Like New True Temper Kelly Perfect 3.5lb

[PWRstroke_smoke]

Found this today at an estate sale and thought I would share it since it is such good condition.
Im not sure of the age on this one?

 

[Ziggy99]

Nice score.

 

[rbeggs]

That's beautiful, wish I could find one in that shape!

 

[300Six]

Wear and appearance-wise it is a real beauty! I'm not up on the finer points nor history of True Temper/Kellys but ridges in the eye (take a very close look) signal manufacture after 1960. The patent (if I recall) for ridges was awarded in 1963.
The handle appears to be perfectly horizontal grained! On a straight handle that's not a big deal but on a curved one such as yours the wood is very much more susceptible to delamination/breakage if you experience the occasional overstrike.

 

[garry3]

Pretty sweet. I always liked the fire hardened look on there handles. The round wedge was a surprise to me.

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

Wear and appearance-wise it is a real beauty! I'm not up on the finer points nor history of True Temper/Kellys but ridges in the eye (take a very close look) signal manufacture after 1960. The patent (if I recall) for ridges was awarded in 1963.
The handle appears to be perfectly horizontal grained! On a straight handle that's not a big deal but on a curved one such as yours the wood is very much more susceptible to delamination/breakage if you experience the occasional overstrike.

I think you are correct on the age. i have a hardware sign from the late 50's early 60's with this exact axe advertisement on it.
I would say the handle is almost perfect!
Reads "New headlock design 6 ridges formed inside grip handle tighter" Axe head in advertisement reads "True Temper Kelly Perfect"

Pretty sweet. I always liked the fire hardened look on there handles. The round wedge was a surprise to me.

I added the round wedge! I had it extra so decided to go ahead and use it. I like round wedges never ever split the wood with one.

 

[rjdankert]

. . .

. . .

Looks like you are actually using that grinder. :thumbup:

My brother-in-law gave me this Carborundum Co. Niagara No. 4 Model 60 sans wheel.

I've been trying off and on to search the internet to find out what the correct wheel looks like. Then, of course trying to get one.

Bob

 

[Steve Tall]

...My brother-in-law gave me this Carborundum Co. Niagara No. 4 Model 60 sans wheel.

I've been trying off and on to search the internet to find out what the correct wheel looks like. Then, of course trying to get one.

Bob

From a related thread:

I've bought a few of these for various people I know who live off the grid. Things to look for if you want to buy one:

If the shaft (or spindle?) for mounting the wheel is only 1/4", then it will take some cobbling to make it fit the smallest hole adapters (1/2") found in new grinding wheels...

The clearance between the shaft and the workbench will determine how large a wheel can be used. Having room for at least a 6" wheel will give many more options for wheel replacement, and a larger wheel gives a flatter surface with less of a hollow grind. I found one that accomodates an 8" wheel.

Some guys on woodworking forums use these to sharpen their chisels, since the low speeds won't heat the steel so much. They put the more expensive white wheels on these grinders, which grind cooler but wear faster (more friable). They also seem to unanimously recommend the adjustable tool rest/guide sold by Lee Valley, which will probably cost more than the grinder.

Here's a photo of somebody's setup, which shows the Lee Valley tool rest which can be adjusted to any angle for wheels up to 1" thick:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/966671-Got-an-axe-to-grind

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

Looks like you are actually using that grinder. :thumbup:

My brother-in-law gave me this Carborundum Co. Niagara No. 4 Model 60 sans wheel.

I've been trying off and on to search the internet to find out what the correct wheel looks like. Then, of course trying to get one.

Bob

they are fairly handy for cleaning up chisels etc I am going to add a foot pedal from an old sewing machine to mine! should be interesting to see how it turns out. I'll post a couple more pics of it when I get home. I'm at the Giants game go giants!!

 

[Square_peg]

The round wedge was a surprise to me.

Yeah. Something's up with that. It's been re-hung for sure. That haft might be the original but that round wedge isn't.

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

I think you are correct on the age. i have a hardware sign from the late 50's early 60's with this exact axe advertisement on it.
I would say the handle is almost perfect!
Reads "New headlock design 6 ridges formed inside grip handle tighter" Axe head in advertisement reads "True Temper Kelly Perfect"

I added the round wedge! I had it extra so decided to go ahead and use it. I like round wedges never ever split the wood with one.

it's all original never re hung I added the round wedge myself

 

[Dusty One]

Great shape....

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

Wear and appearance-wise it is a real beauty! I'm not up on the finer points nor history of True Temper/Kellys but ridges in the eye (take a very close look) signal manufacture after 1960. The patent (if I recall) for ridges was awarded in 1963.
The handle appears to be perfectly horizontal grained! On a straight handle that's not a big deal but on a curved one such as yours the wood is very much more susceptible to delamination/breakage if you experience the occasional overstrike.

Pretty sweet. I always liked the fire hardened look on there handles. The round wedge was a surprise to me.

Yeah. Something's up with that. It's been re-hung for sure. That haft might be the original but that round wedge isn't.

other than the round wedge I added, what do you see that makes you think think it has been "re-hung"

 

[SC T100]

Now that you mention it, the wood peening/curling below the head, and the gap in the eye at the front and rear does make it seem like it was re-hung. It's an older handle for sure, but it's certainly possible.

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

I bought it from the estate of the original owner along with some barely used 1950 and 60's chainsaws. I knew the owner.
its never been re hung lol

 

[300Six]

I didn't and don't dispute that the handle is OEM. The 'currently fashionable' conical wedge threw off quite a few people but tag-ons such as that can always be pounded in after (and admittedly was!). My comment concerned the wood grain orientation; up until the advent of the chainsaw QC (Quality Control) was much more cognizant of what was ideal and what wasn't, particularly on top-of-the-line models such as the "Perfect". The mid-60s and onwards were not kind to axe makers that were trying desperately to stay in business.

 

[Square_peg]

other than the round wedge I added, what do you see that makes you think think it has been "re-hung"

Just the round wedge. It's not illegal to do that but it's ill advised. It's hard to fathom doing that to an original haft. I understand that you didn't know better. But you just left some cash lying on the table.

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

Just the round wedge. It's not illegal to do that but it's ill advised. It's hard to fathom doing that to an original haft. I understand that you didn't know better. But you just left some cash lying on the table.

bullshit like what you just said is exactly why I have only 36 posts since 2013. haha
I understand that you didn't know any better, what kind of comment is that?????
you all like to pick fights on here. I have been rifling through posts what a mess this site is poor mods to say the least
just a bunch of arrogant knife nerds with nothing better to do than spew poor advice and insult people along the way.

the axe is safer with a wedge period. hey square peg round hole thanks for all your enlightenment, but I'll pass.

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

mods please ban or delete my account no need for it

 

[300Six]

No need to get your knickers all up in a knot! I was quite impressed with your pristine axe, and that True Temper display item. We generally bandy about and comments made aren't meant to denigrate anyone. It's your axe and if you chose to tighten it up with a newer type wedge, so what.