How to Repair an Axe
If you find that the axe you stuck back on the shelf needs fixing, then read on to find out how. These steps are not simple, but with a plan the you can get the job done. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vise
- Medium cut mill file
- Steel wool
- Rust inhibitor
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood wedge
- Mallet
- Board
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Soft cloth
- Linseed oil
- New axe handle
Instructions
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Sharpening an Axe
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1
Clamp the head of the axe in a vise, making certain that sharp edge is up. Never use a power grinder. Instead, use a medium-cut mill file to sharpen.
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2
Hold the file flat against the blade and move it upward, lifting it off at the end of the stroke. Round the edge in to show a convex profile. Check by looking down the edge to see if there is an outward bow. Complete this step by continuing all the way across the head of the blade.
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3
Check for spots that have been missed. Bright spots indicate that there are dull areas. Continue to file these areas until they no longer look bright.
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4
Hone the axe head with the edge of an round, oiled ax stone. Move the stone in circles to do this. Apply rust inhibitor with steel wool to complete the sharpening.
Repairing the Handle
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5
Remove the old handle by placing the head of the axe in a vise and sawing the handle off close to the head.
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6
Drill a hole in the wood inside the axe head and insert a screw driver to push the wood out.
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7
Shop for a new handle by taking the head along on the trip. Make certain that new handle fits tightly, even if sanding will be necessary. Ask for a wood wedge when you buy the handle.
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8
Sand or rasp the handle to fit the axe head. Put the handle in the axe head. Place the handle in a vise so that the head is slightly above the vise.
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9
Drive the wood wedge into the handle by placing it directly in the slit in the handle. Put a board on top of the wood wedge and hammer it with a mallet. This should separate the wood up to the ax head.
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10
Saw the excess wood from the end, until it is flush with the head. Sand with fine sandpaper and apply linseed oil to the top with a soft cloth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not over sand the axe handle, as you want it to fit tightly.
