Axe resurrection - worth a go?

[tedw]

Ok, axperts! Advice please - I've inherited a 30 year Chinese (?) axe which I quite fancy bringing up to bushcrafting standard. The edge is not too bad and the haft seems in good order, but most of the axe head has been badly painted with what looks like smooth red Hammerite paint. This includes the haft in the eye and just below the head . It looks gopping!

What can I do to put it right ?

Is it worth the trouble, or should I just get a GB SFA like everybody else?

Thanks,

Ted W

 

[weekend_warrior]

Ok, axperts! Advice please - I've inherited a 30 year Chinese (?) axe which I quite fancy bringing up to bushcrafting standard. The edge is not too bad and the haft seems in good order, but most of the axe head has been badly painted with what looks like smooth red Hammerite paint. This includes the haft in the eye and just below the head . It looks gopping!

What can I do to put it right ?

Is it worth the trouble, or should I just get a GB SFA like everybody else?

Thanks,

Ted W

To be honest, the only real way of knowing is to try it and see! Doesn't sound like a lot of work to clean it up and find out...

 

[leon-1]

An axe is an Axe mate, if it's free then it cannot be bad.

I think the only thing you could do is sand the paint off the head, it was probably painted to stop it from corroding, so it would be a good idea to have some oil or grease to coat the head with after, just in case it is prone to heavy rusting.

You could also make an axe sheath for it just to protect it a little when it's not in use.

The paint on the haft can also be sanded off ( you may as well do the whole thing whilst you are there) and then just give it a few coats of Linseed, Danish or Tung oil just to give a bit of weather proofing.

If you do clean it up can we have some pictures please.

 

[Pignut]

As said!

Get the sand paper out!!!!

We also need pics!

 

[RovingArcher]

I think you should go for it. I picked up an old double bit that I've been procrastinating bringing back up to snuff. Thanks to your thread, I think I'll get started on it.

 

[Fallow Way]

there is reason enough in the time and care spent in bringing a traditional tool back to life, i have enjoyed many a time resurrecting billhooks, axes, welsh slashers and the like.


Even if it is only something poeple comment on when visiting your house, at least you can say that you brought it back from a sorry and uncared for state.

 

[P@ul]

I also think you should invest some time and effort and give it a go, take a pic before you start so we can see the before and after, assuming you have a camera of course.
Paul

 

[running bare]

if its seen a lot of use and has lasted 30 years i would say give it the respect and it'll probably give good service for another 30 !!

 

[Trevody]

I'm just in the process of re hafting an old much abused axe head that I picked up last year with a load of garden tools, I've also got a hatchet head to re-haft and was toying with the idea of making my own handle from scratch, just wondered if anyone else out there had done something similar and had any tips.

Trev

 

[pierre girard]

Re-doing an old axe - or any kind of hand tool - is always worth the effort!

I'm just in the process of re hafting an old much abused axe head that I picked up last year with a load of garden tools, I've also got a hatchet head to re-haft and was toying with the idea of making my own handle from scratch, just wondered if anyone else out there had done something similar and had any tips.

Trev

If possible - split out the wood you use - then it will have to season (if green) for a couple of years. I usually have a few splits seasoning.

PG

 

[8thsinner]

Have you thought about taking the axe to a mechanics, or car workshop.
Get it bead blasted by someone on there lunch break for a fiver if your lucky.

That should remove all the paint, and destroy any rust that has gotten into any pits, It might also dull the edge though, but the several hours you would save by blasting can easily be put to sharpening it instead.....
Just an idea. Not sure if they have varying levels of blast here, try and get a smooth finish one of possible obviously.

 

[tedw]

Good idea; I wish I'd thought of it before starting to rub it down! It's proving a laborious task, as well, but I try to tell myself it will be worth it in the end.

Some of you wanted pictures so I've got hold of a camera and here are the "before" photo's:

I'll post the "after" when I've finally got it finished!

Ted W

 

[British Red]

That looks like a Job for some Nitromors or similar paint stripper! Just remember the gloves, its strong stuff (will lift that paint right off though)

Red

 

[pierre girard]

Good idea; I wish I'd thought of it before starting to rub it down! It's proving a laborious task, as well, but I try to tell myself it will be worth it in the end.

Some of you wanted pictures so I've got hold of a camera and here are the "before" photo's:

I'll post the "after" when I've finally got it finished!

Ted W

Interesting looking axe. Certainly an old style. Wonder how old it is.

Truth is, if the postage weren't so outrageous, I'd trade you a new axe of your choice for that one - and I'd leave it painted red. Very intriguing axe!

Is it an old firemen's axe?

PG

 

[Tengu]

It isnt, (I dont think)

I had a firemans axe (traded it for half a cowhide) it had a spur like a picks at the back, also top half of the handle had an iron sheath

 

[Tengu]

Now I have sorted my axes....my grandfathers hatchet is the traditional style, but my other hatchet is a mini version of this.

needs new haft though.

 

[British Red]

Reminds me of the old joke....."this is my grandfathers axe - my dad replaced the handle and I replaced the head"

 

[JohnC]

I have read where the last 3" of the handle (or the head) is painted bright orange or something to help it stand out if dropped. Then again, the paint may cover a crack etc.

 

[RovingArcher]

Add a hose and a glass case (here anyways) and you might have an emergency fire axe that was located in a public building.