rehanging on an old (the same) handle

[cooperhill]

Any tips for rehanging (not removing) on an old handle. Should I soak the handle before or soak the wedge?

Thanks.

 

[Frank-New Zealand]

Hello Mate...It depends on the state of everything before you start. I quite like reusing the the existing haft if it is in reasonable condition. Always much easier to remove the old haft if everything is really dry.

I like to fit the haft and the wedge in very dry condition. Then stand the axe head-up. Pour a small amount of oil into the eye so it is soaked up by the haft and wedge. Repeat this a few times over a couple of days. From then on never let it dry out.

If you are removing the wedge but leaving the haft in...never soak before-hand. Everything will swell and you will never get it out.

regards...Frank

 

[cooperhill]

Thanks mate!

 

[bearhunter]

I was trying to figure out what exactly you were talking about.

I'm a little slow I guess

 

[cooperhill]

Re-using the old handle that the axe was on. I basically needed to know whether to pre-soak in linseed oil or any other tips. Thanks Frank.

 

[bearhunter]

Re-using the old handle that the axe was on. I basically needed to know whether to pre-soak in linseed oil or any other tips. Thanks Frank.

That's what u thought you were talking about I just wasn't sure.

 

[Operator1975]

Is the haft in good condition, and didnt take a lot of work to remove the head? Thats usually the biggest factor I have found. Also, look at the shoulder and any abuse it might have took. Above the shoulder might look good, but sometimes the shoulder will be shot. I am sure you already checked this out.

 

[M3mphis]

Cooperhill, I would suggest that you go pick up a 150 gallon poly stock tank. Fill it about 2/3 full with your choice of raw or boiled linseed oil. Then as you work on these old axes you can just keep chucking them in there for full submersion soaks. Just think how many you could fit in there! I would suggest that you let them soak for around 6 months.

This idea will put your PVC pipe soaker to shame. LOL.

 

[Square_peg]

I would suggest that you go pick up a 150 gallon poly stock tank. Fill it about 2/3 full with your choice of raw or boiled linseed oil.

That's how I do it.

But seriously, I like to give an old handle 3 coats of BLO cut with mineral spirits to help it penetrate deeper. It seems to rejuvenate the wood and salvage whatever remaining strength it has. Let the last coat cure for at least 24 hours (48 is better) before rehanging. I had one axe spit out the wedge partway when I it hung only 12 hours after the last coat of BLO.