How to Rehandle an Axe

[Ashley Cawley]

Hi Folks,

Firstly I would like to thank user: WoodTroll (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/member.php?2299-WoodTroll) (Tom) for his generosity in giving me a Axe to work on as a project to rehandle.

This is basically a request, if you have ever re-handled an Axe and picked up any invaluable tips along the way or know of any good resources, be; article, video, book etc. about axe re-handling, please let me know them here!

Thanks for your time,

Here is the Axe that Tom gave me:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dzoenG8Svds/TPDwyTzwf-I/AAAAAAABGAI/WteK1dAvu2Q/s640/IMG_4773.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dzoenG8Svds/TPDx7j_hvMI/AAAAAAABGAY/hrS8pwHJ-l4/s640/IMG_4775.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_dzoenG8Svds/TPDx8rmQZAI/AAAAAAABGAw/0IQzLrZX2Yw/s640/IMG_4778.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_dzoenG8Svds/TPDx9h-kw9I/AAAAAAABGBM/rA0-gFDK5_E/s640/IMG_4782.JPG

The handle broke at a knot in the handle.

[JonnyP]

I have put handles on lots of tools, but not an axe.
I remembered that I had something about axe handles in my bookmarked sites..
http://sleekfreak.ath.cx:81/3wdev/CD3WD/FORESTRY/H2568E/B1246_4.HTM#B1246_4_3

[Ashley Cawley]

I have put handles on lots of tools, but not an axe.
I remembered that I had something about axe handles in my bookmarked sites..
http://sleekfreak.ath.cx:81/3wdev/CD3WD/FORESTRY/H2568E/B1246_4.HTM#B1246_4_3
Looks great, thanks for sharing Jonny.

[WoodTroll]

Hi Folks,

Firstly I would like to thank user: WoodTroll (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/member.php?2299-WoodTroll) (Tom) for his generosity in giving me a Axe to work on as a project to rehandle.

This is basically a request, if you have ever re-handled an Axe and picked up any invaluable tips along the way or know of any good resources, be; article, video, book etc. about axe re-handling, please let me know them here!

The handle broke at a knot in the handle.

Glad to give it to someone who could use it. Look forward to seeing how you get on. Cheers.

[Jon Mac]

Have a look here...http://spooncarvingfirststeps.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-work-cut-out-2.html If you need any more info then please give me a pm or E mail...J

[dave budd]

since rehandling an axe is part of several course I run, I'll try not to go into too much detail or I'll be here all day! but a few tips:

Firstly and most importantly, don't get hung up on what the arm chair experts tell you must be the the right way! There are theoretical ideals that rarely have any effect in the real world. Remember,I don't just play with axes once or twice a year ;)

Ash and hickory are the toughest woods, but to be honest any hardwood will do (just some will last longer than others). I've used oak, cherry, birch, alder, yew etc and haven't had them break due to choosing the wrong species.

Grain orientation is not as important as making sure that you have as many growth rings running as far along the handle as possible. If the grain runs at 90 degrees to the head, it doesn't normally matter (some instances it does,but not for a general purpose hatchet). As I always cleave my handles from straight grained ash, I get long fibres anyway. I've had some very nice whippy handles made from ash that were 90 degrees to the head and they are great for small carving axes and adze ;)

The handle can be any shape and size you like, as long as its comfortable and practical for you to use. I'm a fan of straight handles as they are easier to make, more customisable (if its too long, you can cut a bit off) and I find more versatile to use since the shape and relative head position is the same wherever you hold the axe

Don't burn the old handle out of the head! It can damage the temper (though you could use a blowtorch to heat the eye area up safely enough) Drill out as much wood as you can and then drive a blunt ended bar (or harder bit of wood) through to punch out the remains.

shave the end of the handle so it fits at the very end, then drive on a way. remove the head and shave the next bit down (where the wood has been discoloured/bruised) and drive the head back on. keep it up until the handle extends a little through the eye. Then if you want a shoulder you can carve it to sit neatly, but I prefer to shave the handle to a gentle taper so that the head is driven even tighter on when I finally fit it (also looks neater IMO)

Make sure the handle and the wedge are as dry as possible before you fit them together. I leave them in an airing cupboard for a week or so.

Assemble the handle and use thin superglue to hold the wedge in place.

Oil but don't polish the handle. (I don't bother oiling my own, but that's laziness!)

just a few thoughts :)

[OKBushcraft]

Nice info, I have put on a few handles but since I can buy one for less than or about $10 shipped I never went from tree to handle on my own. Again, nice and thanks.

[Adam Savage]

Don't burn the old handle out of the head! It can damage the temper (though you could use a blowtorch to heat the eye area up safely enough) Drill out as much wood as you can and then drive a blunt ended bar (or harder bit of wood) through to punch out the remains.


I have a book by John Wiseman that refers to burning out the shaft. In this book it talks of burying the head in the earth, as the fire burns the shaft, preventing temper being lost. Does this actually work?

Adam

[dave budd]

yes in theory, but I wouldn't risk it. Also, burying the head, lighting a fire, getting it hot enough to burn the wood out, excavating the head and leaving it to cool down would most likely take longer than just drilling a few holes through the stump and driving a bar of steel (or wood) through to knock it out.

[CanadianMike]

Worked for me last summer when I had to clear out an old axehead that was given to us, buried the edge in damp earth and had the backside in the fire itself. An hour later all remaining wood was burned away and was able to start working on a new handle. Mind you, the fire was contained in a steel tire rim and I dug a hole under the rim to put the axehead in, so the edge remained outside of the fire itself.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Dave, I'll stick to your knowledge through experience.

Adam

[jus_young]

Have a look here...http://spooncarvingfirststeps.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-work-cut-out-2.html If you need any more info then please give me a pm or E mail...J

If I was the chicken in these pictures, I would not be standing around too long.

[Ashley Cawley]

Whilst out camping this weekend I finally got round to starting a new handle for this Axe :) I'll post some pics/video when I get a chance. It's a fairly simple handle (based around the GB Wildlife hatchet size/shape), not finished yet but most of the shape done etc. Just needs whittling down & finishing.

[Adam Savage]

Can't wait to see it

[J_P]

A friend of mine rehandles and referbs axes "Hedgehog" on Bushcraft living ive got one an old Kent pattern 1lb he did for me its absolutely beautiful and uses better than and other axe ive used, ill get some pictures up ...

[J_P]

heres a few pics of my axe..
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx328/JPLamoureux/S1270002.jpg
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx328/JPLamoureux/S1270003.jpg
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx328/JPLamoureux/S1270004.jpg
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx328/JPLamoureux/S1270005.jpg
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx328/JPLamoureux/S1270001.jpg

[Ashley Cawley]

Well, once again I would like to thank WoodTroll (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/member.php?2299-WoodTroll) (Tom) for the Axe head he gifted me, you can see it with the broken handle in my first post (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?202-How-to-Rehandle-an-Axe&p=1410&viewfull=1#post1410).

I've finally remembered to take photos of it now re-handled!

It was a fun project, made the handle out of Ash and two Oak pegs in the top. I've kept the barbed metal ring from the original head ready to put in my Oak wedges if it needs it, but it hasn't yet, so here's some pics:


45384539454045414542



Thanks for the advice folks.

[FishyFolk]

Good job there Ashley. Been wondering about making a new handle for my little hatchet. But that will be a project for rainy autumn days :-)

[AL...]

Great job Ash
I have a couple that Im gonna rehandle when I get round to it

Cheers
AL

[Adam Savage]

Looks great mate. Love the used quality of the head itself. I'm always getting slated for having a rusty/blemished/tarnished/grotty looking axe :D

[Ashley Cawley]

Looks great mate. Love the used quality of the head itself. I'm always getting slated for having a rusty/blemished/tarnished/grotty looking axe :DI too love a used/patina look to old recycled tools, however the rust looks a little too much one one side of that axe, think I'll clean that up somewhat. :ashamed:

[JonnyP]

Looks good mate :0)

[WoodTroll]

I too love a used/patina look to old recycled tools, however the rust looks a little too much one one side of that axe, think I'll clean that up somewhat. :ashamed:

Cor turned out nice. Nice job mate.

[andrewbrian]

That worked for me. I had an old axe that was handed down from my dad. It looks just like new!

[AL...]

Was given an Axe that is atleast 50 years old a wee while ago . Gave it a clean up and put an edge on it and its my go to tool when taking burls off the logs.
Wonderful old tool and I wouldent be without it.

Cheers
AL

[Ashley Cawley]

Was given an Axe that is atleast 50 years old a wee while ago . Gave it a clean up and put an edge on it and its my go to tool when taking burls off the logs.
Wonderful old tool and I wouldent be without it.

Cheers
ALI love it when an old tool comes back into use, something of a special feeling :) ... or is that just me :p

[Adam Savage]

I'd agree with you there Ash. I use a load of old tools from between the turn of the century, to post WWII, as well as more modern tools. Old tools are much, much better made than new.

[AL...]

I agree with ye both

Cheers
AL

[Jon Mac]

Brilliant news Ashley.
Glad to hear you got it together.
I hope you and your new axe have a long friendship.
Best wishes mate.
J.

Well, once again I would like to thank WoodTroll (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/member.php?2299-WoodTroll) (Tom) for the Axe head he gifted me, you can see it with the broken handle in my first post (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?202-How-to-Rehandle-an-Axe&p=1410&viewfull=1#post1410).

I've finally remembered to take photos of it now re-handled!

It was a fun project, made the handle out of Ash and two Oak pegs in the top. I've kept the barbed metal ring from the original head ready to put in my Oak wedges if it needs it, but it hasn't yet, so here's some pics:


45384539454045414542



Thanks for the advice folks.

[bikebum1975]

I love it when an old tool comes back into use, something of a special feeling :) ... or is that just me :p

Gotta agree with ya Ash and that turned out great. I have a Craftsman hewing head that was given to me gonna carve a handle for it soon as I get it nice and sharp I'll post pics when shes got a new haft.


@Jon Mac great article on your site about it

[Ashley Cawley]

... Old tools are much, much better made than new.hear, hear!


Brilliant news Ashley.
Glad to hear you got it together.
I hope you and your new axe have a long friendship.
Best wishes mate.
J.Thanks Jon!


.. I have a Craftsman hewing head that was given to me gonna carve a handle for it soon ..Make sure you share the progress with us :) look forward to seeing it.

[bikebum1975]

hear, hear!

Thanks Jon!

Make sure you share the progress with us :) look forward to seeing it.


Here ya go Mate working on the handle before sending out the head this coming week for a reprofile and sharpening from a buddy of mine.


http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?3510-Apple-axe-handle-and-birch-spatula

[treefrog]

Thanks for this really helpful thread, Ashley. The handle gave out on my trapper's axe, so today I finally got round to cutting down a good
straight ash from which I split out a piece of a quarter-section for my new handle.Just gotta shape it and fit it now, but I have one question...
where you drove the two oak wedges at top, I assume you first sawed a kerf in the top of the handle to accept them?
Thanks,
Jack.