Norlund, purpleheart haft (WIP)

Nice WIP, I have the same spokeshave, (red one) but never used it. ("borrowed" it from my dad.)
 
So, I am pretty much done putting the finish on the haft. I noticed the head was a little loose after spending many days next to the woodstove drying between coats of BLO. I decided to knock the head off with a mallet. Then I pulled the wedge out of the kerf. Figuring I need a longer kerf and thicker wedge for this head I took it to the shop and did just that. This time I left the wedge a bit long so that in a couple days I can tap it in a little further if needed before I trim it up and soak it again.

I wanted to see how the new hang was working so I cut down part of a madrona that was growing around the fence in my yard. I limbed it with the Norlund.

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So far so good. It worked great and was holding strong.

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Then I decided to do some more aggressive chopping to test it further.

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It worked great but the wedge started backing itself out. I drove it back in, this time a little deeper and hopefully it will stay. If I have further problems with the wedge working its way out I will try a different wood other than the hard rock maple for a wedge. Maybe the maple is just a little "slippery" to be using as a wedge? Thinking beech might make a better wedge or a piece of the purpleheart?
 
I've had some slight wedge slippage. I've started applying a thin film of glue to the wedge before it goes in. Figure I can always drill it out as usual. THat thing is gorgeous in the world. Also, I think maple is not very compressive since the grain is so fine. Maybe you need something with more spring in it.
 
I really never post anymore but I just had to say that that handle is beautiful. I just really, really love that axe. You did a great job.

Also, I thought you were supposed to glue the wedge when you hammer it in. Is that not the case?
 
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