new axe handle

S

siguy

Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
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i just posted this over in WSS, but i figured it belonged here too...

just thought i would share a couple of quick photos of an axe handle i'm working on, and outline the process i have gone through so far.

i started with about a 7" diameter maple tree, and felled it with my 3.5# Snow and Nealley axe.

i split a good sized chunk off using a beater axe and a couple of iron wedges with a sledge hammer.

i took the chunk downstairs to my shop and began hacking away with my 14" Fiskars.

then i switched over to my trusty Mora #1 with laminated blade and plain birch handle.

here is the result so far, i am pretty happy with it:
IMG_1583.jpg


i am basing the design on this old, wonderful handle that i found in an antique shop.

the handle is going to be for a nice old Norlund that Gene (gunknifenut) gave me. he had hung a new handle on it, but there was a bit of space in the eye that allowed the head to wiggle loose, and i was looking for a new project anyways.
IMG_1584.jpg


here is the handle with the main tools used so far...about 95% of the stock removal and shaping has been done with the Fiskars, and the remainder is with the knife.
IMG_1586.jpg


i have some shaping and plenty of smoothing left before it will be ready to be set aside to dry, and then it can be hung and oiled up!
 
So when you split out the handle did you get the grain of the wood running the right way? looks like a good start. Pat
 
since the tree was a bit on the small side, the grain has a pretty strong curve. i did orient it to be at the optimal angle. i'll snap a shot of the grain at some point...
 
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