhat would be the proper length handle for this head? It had a 32" on it before.
Click to expand...

Either a 32'' or 36'' would be proper, but go with what you prefer. I like a 32'' better, as I can get as much power from that length as a longer handle. Yet, find the accuracy to be much greater with the 32'' handle.
 
Good question on the handle. This is where a lot of variables come into play. If you were going to use it, what for? I would think 28 to 32 would be ok. 36 would probably also work. It will all depend on your style, what you can find for handles, the shape they are in, whether you will use it or not, how much work you have to put into it, etc.
 
you may have to work on the eye a bit to get it within the dimensions of a new handle.
 
I myself would not work over the eye. Well I wouldnt because knowing me I would get in there and root around and split the cheek/eye, and then there you have it - ruined. But thats just me. I would work the handle over to fit the eye. Easier to do and you can always replace the wooden handle if you mess it up. This is for a collection piece. If you were planning on using it, you might have to work on the eye, depending on balance, etc. Just be careful. Or give it to me and I will handle it for you. :)
 
Progress so far. About 4 days in vinegar and some wet sanding and wire brushing. I did take a file to the eye. It looked more distorted than it really was I think. The edges were rolled over and I just tried to file them flush. I was worried about trying to get a handle in past the rolled edge. Operator, I messaged you about the handle source, but didn't see a reply. Here's the latest...
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Its no secret or anything, its called the hickoryhandlestore.com

Hope you find something.

And nice work by the way
 
you got it all cleaned up and looking better, as for handle length? are you gonna use it or hang it on the wall? a 28" handle would take up less wall space for looks but you could still use it some, but a longer handle may work better if it was going to be used a lot.
 
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