A load of augers and an axe

[Everything Mac]

Hi guys,
I landed just under a dozen augers the other day. Today I finally got home to start working on them.

Theres a few different sizes but most of them are under an inch. A couple need some real attention but the first two have cleaned up nicely.

I'm not sure what I will do with them yet but they all need the rust taking off to start with.

Next up is an un-marked axe though it came with a double bit that I had brought over from the states. Supposedly it's a Kelly. Either way I have enough axes in that size range so I thought I'd just have a go at altering it a tad.

Not my best handle job ever but it won't come off anytime soon. It has a fair weight to it and should be a good belt axe. I've yet to clean up the head and oil the handle but there's no rush. I'll give it a good going over eventually.

All the best
Andy

 

[Macaroon]

Looking good, Andy.

 

[Dreadhead]

nice work Andy

 

[Tengu]

What a good bundle of augers...I found two the other day. Im going to clean them up and give them leather sheaths.

 

[British Red]

Andy, what method are you using to clean up the augers Andy? I have five to do and am wondering how best to approach them...

 

[Harvestman]

Main criterion for an axe handle is that it stays attached to the axe head. If yours is secure, then its a good job! Nice work.

 

[Everything Mac]

The head has three ridges running through the eye. Which made fitting it interesting. The handle is just a tad small for the eye. Which is frustrating as it's the only one I had, not the end of the world.

Red, I'm using the little known method of "have at it with a wire cup wheel on the angle grinder." I'm not one to beat around the bush with these things.

All the best
Andy

 

[British Red]

Thanks Andy - looks neat

If it works, I'll stick to "have at it with a wire cup brush on the pillar drill" - because I get an extra hand that way

 

[laro13]

I would first stick the augers in some vinegar and use the wire brush.

Nice find b.t.w!

 

[Everything Mac]

Thanks Andy - looks neat

If it works, I'll stick to "have at it with a wire cup brush on the pillar drill" - because I get an extra hand that way

Ah, that's a rare variation. I believe it originates in the mountains of "Gettingitdone" in China.

 

[Everything Mac]

I would first stick the augers in some vinegar and use the wire brush.

Nice find b.t.w!

Thanks, I've far more here than I will ever find a use for so I suspect that most of them will get put on eBay.

They are all stamped with a size in inches, some bear a makers mark though most are too faint to read. One is quite clearly stamped 1915...

They have an interesting construction; most seem to have the eye cast, which is welded to the main rod, which is welded to the screw part if the auger. Very interesting to see how they are put together. Some of the eyes need some tlc though.

I will oil or wax them once finished cleaning up.

Andy

 

[Everything Mac]

Any ideas what these might be worth?

 

[British Red]

I bought five (two with eyes, three with brace ends) and a lovely wood and brass handle for the brace ends - cost me £15 on the bay (collected)

 

[tombear]

Date stamps are most often found on military kit, anything with a Great War date on it is at a premium at the moment. I notice at least one is stamped as a Sorby, which is top quality kit. Condition after restoration is the big thing, deep pitting puts folk off, even if all the rusts all gone.

ive not seen many sets turn up to be honest so can't say what the going rate is. New, western made quality ones cost a absolute fortune, if you can find them.

atb

tom

 

[British Red]

You are very right Tom - green woodworkers pay upwards of £30 for one new one - don't know why the old ones aren't more expensive?