My Father's Axes...what do you think?

I tell you what, you did a nice job. The way you used the metal wedge is probably safe. Nice job getting that handle down to size. It's always hard to tell from pictures, but I tend to judge by how large the head looks proportionally to the thickness of the stick, and it looks good from here - I'm guessing a huge improvement from the way it came. It's tough to duplicate the feel of old handles, but you've got yourself a really nice pattern to work from. Don't know what kind of tools you have but the advice I was given here was for a half round rasp and file, and I tell you what, it was some of the best advice. The ultra thick shoulder and shaping the swell are two big parts of hanging an axe and both are best accomplished with a rasp if you're going strictly hand tools. Very cheap investment too.
 
Looks good. Personally I would not level the haft to the eye if it's a user. A little overhang should help with retention of the haft as it mushrooms out over the eye slightly. But I'm a relative novice to the restoration side, the other guys would know better.

The original handle definitely looks thinner, even flat or slightly angled on the sides. I have some of these new club handles as well, probably worth shaving them down a bit. The shoulders can get in the way and shaving them down won't really change the strength much.

Should be a great axe. Good work.
 
jonnyt16 said:
DadsAxe6_zpss6bliigy.jpg
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I think that turned out to be a very good looking axe you put together.
Very nice lines on the handle and overall finish on that and the head.
 
cityofthesouth said:
I tell you what, you did a nice job. The way you used the metal wedge is probably safe. Nice job getting that handle down to size. It's always hard to tell from pictures, but I tend to judge by how large the head looks proportionally to the thickness of the stick, and it looks good from here - I'm guessing a huge improvement from the way it came. It's tough to duplicate the feel of old handles, but you've got yourself a really nice pattern to work from. Don't know what kind of tools you have but the advice I was given here was for a half round rasp and file, and I tell you what, it was some of the best advice. The ultra thick shoulder and shaping the swell are two big parts of hanging an axe and both are best accomplished with a rasp if you're going strictly hand tools. Very cheap investment too.
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Thanks! Yes I need to invest in some good woodworking tools. All the sanding and profiling was done with just my hand and 150 grit, 400 grit, 600 grit, and 800 grit sandpaper. Took a looong time but I think it was worth it in the end because there are no "flat" or uneven surfaces anywhere on the wood and it came out ultra smooth. Definitely a gigantic improvement from how I received it. I do wish I took the shoulder down just a little more though. I guess I still can.

Chignecto Woodsman said:
Looks good. Personally I would not level the haft to the eye if it's a user. A little overhang should help with retention of the haft as it mushrooms out over the eye slightly. But I'm a relative novice to the restoration side, the other guys would know better.
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Yeah, this was another thing I went back and forth on. From what I've seen here it seems like half the guys level it off and the other half doesn't. Maybe if I do another one I'll leave some overhang. I really see how this whole axe thing can become addicting!
 
Just a few more photos I had. Do you guys think it is worth it to file down the slight rolling of the steel around the poll? Or if there's anything else I'm missing or something you guys would do additionally let me know, thanks!

I'm also trying to find a vintage WW2 era sheath/cover for it. Any ideas on where to look would be awesome. Otherwise I guess I can go with a new leather one or maybe even try making something myself. Thanks again fellas...looking at all your guys' threads on this subforum for the last few months and seeing all your restorations and rehangs is really what inspired me to try and bring my dad's axe back to life and who knows maybe my 2-year old son will be restoring it again in another 20 or 30 years!

Rehang1_zpskcroygkr.jpg


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Before:

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After:

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The rolled steel only really matters for aesthetic reasons or if it is too wide and hinders the axe swing near the wood. Doesn't look like it matters here since the rolling is so slight and the filing takes the colour away.
 
Okay so its been a little over a year since I restored my Dad's True Temper and now I've decided to work on that U.S. hatchet. Reluctantly, I took the head off the original handle and will be going with a curved one from House (still undecided on 16" or 18"). The "after" photos below I just took tonight after pulling it from a three day vinegar bath. I am considering painting the head Olive Drab because I think it would look neat and also because like the True Temper there are still small specs of green paint leftover on the underside of the head so I believe it was originally painted green for the military. Plus, it can't hurt to have a little extra protection from rust. Anyway, that's where I'm at right now. Will keep you guys updated and of course I am open to any help, tips, and tricks. Thanks!

After removing the head from handle and before the vinegar bath:

eturBVK.jpg


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After vinegar:

RfyUd8V.jpg


IWx5Ppt.jpg
 
Okay so here's the final product on the US hatchet. I kinda got carried away once I started working on it and forgot to take photos during the process. Anyway, I painted the head Olive Drab and gave it a good sharpening using the Rooster method (after a little bit of file work). I think it looks cool. I went with an 18" handle from House and had to sand it down a lot since it felt so thick. BLO and a little bit of stain and she was all done. To be honest I'm not totally 100% happy with the hang as I think I could have gotten her a little tighter but oh well it was only my second axe I've rehung and I'll do better on the next one.

Here's before/after:

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Those look nice. They were in excellent shape to begin with.
Btw.
"Patton" wont be right unless you apply ivory inlays on its haft !
 
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