People who restore/work on axes in the Phoenix area?

Why not give it a go yourself. Plenty of 'Good ole Boys' on this forum to give advice. I'm sure you would find it very interesting and rewarding.

regards...Frank
 
bearhunter said:
what he said;)
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+3

I vote restoring them yourself too. Post some photos of what you have, ask some questions on how to get started, and surf around the subforum a little bit. All I started with was some vinegar, sandpaper, and a set of files. A little bit of free time too.

Either route you choose, good luck!
 
I have minimal free time and even less work area. I manage to work it out with a small table, a few files, my brides cookware, and vinegar. It's a really awesome "free time" hobby. Like you read above, tons of fellas on BF that are more than willing to help you along...
 
No problem with the head itself. It's properly installing a new handle that's the challenge. Recommended threads or videos to do that?
 
I Hung my first axe by trial and error. All hand sanding to get the jersey to fit just right. After getting the head to fit down just right, I would take a saw, and cut the wedge slot @ the head of the handle to the where the base of the head will sit. Also, I like to leave approx 1/4" of handle showing after my wooden wedge is in place. Round metal wedges look the best IMO. After the axe is hung to your liking, pick up some boiled linseed oil and rub the handle and head down. Let that sit for a few hours, then reapply up to 3 times. Stand the axe upright and put a few drops of oil onto your wedge and let that soak into your eye so the handle swells into place. A lot of guys use BLO mixed with turpentine or a beeswax mix to work their handles up nicely. I'm nowhere near that stage of the game, and my advice is purely amateur and not proven by any means to be affective. Let the more experienced guys chime in with an educated approach to doing this.
 
All good comments here. Maybe he doesnt have space or time, might live in an apartment, etc. So I am not sure who to reach out to in order to re-do axes. I wish I would see that ad in the paper, wish I could do this full time. Maybe one day.

All depends on what you need done, bit condition, handles, etc. Lots of variables, and probably no good solid answers, it will vary case to case.

I hope you find someone, or can find a person to help you out. Unless you want to ship them to Pa and have them done right. LOL.
 
I'd also have to agree that doing it yourself is the best way of learning axe restoration. However, it's also the most addictive!

To answer the original question, I'd recommend going down to the local hardware store (something other than Home Depot/Lowes/etc.) and asking around about finding someone who knows about axes. It's a bit of a longshot but what the hell. I've found lots of great info at my local hardware store, that I never would have found if I hadn't asked a simple question.

Who knows, you could find the Southwest's largest axe collector, or a huge stash of great axes that someone just wants to get rid of. At least that's what I always dream about.

Best of luck!
 
A huge problem with paying someone to refresh an axe is cost vs results. Different people have different skill levels and standards. I have seen a lot of work people are proud of, but if it were mine I would have been embarrassed, might have even started over. I have done some for other people, but don't even make 1/2 of minimum wage on the ones I accept because I am picky about details it takes me a long time. And I'm not going to give away the magic word that makes me say yes. But in conclusion I would advise that before paying anyone to do work look at examples of their work and and be clear that your will look like that in specific details, also be clear on cost and time frame.

I learned on junkers before doing any that I liked. It allows you to try different things with no worry.
 
I should have known better than to even bring it up. :D Seriously though, you guys have inspired me. IF I do this I will take pics and tell the story. Thanks. I'd still like to meet this "Pa" guy and see his arsenal of cutting devices.
 
utah_fish said:
I should have known better than to even bring it up. :D Seriously though, you guys have inspired me. IF I do this I will take pics and tell the story. Thanks. I'd still like to meet this "Pa" guy and see his arsenal of cutting devices.
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Well hello there.
 
Aha! Just as I expected!!!.................Glad to meet you Pa. So IF I do this (and I probably will) it will be on a smaller Norlund to use for backpacking. They are just cool looking. BTW - can you link me to a thread where I can see some of your inventory?
 
utah_fish said:
Aha! Just as I expected!!!.................Glad to meet you Pa. So IF I do this (and I probably will) it will be on a smaller Norlund to use for backpacking. They are just cool looking. BTW - can you link me to a thread where I can see some of your inventory?
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If you send him axes, once he gets them he'll probably "make you an offer you can't refuse." ;)
 
utah_fish said:
Aha! Just as I expected!!!.................Glad to meet you Pa. So IF I do this (and I probably will) it will be on a smaller Norlund to use for backpacking. They are just cool looking. BTW - can you link me to a thread where I can see some of your inventory?
Click to expand...

So, Johnny Utah. I dont have any axes or hatchets to speak of really.
 
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