Staining an axe handle

If you don't want to gum up sand paper to get lacquer off a handle you can always use a scraper. I use the back edge of a used hacksaw blade but there are infinite options I suppose.

Lacquer dust in your eye is something to avoid. It is a sensation distinct from wood dust.
 
Agent_H said:
Here is a handle staining thread worth a read:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1372303-staining-an-axe-handle

My experience with dye has been less than stellar - Probably me.

I'm a fan of Watco Danish oil as it smells "like home" but BLO, Mineral Spirits, and maybe a touch of Watco turns the color a little bit without sealing the wood. Too much Danish oil in the mix and I feel like you can't get BLO to soak in after it's applied.

Another thing to keep in mind is if you do stain your handle and actually use it then wherever it gets scuffed you have a difference in color.
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That's a great thread, Agent_H!

I was drinking heavily back then and shared WAY to much..:)
 
H-The Howard's Butcher Block Conditioner seems to be the same as I am using (Claphams Salad Bowl Finish) but with the addition of Carnuba Wax. I like the idea of a wax blend of Beeswax and Carnuba. I am going to try the Howards.
 
I like the Danish Oil. I put it on with a cloth. It really makes a nice grain pop. Then sand and apply mineral oil and beeswax - the kind that you would use on a salad bowl or a cutting board (Old Axeman mentioned it.) It's a little more money than BLO, but I don't like dealing with used rags. I still use BLO to swell the helve into the eye.
 
quinton said:
That's a great thread, Agent_H!

I was drinking heavily back then and shared WAY to much..:)
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I was actually reading this one last week after OsageOutlaw mentioned using ammonia to possibly age Cherry wood. Just knew I had seen it but couldn't remember where.

Quinton, you know everything is better with bacon!
 
Watco's is a wiping varnish similar to Fornby's or some other faux tung oil finishes. It's actually not a bad finish so long as you've got some BLO in the wood below it. I find those finishes grippier than a BLO finish. And they don't raise blisters for me.
 
Agent_H said:
If you don't want to gum up sand paper to get lacquer off a handle you can always use a scraper. I use the back edge of a used hacksaw blade but there are infinite options I suppose.

Lacquer dust in your eye is something to avoid. It is a sensation distinct from wood dust.
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If the basic toolkit starts with a 4-in-hand rasp and a mallet, a card scraper should be on the short list of aditional tools. I use one on most hangs. Its the fasted and easiest way that I have found for removing varnish and also removing the dead outer layer of neglected handles.
 
Hey guys,

Thanks again for all the help
I sande the handle with 150 grit (should have went lower but it was what I had on hand), then I finished it off with 5-6 coats of Tru-Oil. It's looking significantly better than the stock handle. I'm letting it dry a bit more before I smooth out the finish. I let it sit for about 2 days, so I'll probably do that tonight.

Thanks again,

Happy Easter!
 
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