Refinishing Axe Heads

J

Java_Dude

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Dec 2, 2011
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I have been looking for a couple of good vintage axe heads to use for projects which leads me to a question or two. If I buy an axe head that has clearly been ground on with a grinder can l assume the temperance of the cutting edge is not left in tact and if that is the case I was wondering what would be the best way to bring back the hardness. Can I go ahead and heat the cutting edge with the torch and quench it in oil afterwords as this is about all I have for doing this process. Any guidance and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
 
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By the time you re profile the bit and remove the grinding marks and put a good edge back on it you will likely have gotten rid of the thin edge that was over heated and be good to good to go. That has been my experience. Your file will tell you if you have a problem.
 
What they said.
On a decent axe, at least the first inch behind the edge is hard, and it would be near impossible to soften that entire part of the bit on a grinder - there's just too much mass. The softening should be very shallow.

To specifically answer the other question, you would need a damn hot torch (O/A or MAP) to heat enough of the edge to get it hot enough to re-harden in oil. You'd likely just end up softening more of it. again, there's a LOT of mass to contend with.
 
I guess I'll just pick up a couple and start from there. Thanks for the info guys. I wanted to restore a couple vintage ones anyways but my recently purchased LL Bean Hudson's Bay axe has been a big disappointment. The poll is not square, the sheath has some major scratches in it and there is a chip out of the handle. This unacceptable for a $140 axe. It will be headed back to LL Bean shortly.
 
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There are so many good heads out there I don't see a reason to buy one that has been ground on.

(If you don't want that)
 
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garry3 said:
By the time you re profile the bit and remove the grinding marks and put a good edge back on it you will likely have gotten rid of the thin edge that was over heated and be good to good to go. That has been my experience. Your file will tell you if you have a problem.
Click to expand...

Garry3 has it right.
 
Java_Dude said:
I guess I'll just pick up a couple and start from there. Thanks for the info guys. I wanted to restore a couple vintage ones anyways but my recently purchased LL Bean Hudson's Bay axe has been a big disappointment. The poll is not square, the sheath has some major scratches in it and there is a chip out of the handle. This unacceptable for a $140 axe. It will be headed back to LL Bean shortly.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear about your buying experience. On the bright side for that amount of money you can buy several very good vintage axes that will likely be much better anyway.:thumbup:
 
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