Bringing an Axe back to life

I was talking to a retired co-worker the other day and noted that I was shopping for a good axe. I'm actually looking for a single bit for driving wedges, but I don't have a double bit either. He stopped by work today and dropped off this:



He bought it cheap at an auction some time ago and it's been sitting in his shed "taking up space" so he gave it to me. I don't think it's much account as there are no markings anywhere on the head? Going to see what I can make of it anyways. Will update this thread with progress as it unfolds. Have never undertaken a resto project such as this, so should be fun at least.

 

It looks like it won't need too much to make it serviceable again.

 

It's a little beat up and chipped, but looks to have plenty of edge left. I don't think I'll be able to get all the pitting out of it, but I suppose that will give it some character.

This is the worst of it:

 

I think there may part of an engraving mark here:



Perhaps a Collins? They were one of the first major manufacturers of axes and other hand tools.

 

I have scrutinized it pretty closely and the pitting has taken any markings? Cant find anything. I will be paying close attention when I clean it up. When I first saw it, was hoping it was an old Plumb 3-2.

 

If you haven't seen this it's worth the watch. US Forest Service "An Axe to Grind" on the U tube. Hope this link works. If not just google it.

 

Personally I like the patina, I would just put an edge back on it and be good. It is going to rust anyway. Maybe a light sanding to see if any markings appear.

 

Breaking news! Started to do initial cleanup this morning. Started with a bench wire wheel, then a die grinder and surface conditioning disc.




Then decided I am going to let it soak in motor oil all weekend to help bring the remaining rust out of the pits.



After dousing it with oil I noticed something in the glare coming off the head...

It's a Plumb!!!



Not sure which model, but am very happy to find that marking!!

Thanks for the video Boiler! I'll check it out tonight.

 

Very cool. I never run into things like that

 

I have decided I am going to paint it. If I had the original handle, I would probably leave it a little rougher looking.

 

Good reads:

Plumb Co.

 

I ran across that when trying to date the stamp mark on the axe. Near as I can tell, it is the earliest of the "rectangle" logos which would date it as early '20s.

 

Stopped at Lowe's on my lunch hour to pick up a new handle and some linseed oil. I am going to strip the varnish and oil the handle. They only had one handle that was heartwood and the grain isn't bad at all. I looked at maybe 8 handles total and most of them the grain was running opposite of what it should.




I plan to use the linseed oil on a couple other tools I have that the handles are in bad shape on.

 

Trying to get the contour and shape right again after removing the chips. Need to order a round stone. Currently researching proper hanging techniques.





More to come...

 

Finished up sanding the varnish off the handle this evening. Also did my manure fork and a flat shovel handle that were badly weathered. Trying to get my monies worth out of that $6 jug of linseed oil!

 

Good job. I've refurbed a few old heads like that as well. Always fun to bring new life to an old head.

 

My stone should be here Monday. Going to hang it sometime next week. I have already issued a chopping challenge to my boss. He laughed at my rusty old axe head. Hes got a True Temper Kelly Perfect...which is in better condition than mine is.

 

Well, project is nearing completion. Hung it today. Had not noticed the very uneven kerf cut until I went to shape the handle for the axes eye. Other than that, I'm happy with how it turned out. Touched it with a stone a little, but it needs more work. Should be chopping something with it before long.

 

Wow! Nice lawn! You mowing this weekend?

Nice job on the axe too. Looks great.

 

Thanks! Went over the lawn this afternoon. It's got clover and crabgrass and goosegrass in it, but it's nice and green. Trees are starting to leave out already as well.