Proper handle / head alignment

[Curt Hal]

I want to repurpose an old Wetterlings handle so that I can put a hatchet head on it. Is there a good way to ensure that there is proper alignment between the head and the haft?

 

[Hacked]

I just start at the very top and test fit often. If it is off when you first fit it then you can adjust as you work your way down with the rasp. So basically the first fit less than an inch will be in the eye and work your way from there. This is asumeing that the handle is larger than the eye in your case.

 

[Square_peg]

I want to repurpose an old Wetterlings handle so that I can put a hatchet head on it. Is there a good way to ensure that there is proper alignment between the head and the haft?

Sight down the haft as you're fitting it. If the head isn't aligned to the haft then rasp down opposite corners of the haft so that the head can rotate in the proper direction. While sighting down the haft just imagine you're going to twist the head straight in alignment to the haft. What wood needs to go away for that to happen? Shave it. If the haft ends up a little skinnier just use a larger wedge. No problem. This is S.O.P. when hanging an axe.