Non-abrasive way to remove oxidation from wood?

[Outlawmws]

I have an old ax handle that I plan on putting back on the ax head it came off of. I'm leaving the majority of the external "patina (it's going to become a wall-hanger) but where it goes into the head is in two pieces, and those split interfaces are also oxidized. Not good for a glued joint.

Anyone have a chemical way to "etch' the wood to make it a better surface for glue? I keep thinking "I know this" but I can't remember what it was...

No I don't want to hear "just replace the handle"... It's not a working tool, it's a display tool.

I know i could power wash it off, but I can't do that without affecting the visible areas as well...

Anyone?

 

[cowboy73]

Household bleach will remove the gray oxidation. You can replicate the gray oxidation by soaking some rusty nails, bolts in white vinegar overnight. Brush the brown rusty solution on the wood and it will turn gray.

 

[ZRX61]

oxalic acid?

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks Guys, I tried the bleach (Because I have a half gallon jug of the real deal but no Oxalic acid), and it worked great! I used a cut down acid brush to lightly scrub and while a few splinters peeled out, nothing significant and the two parts fit together perfectly. Let it dry and now I'm awaiting for the glue to dry...

 

[cowboy73]

Glad to hear it worked out for ya!

 

[383 240z]

I would have said soda blast. Keith