Nice old Craftsman, Michigan Pattern?

C

cattledog

Joined
Oct 7, 2011
Messages
319
Here is a cheap one I just bought for landscaping and general chores. $5+ship5 and it is nicer than I expected.
Weighs in 3lb 7 oz
Edge looks like it was rough grinded a little but still measures in at 35 degrees mol with the bit gauge.
Steel is hard determined by a few file strokes.
The steel smells very strong.
Anyway here's some before photos.
I'm out of vinegar right now so I might try an electrolysis bath.

The paint looks like it might be original so I'm asking your opinions on that and is this a Michigan Pattern?

p931238562-4.jpg


p550474572-4.jpg


p1013525066-4.jpg

Bottom check out the aquamarine looking color
p844974573-4.jpg


p723458444-4.jpg


Thanks for looking and any responses.
 
That's a nice axe you have there! I do believe that to be a Michigan pattern. For $10 total, you did great. Cant wait to see it cleaned up a little and hung:)

Regards,
Splitter
 
That looks like a great user for cheap, nice grab. Where can I get one of those bit gauges, that looks pretty handy.
 
trailmaker said:
That looks like a great user for cheap, nice grab. Where can I get one of those bit gauges, that looks pretty handy.
Click to expand...


Trailmaker, this ones growing on me, it's soaking in vinegar right now. My first Michigan pattern and I can't wait to swing it.
I wanted to make sure it has a good temper line before I work on it.

I highly recommend the Bevel Gauge, before I had it my edges were inconsistent from just eyeballing it. Now I can dial it in and know how much or little I have to work with from top to bottom.
For general use 25degrees works really well. On this one I'm just going to even it out and leave it thick for awhile around 32degrees for splitting and taking out stumps. If I really like it I'll bring it down to 25.

I got mine here http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Bevel-Gauge-P9C2.aspx
worth the money.
 
cattledog said:
...I highly recommend the Bevel Gauge...I got mine here http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Bevel-Gauge-P9C2.aspx
worth the money.
Click to expand...


Lee Valley Tools has a similar bevel gauge, but with 5 degree increments. Homemade is possible too, of course, with tin snips, an aluminum can, and a protractor. Dudley Cook (in The Ax Book) recommends making a bevel gauge from two halves of an old hacksaw blade, joined at the end holes and used in combination with a protractor.
 
What does that mean???[/QUOTE]The steel smells very strong.

M3mphis not sure it means anything, I just thought I would throw it in here as a general observation.
I did restore a Kelly Works Champion boys axe that had a real strong smell too. That one was very rusty though this one is not so rusty.
 
Steve Tall said:
Lee Valley Tools has a similar bevel gauge, but with 5 degree increments. Homemade is possible too, of course, with tin snips, an aluminum can, and a protractor. Dudley Cook (in The Ax Book) recommends making a bevel gauge from two halves of an old hacksaw blade, joined at the end holes and used in combination with a protractor.
Click to expand...

I did the hacksaw blade method for awhile but got fed up with it and the calculations needed. An interesting learning process though. I like this one because it is very simple and quick.
I also tried one of those cheap plastic ones from the hardware store as well.
If your good with calculating angles which I'm not you can probably make a decent one.
 
cattledog said:
M3mphis not sure it means anything, I just thought I would throw it in here as a general observation.
I did restore a Kelly Works Champion boys axe that had a real strong smell too. That one was very rusty though this one is not so rusty.
Click to expand...

Oh, so it has an intense odor...I though you were saying that it smelled like the steel is good, strong steel. That's funny!
 
M3mphis said:
Oh, so it has an intense odor...I though you were saying that it smelled like the steel is good, strong steel. That's funny!
Click to expand...

HA HA good One!
It turns out this one has a beautiful temper line. Maybe my nose knows!:) Little more soak clean out the eye and a light sanding.

p1043129801-4.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top