Two disappointing buys

Frank-New Zealand

Frank-New Zealand

Joined
Jan 16, 2012
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Bought these two axes last week and am disappointed in both of them.

On top is a 4lb Hytest with a nice rounded poll and face. Ideal for those Aussie hardwoods. I bought this axe to give away but unfortunately it has a one inch crack in the poll. Could never gift an axe like that, so I will re-use the haft and the head will just stay on the bench. Pity really as Hytest is one of my favorites and I love the pattern.

The other is a True Temper. Hard to come by here so I was pleased to get this one at a fair price. Attractive head (although too flat in the face for me). The problem with this axe is the fitting of the haft. As you can see the throat/grip sits far too high. At least 4 inches. This axe may perform fairly in soft timber but would be a jarring nightmare in anything else.

regards ...Frank
 
Hey Frank :)
Sorry to hear about the Hytest, that's too bad :( can you not send it back?
The TT is surely a wonderful find in the NZ market. You can just hang a new handle on her and she would be 'good to go'... Right?
They both are fine looking axes. I guess you could at least use the Hytest for display.
 
Exactly Bear...Pity about the TT as the haft is branded True Temper. I'll have a go at reshaping and rehanging with same haft. If that doesn't work I'll rehang with a new 32"

I won't send the Hytest back as I have bought a few items from same trader. I honestly believe she did not know the crack was there.

regards...Frank
 
Shame about that TT helve. That's a good looking handle. I'm having a friend of mine repair a Flint Edge jersey with a split poll. We discussed it and came up with drilling three holes down the side of the head, near the poll, pinning it with steel rod and welding it shut. He's confident that this can be performed w/out jeopardising the bit temper. I'm not sure how it will work out, but it may turn my paper weight into a good splitter. I'm sure I'll post some pics when I get it done. Thought it might be an option for yours as well.
 
Frank-New Zealand said:
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Bought these two axes last week and am disappointed in both of them.

On top is a 4lb Hytest with a nice rounded poll and face. Ideal for those Aussie hardwoods. I bought this axe to give away but unfortunately it has a one inch crack in the poll. Could never gift an axe like that, so I will re-use the haft and the head will just stay on the bench. Pity really as Hytest is one of my favorites and I love the pattern.

The other is a True Temper. Hard to come by here so I was pleased to get this one at a fair price. Attractive head (although too flat in the face for me). The problem with this axe is the fitting of the haft. As you can see the throat/grip sits far too high. At least 4 inches. This axe may perform fairly in soft timber but would be a jarring nightmare in anything else.

regards ...Frank
Click to expand...

Sad to hear split polls are no fun but can be fix with out blowing the temper there is a few different ways to fix them and I have fixed a few befor and still use them.
 
Thanks for the comments. I don't have the expertise of some of you 'Good Old Boys' so will just leave the Hytest as is.

You are right Peg (you've got a good eye) Quite a bit of wood to play with on the haft of the TT. Would like to retain it as we don't see this stuff here often.

regards...Frank
 
Frank, I collect Kellys and was looking at yours. It seems to hung like many of the ones I have in my collection. Have you given her a try?

SquarePeg posted this picture on another thread. How does your Kelly stack up?

The_hang_of_it.jpg

Tom
 
Thanks Tom...Yes it does feel awkward in my hands. I like my axes about halfway between the two in Pegs diagram.
Of course it's all about personal choice. I also like the haft to have a nice deep belly.

In saying that though it doesn't take long to get accustomed to which ever axe we are using. Glad you like KELLY. It's my absolute favorite, then Plumb and Hytest equal second.

regards...Frank
 
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