Saved from tools graveyard

[leon08]

After this transformation (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=789583) I start another abused tool rescue.
Initially it was a carpenter axe and in the end the result is a small camp axe.
In the same time I put together some photos to see how to deal with cracks (somebody asked here about this problem some time ago).
I think the photos ar like 1000 words, so let see them.

Cracks

Cleaning the cracks

Electric welding

Some shape adjustments and heat treatement

The finish axe (ash wood handle and a copper cap)

The handle need some minor adjustments (some engraving and a proper water protection).

I hope you like it.

 

[euroross]

Nice work!

 

[PDE]

Quite stunning! the copper cap is a nice addition.

 

[Erasmus]

How did you do the "heat abatement" portion of the welding?

Excellent user axe you have.

 

[Dusty One]

Great job...Looks real nice !

 

[hawkhead]

It is always gratifying to see a fine tool brought back to work again.

 

[Mick57]

Great job...Looks real nice !

I'll second that! :thumbup:

 

[leon08]

Thank you all for your appreciations!
I`m happy with the results of this project.

How did you do the "heat abatement" portion of the welding?

Excellent user axe you have.

I noticed the fact that the original axe steel was brittle (I guess is spring steel hardened above normal) and, after annealing, I did a selectiv hardening (around 850 C degrees), I quench the activ part of the head (cuttind edge without welding portion) first and the rest after a few seconds.
The tempering process was done at 250 C degrees.
In this way I get a good cutting edge and a softer body, preventing future cracks in the welding areas.

 

[tek77]

That's an awesome looking axe leon.
Any idea what steel that may be?
Oh yeah, Bushcraft Romania :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[A Visitor]

Looks good, nice to some a tool saved from the scrap pile .

 

[leon08]

Thank you!
I think it`s spring steel (about 30 years old or more).