My widowed mother is getting ready to move to a senior assisted living complex and leaving the old homestead. While going thru the tool shed, barn, and 2 other buildings, I found an old axe head at 3+ pounds and in pretty good shape. I cleaned it up and find no markings but there is a definite temper line. the bevel and edge needed some work and after using a new file to dress it up, I can say it is harder than most. pretty good quality as near as I can tell. still need to profile some more but it was acceptable for my immediate experiment.
Now,I have a few utility axes and hatchets. I have the GB wildlife hatchet, a GB Hunter's axe (great size and most useful), an old "Boy's axe", and a couple 3.5# Plumb and Collins axes. Always room for another but what I really wanted was a good "truck axe" for the tool box in the truck or on the ATV. Shorter than full length but still enough weight and stout enough to do some 2 handed work or splitting. Needed to be heavier than the boys axe.
I poked around the Farm Supply until I found a good 28" Hickory handle. I hate that gooey varnish crap they spray them with but I can sand it off. It needed only a little work with a rasp to make a tight fit and still run the head down to the shoulder. Applied small amount of Gorilla glue and snugged it in, cut to 27" overall, drove the wedges in and trimmed and sealed them, sanded the handle smooth. Now I just have to coat with boiled linseed oil.
I haven't had a chance to use it yet but it seems it will be a heavy duty, handy sized axe. Longer handles give more leverage with only a little more weight but this one looks to be just what I wanted to fill in the gap.
I'll keep y'all posted.
Now,I have a few utility axes and hatchets. I have the GB wildlife hatchet, a GB Hunter's axe (great size and most useful), an old "Boy's axe", and a couple 3.5# Plumb and Collins axes. Always room for another but what I really wanted was a good "truck axe" for the tool box in the truck or on the ATV. Shorter than full length but still enough weight and stout enough to do some 2 handed work or splitting. Needed to be heavier than the boys axe.
I poked around the Farm Supply until I found a good 28" Hickory handle. I hate that gooey varnish crap they spray them with but I can sand it off. It needed only a little work with a rasp to make a tight fit and still run the head down to the shoulder. Applied small amount of Gorilla glue and snugged it in, cut to 27" overall, drove the wedges in and trimmed and sealed them, sanded the handle smooth. Now I just have to coat with boiled linseed oil.
I haven't had a chance to use it yet but it seems it will be a heavy duty, handy sized axe. Longer handles give more leverage with only a little more weight but this one looks to be just what I wanted to fill in the gap.
I'll keep y'all posted.
