Ok here goes!

[David Nowlin]

I love axes. Just never thought of collecting them. So now I apparently have a new hobby. As a retiree i have been knocking my head against the wall as to something i can do to feel useful. Gonna try restoring
(Cleaning up and rehandling)old axes.
Exhibit A:

 

[David Nowlin]

as usual no picture

 

[David Nowlin]

 

[David Nowlin]

 

[David Nowlin]

Apparently i let my membership lapse my bad

 

[David Nowlin]

 

[David Nowlin]

 

[David Nowlin]

Any ideas on what to use to remove the rust? I’m checking out the tube? Vinegar? Or any one recommend a good rust remover. Videos show some really rusty axe heads they soak in the solution. Just a good starter project. Not sure if i want to leave it bare metal or paint it to original black.

 

[David Martin]

Yes, you're on the right track with vinegar. Use a wire brush too. Or one in a drill. It looks like a rafter pattern. Good luck. DM

 

[Goose 7279]

I like to use a wire brush on an angle grinder because its super easy and gets it done in no time

 

[David Nowlin]

Thanks guys. I’m pretty sure this is just a run of the mill cheap imported head. For $7 at a pawn shop i figured it could be fun. I plan on a clean up and repaint. Always found using a high heat black paint and baking dry in an oven worked best. Been looking at how to rehang it ( not re handle like i said) is going to add more fun to the process.
Already bought 3 handles at local diy store.
I’m ready to rock. Might have to learn how to make a leather mask but one step at a time.

 

[Meek1]

Any ideas on what to use to remove the rust? I’m checking out the tube? Vinegar? Or any one recommend a good rust remover. Videos show some really rusty axe heads they soak in the solution. Just a good starter project. Not sure if i want to leave it bare metal or paint it to original black.

Use a wire wheel and go light. Then just oil it. Please don't use vinegar lol.

 

[David Nowlin]

Well it is just a light rusting. I have a grinder but no wire wheel. Not sure i can even mount a wire wheel on it.
Meek what reason not to use vinegar? I am open minded.
I have to go get a few tools ie file for sharpening and a rasp for the handle.
I will look into a wire wheel option.

 

[Meek1]

Well it is just a light rusting. I have a grinder but no wire wheel. Not sure i can even mount a wire wheel on it.
Meek what reason not to use vinegar? I am open minded.
I have to go get a few tools ie file for sharpening and a rasp for the handle.
I will look into a wire wheel option.

Just personal preference. I like the patina. Vinegar tends to give it a very dull gray look.

 

[Meek1]

Well it is just a light rusting. I have a grinder but no wire wheel. Not sure i can even mount a wire wheel on it.
Meek what reason not to use vinegar? I am open minded.
I have to go get a few tools ie file for sharpening and a rasp for the handle.
I will look into a wire wheel option.

Also, that is an awesome puppy!

 

[David Nowlin]

thanks. We have two and they are awesome

 

[FLINT77]

looks like a good head to practice on. I also use an angle grinder with a wire wheel. you can mount a wire wheel on any angle grinder - you just have to find one to fit. your grinder should be something like 4" or 4 1/2" - depending on the wire wheel type you may need to remove the little bushing(s) that you would use with a cutoff or grinding wheel.

I'm only opposed to vinegar because of the smell. I use evaporust occasionally, which does the same thing, but doesn't smell. it WILL remove all rust,that's for sure, but it does leave a dull gray appearance to the steel. The wire wheel doesn't remove ALL of the rust - but it removes most of it and creates a patina with some of the rust, that looks pretty good if you oil up the head right after you are done, makes kind of a black finish to the steel. I mostly use evaporust anymore on things that are too small to wire wheel.

 

[David Nowlin]

put a wire wheel on my bench grinder. Worked great

 

[David Nowlin]

 

[David Nowlin]

Looks better in person