My first two restorations-advice?

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Brian.Evans

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Aug 20, 2011
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Hey guys, I spend most of my time on bf over in the workshop area or the traditional sub forum. I make slipjoints, just to give you a frame of reference for my metal working level.
Way back in high school I got a double bit axe from an old widow woman. It started my love of axes, but I guess it was a slow burn, because I haven't done anything about it until now. Last week I had three pines to take down on our property. I sharpened up that old double bit and went to work. It went well. I've cut down lots of trees with a chain saw, but none with an axe. I dropped the biggest one about 18" from my hat I used as a target on the ground. :D Guess I'm hooked now.

Now, I've always kept my tools clean, it's just how I was taught. Everything gets cleaned and a coat of oil every use; shovels, hoes, axes, ect. That double bit is no exception. I never polished it, but it has always been taken care of. Not sharpened, but kept in good shape. It will eventually need rehung, but it's ok for now. This post isn't about that.

I decided that if I had a double bit, single bit, boys axe, and hatchet my axe needs would be complete. (Yeah right, I know) so I've been working on finding decent examples worth restoring. I've been reading constantly and I feel fairly well informed.

I happened to find these today. $10 combined out the door.

Boys axe 5 7/8" x 3 1/2"
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Single bit (dayton pattern?) 7 3/8" x 4 1/2"
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As you can see, I have the boys axe in vinegar. I'd like to do a full restoration on this one. I have a Link 26" handle for it already. I plan on sanding/brushing the head down nicely, maybe not removing all the pits and polishing it, but a nice resto.

The single bit I'm going to wire brush the worst of the rust off, oil it, rehang and sharpen it and put it to work.

Basically, am I missing anything? Is there something I don't know I don't know? Stupid mistakes I'm likely to make or other tips?
 
I decided to just go ahead with it. Seems to have gone ok.
20130909_202435.jpg

20130909_202501.jpg


Maybe someone can help me with the maker.
20130909_203617.jpg

20130909_203642.jpg
 
I do need to oil the handle tomorrow and sharpen it. Also, that's a shadow on the left side of the eye. It's completely flush all around, which I was surprised by.
 
Looks like a "Lakeside" mark to me. I like the hang and the geometry, you will really enjoy it!
 
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Nice job on the hang. The grain orientation could be better, but you didn't make the handle so what do you do. Sharpen it up and use it. Nice slipjoint too. I spend a good bit of time on the traditionals forum also, as do others over here. Thanks for sharing.

Chris
 
Thanks guys. I looked up the Lakeside mark and I think you're right. Feels good to bring back a 50+ year old tool again. I doubt it was used much originally, because the poll was not mushroomed and the edge had very little wear.

Time to sharpen her up and see how it chops!

I still have to get the wood out of the eye of single bit. It's being a bit of a pain.
 
Looks good. That's the kind I like to find, little to no mushrooming and a nice full bit. The only thing rust means up to a point is a lower price.
 
medicevans said:
I doubt it was used much originally, because the poll was not mushroomed and the edge had very little wear.
Click to expand...


That sounds to me like the previous owner knew what an axe is for. They're definitely not made for pounding. They look great to me.
 
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