Restoring a handle

F

Frank01

Joined
Sep 9, 2015
Messages
58
Here we go again, I am trying to restor a handle. I already sand it and removed the brown paint that was on it. It looks good but, where the head rests, seems to be drier. should I apply BLO on it? If I do, when I try to glue the wedge, would be a problem?

What would you do?

Thanks in advance for all your comments


 
Frank01 said:
Here we go again, I am trying to restor a handle. I already sand it and removed the brown paint that was on it. It looks good but, where the head rests, seems to be drier. should I apply BLO on it? If I do, when I try to glue the wedge, would be a problem?

What would you do?

Thanks in advance for all your comments


Click to expand...

I'd stick that end in a cup of blo then measure it until it stops drinking , But I wouldn't glue in the wedge as it makes it harder to remove if you run into any issues with the hang.
And yes I assume the blo would affect the glue ( if it's still dripping with blo when you hang it the wedge will drink it up and swell , negating the need for glue anyways )
 
Not sure how snug a fit the handle is at present but if you soak it beforehand you might not be able to get it back in. Right now it's perfect- 'dry as a bone' and were you to hang and wedge it (don't glue the wedge or you'll never get it out, (or be able to drive it further in, again) and then soak the assembled head in a pan or pail of oil for a week or two it'll draw up the BLO plus swell the wood too.
 
That is exactly the type of haft that benefits GREATLY from multiple coats of BLO. Brush on the first few coats. 5-6 coats will make that haft better than new. It'll look and feel fantastic.

Be sure to rasp the ledge off the shoulder with your 4-in-hand. Set it 1/8"-1/4" lower on the haft and coat the wedge with Swel-Lock or DPG if you have them.
 
Square_peg said:
That is exactly the type of haft that benefits GREATLY from multiple coats of BLO. Brush on the first few coats. 5-6 coats will make that haft better than new. It'll look and feel fantastic.

Be sure to rasp the ledge off the shoulder with your 4-in-hand. Set it 1/8"-1/4" lower on the haft and coat the wedge with Swel-Lock or DPG if you have them.
Click to expand...

Totally agree...it's always the best part when you add the first coat of BLO to a dried haft to see what kind of color pops out. Sometimes deep red, sometimes dark brown. It's always a mystery. And once they are oiled those old hafts feel fantastic.
 
Thanks for your comments, I've been reading them as well as the thread about wedges. Somebody said poplar do good wedges and there is a species of poplar that grows here, i hope the wedge will do good

Axe head is deep into BLO, tomorrow I will take it out

So here are some pics, let me know your thoughts
Thanks again






 
That wedge definitely fills the void! If you have the patience don't trim it just yet and get out there and use the tool as much as you can. Over the winter you can then try tapping the wedge every now and again to see if it'll go in any further.
 
I always pin the head -- drill a 1/8" hole side to side, then tap in a nail or steel or brass rod, then file the ends flush. I treat my ax handles with tung oil -- seems to last longer than linseed oil.
 
Frank01 said:
This Is a major issue LOL
Click to expand...

Understood! But leaving the haft proud of the head by 1/4 inch and a similar amount with the wedge does allow the opportunity to 'take up the slack' of settling and curing on a 'fresh' hang if/when the darn thing loosens up, as does happen once in awhile especially on novice installations.
 
300Six said:
Understood! But leaving the haft proud of the head by 1/4 inch and a similar amount with the wedge does allow the opportunity to 'take up the slack' of settling and curing on a 'fresh' hang if/when the darn thing loosens up, as does happen once in awhile especially on novice installations.
Click to expand...
Yes, it does. I just need to take it slower. Some far, I rehang 6 and still learning everyday with the forum and your help
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top