Making new handles for old axes?

[Blue Sky]

Anyone know where I can find info on making and fitting axe handles? A lost art, I'm sure. I have a chance to get a few nice old axe heads but I doubt replacement handles are available that would fit properly.

 

[Ebbtide]

Here's a site put up by a heckofa good guy.

 

[firebrick43]

The "Axe book" by Dudley Cook is an invaluble source and goes into much detail and theory on the subject. It is availible in Lehmans catolog or amazon.

Jimbo and the Ax book both state that straight handles for single bit axes are not availible but they are for old(or new) axes with about any grip style and length availible.

Marion Handle mills (www.tennesseehickoryproducts.com) makes a bunch of different styles, call and get their catolog(1-800-251-9106), their website leaves something to be desired. They have a minimum order of 100 dollars however which has prevented me from using them although I thought about doing a group order.

O.P. Link handle company apparently is about the same but I have not contacted them yet. I am going to tuesday however when they open
403S Main Street
Salem IN 47167
1-800-992-9171

 

[ekillian]

I have done some business with these guys, They make many levels of quality handles. Th BR grade with tinted finish are best. Should'nt cost more than a few bucks, accept if the order is under $200.00(which it will be) they tack on a $20.00 processing fee. Their website is www.vbmfg.com and the person I was using as contact is below. You may want to take a pic of your existing handle with a ruler as scale and get it to him to confirm size and shape.


Marcus McDaniel
V & B Manufacturing Company
Airport Industrial Park
P.O. Box 268
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
PH : 870-886-3525
FX : 870-886-6751
E-Mail: mmcdaniel@vbmfg.com

I hope this helped,

Eddie
www.k5tactical.com

 

[Blue Sky]

Thanks for the help everyone, some good links there. I don't possess the axe heads in question yet, so it's hard to be sure replacements are available from the sources given, but it looks promising. Though I would like to know how to make a proper one from scratch if necessary. I guess a straight-grained hickory board, draw-knife and a lot of patience is the place to start.