Restored ax head

[ionicmuffin]

So i found this rusty ax head in the dirt when i was biking on some trails. Being the guy i am i thought that i could use an ax. Heres the head. Any tips on restoring it???

[chamookman]

I just got done bringing a hatchet & Hawk head back to life. Both were rusted and scaled, but not as bad as Your find. I used a new product called Evapo-rust (picked it up a Harbor Freight). Pretty cool stuff - Non toxic, biodegradable, PH neutral and water soluble. You soak the part for 1 - 12 hours, then rinse with water. I then went over the heads with a wire wheel in a drill after hosing them down with WD40. They both turned out pretty darn good, the stuff (Evapo-rust) works as advertised (even smells good). Good luck - Bob.
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[ionicmuffin]

thanks!

[ionicmuffin]

K so i thought i would mention that because I'm cheap i used vinegar to soak the ax head. Its working right now, the rust is coming off, i read last night that vinegar will remove rust in about 8 days, and although i don't have much its enough to make we want to get rid of it.

[ncpat]

I have used bar chain oil on badly rusted tools and had good luck with it. Stihl brand seems better than others.

[bubby]

I use a little gun oil and 0000 steel wool takes it down to patina

[ionicmuffin]

an update on how its going, the vinegar is working well and has been removing substantial amounts of rust from it. hopefully i can get it finished and ready for a handle in a few days.

[Buffalogobbler]

Cool find, I can't wait to see it sharpened up and with a handle.

Kevin

[ionicmuffin]

Here's my progress. not sure if the metallic color coming off and staying on my hands is silver paint or is the metal that has been corroded off the head. What do you guys think so far?

[Buffalogobbler]

Looks good, sharpener er up!

Kevin

[Adam]

Wow! That's quite an improvement.  All you did was soak it in vinegar?

[ionicmuffin]

Yes all i did was remove the rust as best i could with a wire brush and then i used vinegar for a few days. I will need to use the steel wool and oil for the next step.

[Adam]

That's a new trick to me. Good to know, thanks!

[ionicmuffin]

Yep, keep an eye on it though, after it gets through the rust it will start on the metal!

[bubby]

neutralize the acid from the vinegar with some ammonia