Restoration Advice

I.N.F.K

I.N.F.K

Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
1,896
I got a couple of old axes and hatchets that are probably at least 25 years old, and I have noticed that that my files are not removing material like they should. I start out with a medium file, and went to a heavy one after I noticed that very little material was being removed. Should I be doing something special or is this just normal? becaue I have a Collins camp axe I bought three years ago and my files remove material fine. The files i'm using I just bought two weeks ago and have seen very little use.

Here are two of the hatchets I have, ones a Stanley and the other is a Craftsman

WP_001178_zpsde4917ba.jpg
 
The older American axes tend to have a higher quality, and tempering, aka harder steel. Keep at it, it may take a while.
 
Maybe use a axe puck on the edge? They are very hard abrasive and cut hard steel fairly easily. Use them wet for best results. For the heads themselves, maybe a buffing wheel with extremely fine polishing compound? Of course, you will have to re-coat the heads after stripping off the patina.
 
It looks like this is probably going to come down to some good ol' elbow grease, with some enginuity, mostly elbow grease.
 
Work slowly with the file out from one corner. The oxidized outer layer of a vintage axe is often much harder than the steel just below the surface. Once you get a small area started the file's teeth can get under the oxidized layer and lift it. Hold the axe firmly in a vise and bear down until the file bites. It should go much easier once you get it started.

Remove the rust first with a wire wheel or sand paper. It will clog the file. Keep the file's teeth clean. If you don't own a file card then get one. It's the other half of a file.
 
Square_peg said:
Work slowly with the file out from one corner. The oxidized outer layer of a vintage axe is often much harder than the steel just below the surface. Once you get a small area started the file's teeth can get under the oxidized layer and lift it. Hold the axe firmly in a vise and bear down until the file bites. It should go much easier once you get it started.

Remove the rust first with a wire wheel or sand paper. It will clog the file. Keep the file's teeth clean. If you don't own a file card then get one. It's the other half of a file.
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Thats some good advice right there.
 
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