Small Bearded Camp Axe

Andrew Colglazier · Dec 22, 2007

I picked up a 28 oz. Vaughen rig builder's hatchet a while back and decided to see what could be done to pretty it up a little.

I reshaped the head, cut off the poll and reshaped it. I removed the original handle and put a new one on, and added the leather handle wraps.

Forgot to mention; overall length is a touch over 20".

Andy

Midwest Ninja · Dec 22, 2007

What does it mean if an axe/hatchet is "bearded"?

pinetree · Dec 22, 2007

Very nice work. I have a roofing hatchet that I've tried to rework---I just don't have the tools or skill.

Also, I love my Woodswalker!

Andrew Colglazier · Dec 22, 2007

Midwest Ninja said:
What does it mean if an axe/hatchet is "bearded"?

The portion of the blade there at the bottom, where the edge is undercut and scalloped out. The shape makes it a bearded head.

Andy

StretchNM · Dec 22, 2007

Very nice! That limb, at about 16" in diameter, is a little big to be chopping off with that hatchet!! I'll bet you used the Woodswalker to help out! (((

)))

What did you use to grind and shape? Belt sander? Hand?

Now let's get a sheath started for that chopper! :thumbup:

tholiver · Dec 22, 2007

Interesting!
Do you have any before pics so we can get the full scope of the mods?

Bigfattyt · Dec 22, 2007

Nice one. Indeed, we need to know what kind of tools you used for the work (so we can get an idea of what to do to gussy up ours as well). Sanders? etc
Real nice looking.

How did you do the leather handle wrap, and get is so tight looking and pretty?

Andrew Colglazier · Dec 23, 2007

OK, here is what the hatchet looked like before - (sorry but photobucket is being stupid, so the best I can do is suggest a google for vaughan rig builders hatchet).

I cut the handle off at the head with a band saw, then drove the stump out of the socket with a heavy hammer and a punch.

I had a new, hickory handle already for a full sized axe, so I cut off both ends to the length I wanted and used my belt sander to size the end of the handle for the socket.

Before I put the handle on, though, I ground the head to the way you see it now using my Ryobi 1x42" belt grinder. I cut the hammer poll off using a power hacksaw, then smoothed the stump until it was nice and flat.

The handle is wrapped in black leather lacing. The wrap is treated with super glue to keep it in place and make it waterproof.

Andy

ilbruche · Dec 23, 2007

Good stuff Andy. :thumbup:

NO F-Bdy Bs · Dec 23, 2007

Good stuff there. I would also like to see what she looked like stock. Also, how about a link to where I could pick one up?

Side note for those asking about sanders.
I will say that a small belt sander is the best friend that you can have, no matter what your hobby is. As the son of a retired machine shop owner, I have been blessed with his knowlege and a ton of equiptment. Out of all those machines, we have a small, 3/4hp 1in wide belt sander. I cant say how many times I have used it for various hobbies. Everyone should look into getting one. Id say I use it more than a drill press.

Andrew Colglazier · Dec 23, 2007

OK, here is what it looked like stock. And yes, a belt sander/grinder is the bomb for all kinds of jobs! Mine is a Ryobi, and it has held up very well.

Andy

Andrew Colglazier · Dec 23, 2007

NO F-Bdy Bs said:
Good stuff there. I would also like to see what she looked like stock. Also, how about a link to where I could pick one up?

You can pick these up in two sizes at most any Home Depot or decently stocked hardware store. The larger 28 oz. model cost me about $30.00.

Andy

Dusty One · Dec 23, 2007

Nice job..

Andrew Colglazier · Dec 24, 2007

StretchNM said:
Very nice! That limb, at about 16" in diameter, is a little big to be chopping off with that hatchet!! I'll bet you used the Woodswalker to help out! ((( )))

What did you use to grind and shape? Belt sander? Hand?

Now let's get a sheath started for that chopper! :thumbup:

Here you go!

Andy