Wedge or BLO which one first?

Freedom Pullo

Freedom Pullo

Joined
Dec 31, 2015
Messages
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I picked up a new first run Wetterlings Bushman Axe and there is a little wiggle in the head. It’s dried out some and I would like to soak it in BLO and wedge the head. Does it matter which one I do first?
 
If by 'wedge the head' you mean withdrawing the existing wood wedge and/or pulling the entire handle out of the eye (can be done if it's loose enough; ie dried out in a low oven setting) in order to get at the wedge, then by all means do this first. Soaking the head in oil will definitely swell the wood which will make it tougher to remove and is why this is best saved for last (after another wood wedge is in place). Or, done first off in anticipation that the handle will expand enough to tighten the head on it's own. Oil soak ought to work for you if this is a mostly unused or recent implement and seasonal humidity (which is probably the cause of all this) has been very low. Your call! If all else fails (and universal laziness sets in) that's where flat or conical metal wedges, screws, nails, glass shards, mower tips, fence staples and key blanks enter the picture. None of these 'tag-ons' have a pre-made slot (kerf) to go into and oftentimes will embarrassingly split the wood, so you do not want to do this until you've run out of other options.
 
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