Making or Repairing Handles for Old Tools

[bczygan]

I've got a broad axe head and need to make a new handle for it.

Also have a number of ball pein hammers that need work or new handles.

This thread is for a discussion of materials and methods.

 

[RivennHewn]

Rehandling a tool can make for a fun project.

Here is one I did awhile back.

 

[jakemac]

Well ...............

First you need a Felling Axe to cut the tree down and chop it to length.

Then you need a Chopping Axe to split out some blanks. Or you can use a Froe and Mallet to split down longer length handle blanks.

Next, you'll need to built a Draw Bench. You can do this during the 1 to 2 year wait while your wood seasons properly.

After that, you can sit at the Draw Bench and use your Draw Knife to carve out your handle.

WHAT ! You don't have a Draw Knife ? What kind of handle maker are you ?
Well, I guess that's another tool you'll need to purchase.

Once you're done roughing out the handle blank, you can use your Rasp to refine the shape and fit the top to the hole in the head of your tool.

Now that your handle is roughed out, you can smooth it down with Crocus Cloth, originally made with fine crushed Blacksmith's Crocus imbedded in a cloth with a slight linseed oil binder (don't know what Crocus is ? It's the fine flakes that come off the cooling metal as the blacksmith is working hot iron on the anvil) .

Finally, use your Backsaw to cut a slot in the head of the handle for the wedge that will lock the handle into the head.
(don't forget to make a wedge)

Handles are simple to make.


EDIT - RivennHewn, nicely done.

 

[Hammer1963]

I have Hickory stock sourced from an 82 year old tree I felled about 18 months ago. I have pre-cut sections into various lengths for assorted handle uses. Most of my work consist of making reproduction octagonal hammer handles that are no longer available for Herbrand, Plvmb, Proto and Snap-on body and ball peen hammers. I do on occasion produce hatchet handles and the odd custom handle. Just a weird hobby I enjoy

 

[montanafordman]

Well ...............

First you need a Felling Axe to cut the tree down and chop it to length.

Then you need a Chopping Axe to split out some blanks. Or you can use a Froe and Mallet to split down longer length handle blanks.

Next, you'll need to built a Draw Bench. You can do this during the 1 to 2 year wait while your wood seasons properly.

After that, you can sit at the Draw Bench and use your Draw Knife to carve out your handle.

WHAT ! You don't have a Draw Knife ? What kind of handle maker are you ?
Well, I guess that's another tool you'll need to purchase.

Once you're done roughing out the handle blank, you can use your Rasp to refine the shape and fit the top to the hole in the head of your tool.

Now that your handle is roughed out, you can smooth it down with Crocus Cloth, originally made with fine crushed Blacksmith's Crocus imbedded in a cloth with a slight linseed oil binder (don't know what Crocus is ? It's the fine flakes that come off the cooling metal as the blacksmith is working hot iron on the anvil) .

Finally, use your Backsaw to cut a slot in the head of the handle for the wedge that will lock the handle into the head.
(don't forget to make a wedge)

Handles are simple to make.


EDIT - RivennHewn, nicely done.

Wow.... now I only feel like half a man. I only have a hatchet!

Much to learn. More tools to buy.

To quote a friend from the fordbarn, his dad told him: "too soon old, to late smart!" this is how I feel...

 

[2oolhound]

You've really got a handle on it RivennHewn. Nice work!

 

[Fretters]

Rehandling a tool can make for a fun project.

Here is one I did awhile back.

Nice work. Is that vice a Record?