New to Forum/Collins Legitimus Restoration Help/advice

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paulblaskowitz

Joined
Oct 18, 2013
Messages
2
Hi,

As the title mentions I'm new to the forum and am looking for some help/advice on restoring an axe. I have not really swung an axe for about 14 years and started dreaming about the old days. I have no idea where my dads axe is so I went online. I settled on a Collins Legitimus as a good choice for an axe project to pass the time. I found this one on eBay and soaked it in vinegar for a day. My question is concerning the chip on the corner, polishing, and rust protection. Should I just leave the chip alone and file the edge as normal or should I file it off and start from scratch? What do you recommend to polish the axe up a bit and remove any little rust left over? What do you use to help with rust prevention? Finally, does anyone know what pattern this is? If there is anything else please let me know. Thank you.

http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums...6hHJGkFFmdjKgrzBSRyuZS-760_57_zpsca18201d.jpg

http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums...qZHJFcFIvF7VgPNBSRyucQig60_57_zps6db84b72.jpg

http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a427/paulblaskowitz/IMG_20131024_165919_384_zps3e8964ce.jpg

http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a427/paulblaskowitz/IMG_20131024_165931_680_zpsab4e5910.jpg

http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a427/paulblaskowitz/IMG_20131024_170012_585_zpse7f8df8e.jpg
 
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Everyone has different standards and likes different degrees of restoration but if that was mine now I would rub it with used 200 grit sandpaper until no more brown rust comes off. Then I would just hit the edge with a file to even the bevel and sharpen with a stone. I wouldn't worry about getting all the nicks out on that one, they will come out with use and sharpening. If the bit is over 5 1/2" then it is a Connecticut. If less, then it is a Dayton or maybe Wide bit Dayton. It's a nice one with very little mushrooming, it will make a good user. I just use wd40 and rub my axes with 0000 steel wool if fresh rust appears.
 
Welcome to BFs.
I would leave the finish as is, and clean it up to a working edge with a file or belt sander if you have one.

If you are a noob at using an Axe?
I suggest you look around on U tube for some user safety tip vids. It only takes one mistake to send you to the ER.
There is a little more finesse in using a axe safetly than most people think.

Enjoy and have fun.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm not new to using an axe per say. I used one almost every day for about 8 years but that was a wife, son, and a few cars ago which seems like a lifetime. I definitely need to brush up though. As for the axe, I will leave it a little rough as suggested. Thanks again and good night.
 
Angle grinder with wire cup brush - better than anything else out there. Check out my refurb threads.

Thanks!!!
 
I use the angle grinder a lot too. Also like an 8" wire wheel on a bench grinder. You can make an axe look almost me except for pits. 10" flat bastard is one of the best tools for the edge although I have my eye on a couple of foot powered stone grinding wheels. With any luck, I will post pictures soon of two vintage wheels.
 
bbforstr said:
I use the angle grinder a lot too. Also like an 8" wire wheel on a bench grinder. You can make an axe look almost me except for pits. 10" flat bastard is one of the best tools for the edge although I have my eye on a couple of foot powered stone grinding wheels. With any luck, I will post pictures soon of two vintage wheels.
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6 to 8 inch Nicholson bastard will do the trick or a STIHL file is even better.
 
paulblaskowitz said:
Should I just leave the chip alone and file the edge as normal or should I file it off and start from scratch?
Click to expand...

Depends on the expect usage of the axe. I sharpened a couple dozen pulaskis for our local volunteer trail group last week. I know those tools are going to see major abuse from novice volunteers as soon as they are put back into service. I don't worry about chips and dings on those tools. No sense wasting a bunch of steel to get a perfect edge when the edge will be damaged again in no time. But for my own personal tools I will take the time to get the edge into the best condition possible.


What do you use to help with rust prevention?
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I use a blend of Beeswax, BLO and turpentine. I rub a little paste on the tool before it goes back into storage. But for quick spray on protection Boeshield works well. Or even WD-40 for that matter.
 
just a thought on dings: i have been "sharpening" deep dings in the work axes for my trail crew with a chainsaw file. the result is pretty good! instead of having a part of the blade that doesnt cut anymore, the inside of the ding now slices. Definitely notice an improvement in chopping without spending the huge amount of time re-profiling it to a continuous edge. not to mention the amount of life you take out of the axe, when you know some newbie is going to ding it up again.
 
idaho_crosscut said:
just a thought on dings: i have been "sharpening" deep dings in the work axes for my trail crew with a chainsaw file. the result is pretty good! instead of having a part of the blade that doesnt cut anymore, the inside of the ding now slices. Definitely notice an improvement in chopping without spending the huge amount of time re-profiling it to a continuous edge. not to mention the amount of life you take out of the axe, when you know some newbie is going to ding it up again.
Click to expand...

Cool idea!. Never tried it but it makes sense on working tools. It amazes me what people who actually use hand tools come up with. Keep it up.
 
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