TT Kelly Works: Double Bit

B

bxrad36

Joined
Oct 27, 2010
Messages
201
I got this axe head off of ebay and I'm putting it on a handle...







When I tried fitting the head on the handle, I thought that the way i put it on looked like it was upside-down...




There are ribs in the eye that seem to protrude out a little more on one side, then they tapper down to the other...






Can someone help me figure out what side is right side up?
 
Although they do look pretty similar, I believe you have that upside down. The T in TRUE should be on the bottom
 
I agree, but from pictures and videos that I have seen, the lettering orientation has always been they way it looks in the third picture. Could the lettering be backwards?
 
Nope - that's the right way I think. The bigger rib protrusions should be at the top. You can measure the eye if you want. The top opening will be ever so slightly larger.

I actually had this same issue with an HB double bit I restored about a week or so ago. After I seated it (but before driving the wedge), I thought I had it on upsidedown since the "wings" stuck out more at the top. But then I looked at the pictures of it from **unnamed bidding site** with the sawn off original handle still intact and noted that I had seated it the same way. I'm pretty certain that the sawn off handle was factory original since it had an epoxied eye and I know from experience that's how HB used to do things. Also, I measured the eye and saw that what I thought to be the top opening was in fact a wee bit bigger.

I guess it's just the pattern (swamping?) but personally, I prefer this to the more common Michigan as I've actually jabbed myself in the ball of the wrist with the low hanging "wing" portion on those patterns. Sort of my fault for bringing my hand all the way up the shaft, but I keep the handle's shoulder very close to the head and that's how I naturally swing my SBs (free hand all the way up to the bit in the upstroke). Didn't translate too swell to DBs obviously...

KGrHqNiEFD0DWLE3BROjFhZyg60_57_zps7b4ead73.jpg
 
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bxrad36 said:
I agree, but from pictures and videos that I have seen, the lettering orientation has always been they way it looks in the third picture. Could the lettering be backwards?
Click to expand...

Yes, I only have a few with in reach at the moment and the lettering is as you say. More than likely that eye is tapered also.
 
I hung it like it is in the third picture. The more protruding ribs are on top and the eye is slightly larger on top. I hope its right, but if not, whats the worst that can happen :rolleyes:
 
bxrad36 said:
I hung it like it is in the third picture. The more protruding ribs are on top and the eye is slightly larger on top. I hope its right, but if not, whats the worst that can happen :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

That's what I figured with my HB as well. If anything, it'll be easier to remove the handle when it comes to that later on since the eye taper is correct. Also, I won't be unintentionally jabbing my wrist with the wing..

Oh, and it might be worth checking it matches up to this alignment. Its SBs, but the same concept applies. Mine did so I'm happy regardless of whether it's upsidedown or not.
fig032.jpg
 
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Kelly True Tempers.....T is at the top. The Perfect has an original handle. It was factory hung.

Kelly Perfect and two 4 Lb. Kelly double bits.


Tom
 
It does look very much like a reversible or peeling pattern. Either side would probably be ok. Let us know how it works out.
 
I'm a newbie here but, it seems like on every axe head I've seen, the stamped letters read downwards.
 
Some years ago I rehandled an old Sager. It has the exact same head pattern as the OPs. Never could figure out if I had it on upside down. The "SAGER" is also vertical, so no clues there.

It DOES do well on fire wood. It was our only axe on 2 Bob Marshall horse-packing trips and performed very well.
 
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Great job, that looks great. Looks like a reversible swamper to me. Unless there is a significant difference in the size of the eye from one side to the other, I hang swampers whichever way looks best regardless of stamp.

I like your grip ribs you added to the handle. I'll have to try that.
 
Thanks, I just roughed up the end with a flat blastard, then took a round one to make the defined/deeper lines. It feels pretty good when using it so far. There was only a minor difference between the two ends of the eye on the head. The opening with the thicker ribs was generally a little larger.

With that in mind and looking at the lettering orientation, I think I have it correct.

I hope this thread helps others out who might have the same issue later on. I couldn't information on the ribs before creating this.
 
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