The long and short of it is I've wanted a quality axe for years, spent the last month thinking more seriously about what size/model and what brand, made a decision (GB Scandinavian). Then during the day I was going to go pick one out after work I decided to try to find a good vintage axe, or small selection of, to cover what the GB would have been doing (limbing, crude carving/shaping and bits of light felling and splitting). I'm hoping to get something at near enough bargain prices though will pay more if I find something I'm sure is just right and worth it.
—— Extra detail (not essential to thread): Now the hunt has begun in earnest, I'm time poor at the moment so regular browsing of carboot sales is not really an option and ebay seems overpriced and full of junk. We do have a local antiques/collectables emporium that has a couple of decent old tool sections (with the downside that it is very close to the GB dealer so unsuccessful visits to the former create temptation to visit the latter), and a house clearance style auction house that occasionally gets something half decent in. I also have a family member who has a shed full of old tools at the farmhouse they bought. I've got permission to have a look through and have/buy anything they don't have use for, so am hoping to find something of interest when next down around Christmas time. ——
Back to the core purpose of the thread; yesterday I had my first success, finding an Elwell 1 1/2 pound axe head for £5 (balances at 1 & 1/2 oz over on the kitchen scales or 720g total in new money). Some work will be needed but it seems in fair condition to my inexpert eyes - the poll is rounded by being bashed, a clean up and sharpen is needed as well as the obvious need to put a handle on it. At the price if it ends up as no more than a kindling splitter and learning piece I think I've done ok.
Hoping to start working on it this weekend, any tips or recommendations are welcome. The intention is to sympathetically restore it to functionality rather than make it look new. I'm considering trying out electrolysis to clean the surface, then profile the bit as required and rehandle - I have a 14inch handle hanging around which would fit but am unsure if I should go longer.
—— Extra detail (not essential to thread): Now the hunt has begun in earnest, I'm time poor at the moment so regular browsing of carboot sales is not really an option and ebay seems overpriced and full of junk. We do have a local antiques/collectables emporium that has a couple of decent old tool sections (with the downside that it is very close to the GB dealer so unsuccessful visits to the former create temptation to visit the latter), and a house clearance style auction house that occasionally gets something half decent in. I also have a family member who has a shed full of old tools at the farmhouse they bought. I've got permission to have a look through and have/buy anything they don't have use for, so am hoping to find something of interest when next down around Christmas time. ——
Back to the core purpose of the thread; yesterday I had my first success, finding an Elwell 1 1/2 pound axe head for £5 (balances at 1 & 1/2 oz over on the kitchen scales or 720g total in new money). Some work will be needed but it seems in fair condition to my inexpert eyes - the poll is rounded by being bashed, a clean up and sharpen is needed as well as the obvious need to put a handle on it. At the price if it ends up as no more than a kindling splitter and learning piece I think I've done ok.
Hoping to start working on it this weekend, any tips or recommendations are welcome. The intention is to sympathetically restore it to functionality rather than make it look new. I'm considering trying out electrolysis to clean the surface, then profile the bit as required and rehandle - I have a 14inch handle hanging around which would fit but am unsure if I should go longer.
