The axe handle is the part of an axe that you grip to swing the axe. An axe handle can replace if it becomes damaged or worn down. A few different types of axe handles are available on the market, including wooden and metal handles. Some wooden handles include wooden shafts and rings, while metal handles can make of aluminum, steel, or other materials.
You’ve got the handle of the axe and the wedge ready, and now the time is near to sand the handle. You may be wondering if there are certain steps to follow to sand the axe’s handle for a perfect finish. Well, we’re glad you’re here to learn about the various steps involved in axe handle sanding. But before getting into the steps, let’s understand what an axe handle is.
The Different Types Of The Axe Handle
The axe handles include hickory handles, basswood handles, maple handles, beech handles, birch handles, and composite handles. The hickory handle is the most popular axe handle because it is strong, durable, and easy to grip. A basswood handle is popular because it is lightweight, soft, and easy to grip.
The maple handle is strong and has a smooth surface. The beech handle is popular due to its natural finish and easy-to-grip features. The birch axe handle is light and has a smooth surface. And the composite axe handle is a combination of the other four types of handles. Each of these axe handles has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
8 Steps To Change An Axe Handle
An axe handle is a piece of wood attached to the axe head using a handle. An axe handle is a component of an axe that provides a grip for the user. It’s usually made from wood but can also make from other materials, like bone or antler. It’s used to balance the weight of the axe head so that you can swing it more accurately. Here are the 8 steps to change an axe handle.
1.Prep Work
To change an axe handle, you must first do some preparatory work. This includes cleaning the axe head and the handle, removing any rust or oxidation, and ensuring that the wood is properly dry. Once the wood is dry, you can start to sand it down using coarse grit sandpaper. You can also use a belt sander if necessary. Once the handle is completely sanded down, you can apply a sealant to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
2.Initial Fitting
When changing the handle of an axe, it is important to match the new handle to the axe head exactly. A good fit ensures accuracy when chopping and reduces the chance of damage to the axe head. It is also important to ensure that the handle does not wobble when held in a relaxed position.
If the axe head is too loose, it may vibrate and cause damage to the axe. To ensure a perfect fit, use a mallet or a hammer to strike the head of the axe until it fits snugly into the handle. This will help to create a tight and secure fit between the new handle and the axe head.
3.Continued Fitting
It is important to ensure that the handle of your axe is properly fitted before using it. If the handle isn’t fitted properly, it may become loose over time and cause injury. Continue fitting the handle by adjusting the width and depth of the hole.
Try to make the hole as large as possible while still allowing you enough room to grip the handle securely. You should fit the handle of an axe with a hole deep enough so your hand can easily reach the blade without slipping. It’s also a good idea to check for any gaps or tears in the woodwork that may lead to handling failure.
4.Prepare The Kerf For The Wedge.
This step involves cutting a slot in the handle at the desired location. The kerf must precisely measure, and the wedge inserted, so it slips easily into the slot. Once the wedge is in place, use a chisel to trim the excess wood off the top of the wedge. This step helps ensure that the handle is straight and that the new handle fits smoothly into place. After this, sand down the handle to smooth rough edges or corners.
5.Install The Wooden Wedge
The wooden wedge is the final step in the handle replacement process. First, sand down the axe head and handle to install the wedge to remove any excess wood. Once the axe head and handle are ready, insert the wooden wedge into the slot cut in the handle.
Use a hammer to hammer down onto the top of the wedge until it’s firmly seated within the hole. Next, use a chisel to trim any excess wood around the edge of the wedge. Finally, sand down the edges of the wedges so they fit snugly against the axe head and handle.
6.Wedge Trimming And Metal Wedge Installation
Wedge trimming and metal wedge installation is the final step in changing an axe handle. Typically, this involves removing excess material from the end of the handle using a wedge or chisel. This step ensures that the handle fits securely onto the axe head.
After wedge trimming and metal wedge installation, the axe’s handle looks new and clean without excess material. This step effectively transforms the handle of an axe into a sleek and functional piece of outdoor equipment.
7.Final Sanding And Oiling
Final sanding and oiling are essential steps in changing an axe handle. Sandpaper is used to smooth the handle and remove any unwanted scratches. After sanding, the handle must be oil to prevent it from rusting and to protect it from moisture. Finally, You should apply a coat of protective oil to the handle to ensure it lasts longer. When replacing your axe’s handle, keep these steps in mind to ensure a successful outcome.
8.Caring For Your New Handle
If you replaced the handle of your axe, it is important to take good care of it. After all, the handle of an axe is crucial for the function of the axe head. It is essential to store the handle in a dry and cool place to prevent rusting.
To ensure that the new handle lasts long and remains in good condition, you should clean and oil it regularly. If the handle breaks or becomes damaged, replace it as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your axe. It is vital to take good care of your axe handle to ensure that it lasts long and remains in good condition.
Tips On How To Keep The Axe Handle In Good Condition
Axe handles can get rusty and dirty over time, which can lead to them becoming unusable. Axe handles are a crucial part of an axe and must keep in good condition to ensure they can function properly. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
- Clean the handle regularly using a mild soap and water mixture. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris collected over time.
- Do not expose the handle to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This will damage it over time.
- Store the axe away from moisture and high-humidity environments. These conditions will also cause the handle to corrode.
Conclusion
An axe handle can either make of wood or metal. Wood handles are usually made of a combination of sawdust and glue, while metal axe handles are usually made of sawdust. Having the right handle for the job ensures that you can easily chop wood and that the handle doesn’t slip in your hands. That said, changing the axe handle can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t know what to expect.
You must first prepare the wooden handle by sanding it down and cutting off any unnecessary wood. Next, using a chisel or hammer, you must fit the wedge into the handle. You must also wedge the handle using sandpaper or metal wedges.
Once the wedge is set, you must trim excess wood using sandpaper or metal wedges. Once the wooden handle is ready, it must be oiled and sanded regularly to keep it in good shape. Following these steps correctly can easily change your axe handle with minimal effort and time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.What Steps Do You Take To Change An Axe Handle?
Ans: The simple steps involved in changing an axe handle are as follows: 1. Remove the axe head from the handle by unscrewing it. 2. Remove the handle from the axe shaft by unscrewing it. 3. Replace the axe head with the handle and screw it in place. 4. Replace the handle on the axe shaft and screw it in place.
2.What Are Some Considerations When Choosing An Axe Handle?
Ans: A few things to remember when choosing an axe handle: the axe head should fit securely onto the handle, the handle should be long enough to allow for good grip, and it should not wobble or move around.
3.What Are The Best Practices For Handling And Storing Axes?
Ans: The best practices for handling and storing axes are as follows:
1. Always keep the axe head clean and free of debris. This will help ensure that the handle can function properly. 2. Store the axe head safely from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. These conditions will damage the axe head over time
3. Keep the handle dry and moisture-free, which will also cause it to corrode.
4.Are All Axe Handles The Same Size?
Ans: No, axe handle sizes can vary. Make sure to measure the circumference of your hand before selecting an axe handle size.
5.How Is An Axe Head Attached To A Handle?
Ans: There are two common methods of attaching the axe head to the handle: with screws or with glue.
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