I did this for my dad after I got to splitting some cherry and within the first couple whacks, the head broke away and handle revealed a pithy center near the head. A long vinegar bath for this one. Axe handle is hickory. Finished it up this morning.
You can see it on the top of one round, the head wasnt in terrible shape but in need of TLC. Didnt take pictures of the before and during but the head metal dulled to a silver grey much like the silver Crayola Crayon after the vinegar bath. I had to wonder if this head was cast not out of a blank. The alloy was so soft that after the bath, I would wipe and metal would be on the cloth like a paste. Should have asked some questions here but the axe is not of value, just one that went in the RV for camping during the ages of 10-20 as I recall. Either way its a start as far as restoration work for me.
Good attempt! If you're going to do another one, you can maybe PM a member within the thread below for tips/advice: Edged tool restorations
Yeah I posted there then got to thinking I had the axe head for this project on there but totally different.
Thank you I hope I make a scrounge later on, I do have a pickaxe that a friend found and will restore that possibility this summer. A wire brush and vinegar job from what I can see. No identification marks as far as a name goes but a Diamond imprint? Will display pics soon. Thanks again!
Looks very good! I love seeing these projects. If it was cast, you would probably see a parting line from the mold and grind marks from the seam. I can't say that I have seen a cast axe head before.
Is it magnetic? Might give you a clue if it is steel or cast material. Possibly wrought iron with hardened steel bit? Any color variation from the bit back a few inches?
I'll have to check next time I go over there but the color I see is pretty uniform, not seeing a tempering flush of color.
fishingpol I got back to my parents and got these pics for you. I was hoping you could shed a bit of light on this kind of axe. Also I did check for magnetism and yes it is. I don't even remember a brand ever being on the thing. For now Im just glad it's finished and not sitting in my garage waiting to be put together.
Oh, I'd say that is cast steel or drop forged. Probably the bit was hardened and tempered after it was formed up. I think I see grind marks along the top and bottom Does it have a ping to it when tapped lightly? I'd have to look up cast steel axe manufacturers. I'm surprised that there are no manufacturers stamp on it. Very interesting.
