Wedge Problems

S

smasak

Joined
Jun 19, 2009
Messages
242
Hi guys,

I was just re-handling a garage sale axe and am having some problems with the wedge. When I try to pound it in, it will go in some, and then go almost to where I think it should seat, and then it springs out. I'm thinking it is either too thick or too obtuse of an angle. Any advice? :confused:
 
Do you already have linseed oil or some other oil on the wedge or in the kerf?
 
I've never had one spring out. I'm guessing too obtuse. Can you whittle it down a bit?
 
Square_peg said:
I've never had one spring out. I'm guessing too obtuse. Can you whittle it down a bit?
Click to expand...

i've hung a few, fat wedge is what you have there.
you have two options, either will correct the problem

open up the kerf [slot], with a saw, cut down a little on either side of the kerf to open the slot..

or, sand down or whittle or pare down the wedge, or better yet cut a new wedge to fit.
might be difficult to make a new wedge but if you have a saw and some suitable wood you can do it.

i make my own wedges from Honey Locust and Osage Orange. almost any hard wood will work.
cut wedge so the grain is the same as the handle 's

hope this helps

buzz
 
I have battled the grain demons on this last batch I ordered from HHS. Sore subject... I hope you get your wedge issue worked out.
 
The Kerf has some oil in it now. I thought I got it in there good, and oiled it, but then took a couple swings and it started coming loose.
 
It probably doesn't matter, but what type of handle are you using? Wood, maker, etc...?
 
If you need a fat wedge in order to get things tight, I've found it to be far more effective to cut off the narrow portion of the wedge and put a bevel on it. Sticks much better and tightens things up down inside the eye instead of only at the top. I have been using this wedge shape a lot. Like this:

wedgejpeg.jpg


Also, sometimes the oil will slicken things up so that it pops out or slides out more easily. I'd try to clean up the oil, rough up the wedge with like 60 grit sandpaper and try again. You may also put a little wood glue on the wedge, let it sit till it gets tacky then drive it in. You basically need to create more friction. I've found that really taking the time to get your wedge just right for the particular hang makes a big difference.
 
I think this is so funny! Pound a wedge in, watch it come back out or if it came out the next day and was just standing there. My eyeballs would be like, BOING! I wish I could see this on video. Its got me looking at my wedges, wonderin if they're thinkin about it.
 
leebrewer said:
I think this is so funny! Pound a wedge in, watch it come back out or if it came out the next day and was just standing there. My eyeballs would be like, BOING! I wish I could see this on video. Its got me looking at my wedges, wonderin if they're thinkin about it.
Click to expand...

I think the wedges that are waiting to be driven in are gossiping about me as we speak... I would consider the handle possessed if a wedge popped out on me.
 
I'm sure it's not the case here...But the only time I have seen this happen is when someone was trying to put the head on backwards.

regards...Frank.
 
Its not on backwards, but I think the wedge was just too thick and obtuse. I'll thin another one out slightly and try it again after I rough it up some. Thanks for the advice. This is my first time doing this.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top