Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Jodocus on March 31, 2013, 04:08:59 pm
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I got this hatchet in a trade. Lovely, isn't it? It's originally an old head. I want to make a handle for it, but I'm not sure what it should look like. Anyone know more?
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I don't have any expiernces with hatchets, but i think you'd get a better response in the "around the campfire" section
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Hickory or ash are traditionally used for tool handles.
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I like a gentle flare out on the bottom of the handle.
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Hop Hornbeam (Ironwood)
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The handle will slip into the head from the bottom, The handle will need to fit into the head, then become thicker about four or so inches down the handle (Kinda like a backwards hourglass) , then it can tapper again where your hands go, then flare at the bottom like osageoutlaw mentioned. look @ some other hatchets. I thinbk that style mostly had straight handles, but I'm not expert. hit that baby with a wire wheel or some emmery cloth to get all them grind lines off it, though. :) Nice find, dpg
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i'd use a hard maple with some sweet assed figure, I like the shape on that head
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thanks all. Maybe my question wasn't clear enough. I got some suitable wood (ash, elm, hornbeam, dogwood) and I have already mounted some handles.
What I need to know is what shape the handle should be. Should it bend or be straight? iE do I want the handle at the grip section to be parallel to the edge (wich is not parallel to the eye). That would make for quite some upward bend. And should it bend laterally or not?
That's what I'm unsure about. Angles and bends.
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Because of the shape of the head and hole configuration, I would go with a handle commonly found on a hatchet or axe, as opposed to a hawk or straight handle.
https://www.google.com/search?q=hatchet+handles&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=lt0&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-ItZUemdKIXH4APAn4HQBw&ved=0CHEQsAQ&biw=1051&bih=648
Robby
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Osage...
:)
-gus
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Well, seeing as it's a single-bevel carpenter's axe, I'd go with a traditional carving handle shape (the middle one in this image)
(http://outdoors.magazine.free.fr/local/cache-vignettes/L500xH375/Sweed_ax_sm-82ca4.jpg)
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Hah, that thing in the middle looks about like my hatchet! I have already made it a handle that looks more like the one on top, though. I'll try it out and make one like this too. I'll let you look and know about the results. Thanks everyone for the much appreciated advice.
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Thats what I made, it's from an old piece of wych elm with some bug holes, too. I'm going to sharpen and test it as soon as I can, but from the way it swings it should work fine.
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Very nice!
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Very nice work,looks like and old roofers ax. :) Love it,I have a newer version but would love to run across and old one like that. :)
Pappy
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When you sharpen it , it should be beveled on the one side only. As stated it is a Carpenter's axe, Carvers axe . They are usually razor sharp and are used sort of like a big chisel The handle you made should work well ,as they are meant to be held close to the head for most control during most operations. The handles are usually offset as well so it can be used with the flat side down with no interferance. The cut out behind the blade is so you can get your hand in close when you choke upon it. More of a roughing out and cleanup before planes kind of tool.Not for chopping down trees. I'd been looking for one for quite a while that wouldn't break my budget, and found one yesterday for 15 bucks. Mine was abused more than yours and will need a lot more tlc. Remember , only polish the flat side , and sharpen from the bevel side , or it will want to keep skipping out of the wood on you.
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Osage...
:)
-gus
This. :)
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Very pretty, and a lovely head - good find, that is.
I'd be slightly concerned about the grain run in your piece of elm, but it isn't a hatchet for heavy chopping, so probably OK.
+1 to lostarrow's comment - polish the flat side and sharpen the bevel, then strop to remove the wire edge - this should be shaving-sharp.
Rob - nice collection there :D Is the middle one a Stefan Ronnquist?