"slightly bowed DB handle?"

Curt Hal

Curt Hal

Joined
Jul 8, 2014
Messages
558
In my quest to find the elusive double bit handle, I have found 1 source that ships to Canada. They say the handles are "slightly" bowed #2 stock. This may be a stupid question, but would a slightly bowed handle put someone off? I think if the bow looks like a scythe, then the answer is obvious, but if it was a slight bow, would it be terrible?
 
Depends which way it bowed, weather it's bowed running from poll to eye, or from cheek to cheek.
 
It's a problem if you leave it bowed, yes. You can steam the handle a bit and then clamp it straight for a few weeks. I've even done it without the steam. I just propped each end of an extremely bowed but very nice hickory handle, and then weighted the middle (with the curve facing up) with a couple of 6x6 timbers, a cinder block, and an old tire. It straightened out eventually. Just check up on it. I got the handle for free so it was a good deal.
 
Very few of the brand new/unused/vintage handles I have gathered up over the past 35 years are 'dead straight'. Grain orientation and runout were entirely what I looked at all those years and slight walk/wander off straight has never been a concern. It's only been through this forum that I've begun eye-balling for 'in-line' on top of this.
But for sure under no circumstance am I going to toss any of those oldies just because they're not 'bang on' when it comes to straight.
 
The goal when bending wood is to make the wood "plastic" so it can be formed.. Steam, or heat the haft until it is too hot to hold. A forced air "torpedo" heater will work for this, just don't let the wood catch on fire. Or, one could build a steam box. A steam box for axe hafts would just be a small rectangular wooden box about 40 inches long, with one open end. On the other end there would be a hole for a teapot spout, or a coffee can. A hotplate can be used to heat the water to generate the steam. Then, with blocks under each end of the haft, clamp with suitable clamp to a bench, or table top. Check the straightness after the haft has cooled.
 
I will only take the trouble to steam for a really good vintage handle with great form.

I can't believe the trouble you Canadians have finding DB and DB hafts. DB's are common down here in Washington. I think they're a west coast thing. All the hardware stores have handles though you can't always find a good one at every store.
 
Square_peg said:
I will only take the trouble to steam for a really good vintage handle with great form.

I can't believe the trouble you Canadians have finding DB and DB hafts. DB's are common down here in Washington. I think they're a west coast thing. All the hardware stores have handles though you can't always find a good one at every store.
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You are right, its a big pain. The only option is to order one from the US, and it ends up costing $40-$50!
 
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