Ok here goes!

Last one
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Still have some file work and possibly buff out the eye ( hole ) not sure of the name.
Started working on the handle. Hopefully i can stretch the project time out.
 
Good work David, I think now that you have the wire wheel you’ll find all kinds of uses for it. I have cleaned up old tools with one for years, and prefer it in many cases over chemical bath methods.

Most of my wire wheels are 6” diameter. I have a fairly stiff one on a 3450 rpm bench grinder for general use, and a soft one mounted on one shaft of a 1725 motor for more delicate tasks. That one’s great for surface rust over patina, as a light touch with a kinda “swiping” motion leaves most of the patina intact. There are also brass wire wheels, but don’t be fooled by a brass plated one.

Especially with the stiffer wheel, keep the workpiece moving. Brushing in the same place will leave unnaturally shiny spots. I sometimes “practice” my sequence of passes with the motor off, to find the best positions to access all the nooks and crannies.

Parker
 
Definitely a good head to practice on, and good choice on getting a wire wheel.
I must say that head is a real odd looking modern distortion of the Dayton pattern, I'd have a helluva time figuring out which side is the top and which side is the toe.

Just remember the idea is generally not to bear down too much and take it down to bare steel, it's the preferred rust removal method because it saves the patina.

This is the look you should be after with vintage steel if you like the patina.



 
Thanks and thanks to everyone for the great info. Guess i took it down not really leaving any patina. Also i have discovered a regular axe handle won't work on this head. I did not know it is a boys axe (2.65lbs) with the smaller eye(1 7/8 x 5/8). I been taking the full size handle down for about 3 hrs of work and said enough.:eek:Ordered an appropriate handle. :D
 
David Nowlin said:
Thanks and thanks to everyone for the great info. Guess i took it down not really leaving any patina. Also i have discovered a regular axe handle won't work on this head. I did not know it is a boys axe (2.65lbs) with the smaller eye(1 7/8 x 5/8). I been taking the full size handle down for about 3 hrs of work and said enough.:eek:Ordered an appropriate handle. :D
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Even though it's just a junker to practice on, I'd say you're pretty darn lucky if the first head you found is a boys axe.

I wouldn't be surprised if your next find happens to be something special.
 
Really? Are the boys axe heads rarer?
Also the pawn shop i got it from had a two bit axe head like the one my kids friend that borrowed it broke the handle and threw it away. But shop owner said it wasn’t for sale yet? My guess it was something with markings on it so wanted to price it appropriately and maybe put it on the bay.
Gonna stop by on the way to the car wash and see if it’s for sale yet?
DN
Wish me luck? ;)
 
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was a bear to get handle out! Weight 3lbs 11oz.
No idea what that gold stuff is on it. Maybe paint to identify ownership. I have seen a lot of construction tools the contractor just sprays paint on them.
 
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Update: used some carb cleaner and the black is lifting but what I thought was gold paint seems to be under the black finish. Almost like its a brass head? Is that even a possibility?
 
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I went light on the wire wheel so even though it cleaned 95% to do any more would take it to bare metal so it will have some character.
Oh and i just loosely put it on my new handle that came today.
 
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