properly fitting an axe handle

A

Abrazier

Joined
Nov 18, 2006
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I'm sure this has been covered before, but I cant find it. The search engine doesn't seem to work for me, and I couldn't get into one gov. site that was posted. I was thinking of just bashing the head on to the axe hanldle and then wedging it, but it looks like if I do that it will close the gap. Some one mentioned sanding the handle down to fit. I guess you want a smooth transition from the base of the head to the handle if possible. The old axe head has two raised ridges that seemed to compress the old handle to make a tight fit. I'm assuming this is/ or was standard.

Thanks in advance.
 
You want a good snug uniform fit without any gaps between head and handle.
I use a rasp or file and frequent "try-fitting" of the head. file a little on the shiney spots that result from tapping the head on and off. avoid shaving wood with the edge of the eye. When you get to a good fit you should still have some open saw-cut in the middle for your wood wedge. glue the wood wedge before you drive it in and then drive the steel wedge at about a 45 angle in the middle of the wood wedge before the glue dries. I like Gorilla glue and I use it on the head/handle junction as well as the wedge. not everybody agrees- refer to the recent Gorilla glue thread.
 
What JW said. I also drill about a 3/16th inch hole through the head and handle, tap in a tight-fitting nail and cut it off flush with the sides. If you want to get real fancy, you can peen the nail out a bit to make it more secure.
 
I use rough sandpaper and just take my time to ensure a snug fit. I enjoy working with my hands (to rare in this day and age), so the time spent is soothing.
 
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