Axes and anti-freeze

[Pablo]

During the bushmoot, I was listening to Mors during an axe demo. I'm sure he said something about soaking the axe head in anti freeze to ensure an almost permanent snug fit. It only occured to me what I thought he said sometime after. Was I hearing right? Does anyone else no about this tip or something similar?

Cheers,

Pablo

 

[led]

Yes, that's what he said. Might be worth checking that what we call anti-freeze is what the Canadians also use though

 

[wingstoo]

It is probably something to do with the glycol in it that makes it good...

Propylene Glycol serves as a Humectant – a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply –it prevents things from drying out.

just my 2p worth


LS

 

[swyn]

Useful for painting 'end grain' of cut timber to help stop splitting. Swyn

 

[Toddy]

Woodturners use stuff called PEG (poly-ethyl-glycol) to stop greenwood from splitting; seems the glycols are useful stuffs. Are they toxic though?
Cheers,
Toddy

 

[beowolf762]

I believe what Mors was talking about is automobile anti-freeze, or engine coolant
I know that sounds strange but in Canada and the nothern United States engine coolant also keeps water from freezing in coolant lines. Hope this helps. Maybe Mors can check in and clarify

 

[gregorach]

Woodturners use stuff called PEG (poly-ethyl-glycol) to stop greenwood from splitting; seems the glycols are useful stuffs. Are they toxic though?
Cheers,
Toddy

Yes, fairly toxic. You wouldn't want to drink it.

 

[demographic]

In Jim Hrisoulas's The Complete Bladesmith, he recommends soaking hammerheads (and the part of the wooden shaft that's inside it) in used engine oil.

Suppose new engine oil would do also but thats more expensive.