New to axes need advice .

harronek

harronek

Joined
Nov 29, 2013
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I'm an absolute newby when it comes to axes .
So please be gentle with me and my questions which may sound stupid to the well informed .

Part of work contract involves cutting down unwanted trees that are growing near high voltage power lines .
We use chainsaws mostly but there are times when the trees aren't that big and with today's safety requirements it takes ten times longer to get dressed up in all the safety gear than it does to to cut the small tree .
We have hand saws that we can use and they are very handy for quick small jobs .
Recently a Neighbour was having a clean out of his garden shed and gave me a few tools , included was an Axe . It is a Bahco 1 3/4 made in Germany .
Its obviously not old , but it is beaten up and the handle has seen better days .
I took it to work this last week and was amazed at how fast and easy this Axe can fell a tree up to about 6 - 7 inches in diameter .
I plan I buying another better axe , but have no idea of what I should be looking for in regards to size and type .
I have know idea of all the terminology that exists in the Axe world .
I love old knives and love bringing the old and unwanted back to life , so I'm interested in doing the same with an axe .
Any suggestions on size , make , type would be greatly appreciated , keeping in mind the intended role that I require it for , felling hardwood trees probably no bigger than 9-10 inches in diameter .
Anything bigger than that I'll start the chainsaw :)

Thanks

Ken
 
What Steve said. I used to work in a similar position. I always had a chainsaw in the truck but with the safety rules about suiting up (chaps, eye, ear, head protection) it was often easier just to use an axe. I kept a vintage boys axe in the truck for those times.

I recall one time in particular when my partner started suiting up to clear a windfall blocking our path. By the time he got suited up and was pulling the saw out of its case he realized that it was pointless, that I would have the tree cleared before he even got the saw fired up.

A good vintage boys axe. 2-14/ to 2-3/4 pounds. 24-30 inch handle. Good keen edge. True Temper, Collins and Plumb all sold many of these and are all reputable.
 
Council tools makes a nice boys axe for under 40.00 I have one and I like it,usa made but does not come with a sheath also it's a nice looker.They also make various sizes to choose from.
You could also use an Estwing,they come in a few sizes but not sure how it would fare with a 9"dia. tree?
 
ScottyE said:
What's the best place to find vintage axe heads?
Click to expand...

flea markets, garage sales and estate sales.

Or look for garage sale adds where they are specifically selling tools.

if you go to a garage sale and don't see any axes, then ask if they have any old axes in the backyard or garage, sometimes a lot of old ladies will have vintage axes and tools that their husband left behind.

it also might be a good idea to find garage sales in a old vintage neighborhood where a lot of elderly people live......I doubt you will find much vintage USA tools in a brand new suburban development.
 
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Yeah, I bought a near mint Kelly Woodslasher boys axe for $2 not long ago. Partial label. Never sharpened. Never dulled - no dings in the poll. Just some rust and the handle busted off.
 
For felling only, consider a full sized, esp. a jersey or double bit. I was cutting down some "post size" (6-10") hardwoods a while back, and a boys Axe worked well, but a 3.5# jersey was really quick! The boys Axe is better for limbing, of couse, and will fell modest size trees just fine!

Square Peg, you have any pictures of that WS boys Axe? I'm looking at options for my son, and don't think I've ever seen that variant! It would go well with my WS db, which was my first Axe, and he'll have that too someday I expect!
 
Thanks for all the replies .
Its given me some ideas and things to research which was the whole point of my original post .
Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming , im starting from scratch here with Axes so any info is go info .

Ken
 
BG_Farmer said:
Square Peg, you have any pictures of that WS boys Axe? I'm looking at options for my son, and don't think I've ever seen that variant! It would go well with my WS db, which was my first Axe, and he'll have that too someday I expect!
Click to expand...

Not for sale.

3.jpg
 
That looks good, what I expected from the woodslasher line, not an Axe for granny to chop firewood! Thanks for the picture. I wasn't really trying to buy it, though now that I've seen it, I would have no problem doubling what you have in it :)!

You weren't exaggerating about its being pristine, either!
 
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