optimal handle cross section shape?

[quinton]

Pic a heavy and tight grained southern yellow pine (syp) 2x4 or 2x6, to practice on. SYP will surprise you as to just how durable it is.

 

[Whiskey_Jim]

 

[Whiskey_Jim]

Look at that, pine cutting curls on a wedge

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

That head looks like the vinegar etch revealed a hardened poll?

 

[Whiskey_Jim]

 

[Whiskey_Jim]

That head looks like the vinegar etch revealed a hardened poll?

It's a eBay random head. It had some dark green paint on it that came off like latex in the electrolysis tank. The color change your seeing is me cleaning up the mushroomed pole.

 

[Whiskey_Jim]

Tomorrow I can set up the circular saw and zip the handle down.

 

[Whiskey_Jim]

OP, I want to apologise. I was throwing shade at your plan but I decided to give it a try. I think it might work.

 

[300Six]

Pic a heavy and tight grained southern yellow pine (syp) 2x4 or 2x6, to practice on. SYP will surprise you as to just how durable it is.

Indeed! My first experience with SYP was with 5/4 x 6 outdoor decking. Compared to standard 1 1/2 red pine and white/black spruce PT (Pressure Treated) this stuff was miles tougher. Presumably Douglas Fir is similar.

 

[phantomknives]

thanks jim, i finished mine up last night and surprisingly, despite the 3 knots, one being smack in the middle of the handle, it did not break on the second hit. haven't used it extensively but i think it will hold for maybe an hour of swinging