Ash Stave

[chris_r]

I've got a small axe head that needs a handle. Can anyone point me in the direction of some ash that doesn't need to be harvested from a living tree?


Ta.

 

[dwardo]

Its pretty quick to season is ash, very low MC to start with. Cut it, work it down green and leave it indoors or outside under cover.

 

[chris_r]

Good to know. Cheers. Problem is, if I start cutting off eight inch limbs down at the local forest, someone's gonna get the hump. I was hoping to source some legitimately. Don't mind paying, just don't want to fall foul of the rozzers.

 

[santaman2000]

Try the lumber section of your local DIY. The might have stave blanks.

 

[dwardo]

Try the lumber section of your local DIY. The might have stave blanks.

Our lumber yards tend to have pine, chipbaord, pine and....plastic.
My local hardware shop does do shafts for axes which are usually hickory. I would just ask one of your local rangers for a spare bit or look around wasteland, there is always an ash sapling going begging somewhere.

 

[santaman2000]

Our lumber yards tend to have pine, chipbaord, pine and....plastic.
My local hardware shop does do shafts for axes which are usually hickory. I would just ask one of your local rangers for a spare bit or look around wasteland, there is always an ash sapling going begging somewhere.

Sorry, it was a thought. Begs the question though; Chris, why ash instead of hickory?

 

[dwardo]

Sorry, it was a thought. Begs the question though; Chris, why ash instead of hickory?

Dont apologise its completely rubbish over here for lumber. If you get stuck OP and your ever passing this way i can sort you out with either willow, elm, yew and may even have a bit of ash knocking about. I would post it but the cost would be daft.

 

[mrcairney]

I've only ever seen hickory 'ready-mades'. What the dealio with that? I have some ash, but not thick enough for a stave. However, if I find some more I'll pass it on.

 

[chris_r]

Sorry, it was a thought. Begs the question though; Chris, why ash instead of hickory?

Thanks for the suggestions guys, it's much appreciated.

I chose ash as it's strong and flexible, so hopefully will absorb impact with out breaking. I was also guessing it was more readily available. I managed to find a local hardwood supplier and had a look in today. They had plenty of ash, but no off-cuts the right size. Turns out that they've just had a clear out so a lot has been chucked. They did, however, say that they'd put a piece to one side for me and that I should call back in a couple of weeks. Can't wait.