Sunday flea market

[moose11872]

$10....original handle, right hand bevel and super clean edge. Going to use it to make an axe handle.

 

[300Six]

OK, $10 I understand that. "Going to use it to make an axe handle" ? Handle is offset curved and head is specific. So what exactly is it you propose to do?

 

[Square_peg]

Sounds like he's going to rough out a handle for some other axe. Looks like a good tool for the job, so long as it's sharp.

 

[moose11872]

That's the plan.....it's razor sharp. Rough out the handle with the hatchet and use a knife and four in hand to shape and finish then sand smooth hang the head then a boiled linseed oil rub. I've made several custom handles this way...

 

[300Six]

Now I understand what you're proposing to do. For another $10 you might want to keep an eye out for a flea market drawknife or spokeshave. Much more control, easier for curves and less chance of tearout and splitting.

 

[moose11872]

I am no wood worker but I definitely have been wanting to put together a good quality wood working kit with just the basics...it would make the job so much easier. Any advice on what should be included? I really have nothing right now except a belt sander a few small saws and a couple carving hatchets and I really just want make axe handles and such.

 

[300Six]

I am no wood worker but I definitely have been wanting to put together a good quality wood working kit with just the basics...it would make the job so much easier. Any advice on what should be included? I really have nothing right now except a belt sander a few small saws and a couple carving hatchets and I really just want make axe handles and such.

You're on the right track. Jig saw is handy for cutting out the shape of the handle on a blank and you can accomplish wonders with only a rasp. Gathering up more tools serves to speed up the job. What you want to get is lots and lots of practice. When you realize a good handle (if you can find them) sets you back $15 it becomes frustrating to devote 8-10 hours labour on a $5-10 piece of store-bought hardwood in order to achieve much the same result.

 

[moose11872]

You're on the right track. Jig saw is handy for cutting out the shape of the handle on a blank and you can accomplish wonders with only a rasp. Gathering up more tools serves to speed up the job. What you want to get is lots and lots of practice. When you realize a good handle (if you can find them) sets you back $15 it becomes frustrating to devote 8-10 hours labour on a $5-10 piece of store-bought hardwood in order to achieve much the same result.

Thanks for the advice! If I ever get the time to actually start the job I will post pics of the finished product.

 

[lmalterna]

I stalked my local flea market hard this past season but never lucked on a spokeshave. I just need to break down get one online. Got a couple most excellent drawknives though.

Our little parking lot show can be a bust or bounty. Nice looking Plumb you picked up.

Bill

 

[Alocksly]

I know it's not for everyone but I get a lot of use out of my pocket plane. It's my usual go-to for final shaping and I've used it on about a dozen handles and one from scratch canoe paddle. (as well as a multitude of other random projects.)

 

[300Six]

I know it's not for everyone but I get a lot of use out of my pocket plane. It's my usual go-to for final shaping and I've used it on about a dozen handles and one from scratch canoe paddle. (as well as a multitude of other random projects.)

Have never owned or used a pocket plane but an employee I had years ago always had one in his apron and could accomplish miracles with it. His secret: he knew how to use it and it was always kept razor sharp.

 

[Square_peg]

His secret: he knew how to use it and it was always kept razor sharp.

Exactly. I've kept one in my tool bags for over 20 years. Wonderful little tool. I use the little Stanley model. The narrower frame gets it in closer to the work. A slightly convex face on the edge keeps the corners from digging in and leaving grooves.