DIY Axe Handle and Broad Axe Restoration

[@maximus78028]

Very good video, that grinding stone wheel is crazy. Now that is old school.

[@ChopWithChris]

No doubt!!

[@nicholasvaneyk4565]

You did it again Chris! Thanks so much for these gifts (videos)!

[@ChopWithChris]

You are most welcome!

[@TheriaultDave]

Hey Chris, sorry i've been quite busy with the holidays coming. This was a great video, how sweet of your wife to spin the grinding stone. That axe looks like it'll make a great addition to your collection :) keep up the good work my friend

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@edwardleroy7648]

Best method for laying out an axe handle that I have seen.

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@minneapolisjeff3832]

That's some damn fine choppin' Chris!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@bje005]

One of your best!! You’ve came a long way for a guy who started by sanding wood with rocks.👍🏻

[@ChopWithChris]

Wow! You’ve known me for a longgg time! Thanks so much!

[@jimbenge9649]

As always, I'm in awe of your skills. Thanks for sharing the journey.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@jpkalishek4586]

for marital bliss, I'd recommend making a treadle system for that grind stone.

[@ChopWithChris]

For sure!!!!

[@cplatter38]

Meh... just tell her how sexy and firm her arms are getting.... then build a treadle... ;)

[@porchcrow]

Nice! Even better. Love this channel.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@HobbitHomes263]

the nice thing about this hobby is you NEVER run out of good kindling

[@ChopWithChris]

Or mulch! 😄

[@HobbitHomes263]

@@ChopWithChris n northern Montana..EVERYTHING is kindling!

[@ChopWithChris]

Ha ha ha!

[@Austeration]

I'm completely amazed by your work 👍 stunning outcome.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thank you!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Chris. Very nice job on the handle. Thanks for taking the time to produce the video. Y'all take care and God bless.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks! Take care yourself!

[@wingednomad8423]

Beautiful work Chris! You've given me alot of ideas for when I start my first 6 inch broad axe.

[@ChopWithChris]

Great! Good luck!

[@garykizziah1762]

I just picked up a 14 inch one can’t wait to finish up the handle

[@ChopWithChris]

Wow! 14”!!!! Awesome!

[@kellytulu748]

You do such a amazing job with all your projects

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@tolbaszy8067]

Nice ax and superb handle! Beatty and Blood axes are some of the best! Why did you choose that length of handle for that ax? When I hew logs, I use a broad ax, like this one, with a straight edge and long, straight handle for scoring across the face of the log. I follow up with a curved edge ax, and maybe with a shorter handle, to hew flat. Riving handle blanks from curved logs can save the steam bending step. Thanks for making the video!

[@ChopWithChris]

Honestly I just copied the handle from a previous broad axe. I like to idea of using a curved piece vs having to steam bend. Thanks for the comment.

[@dr5674]

Awesome find! Amazing what you can score at flea markets. Beautiful head restoration and handle making video!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@cplatter38]

Glad you're making videos again.. two in as many weeks! Awesome!!

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻💪

[@TheAndrestacy]

You always inspire me to use hand tools more, great video

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@johnclarke6647]

Chris, I just got a broad axe off EBay. Some AH had painted it Forest green to cover up the rust on it. I stripped the paint and have it soaking in Evapo Rust for a couple of days. I will then wire wheel it and straighten out the bevel and flat side. It is not got any big chips or dings in it, so it will probably be easy to restore. I have a new handle for it and I will burnish and linseed oil it. I think it will be easy to hang. This ain’t my first rodeo hanging axes. I will polish up the head and blue it with cold blue. It is almost identical to your broad axe. I am going to put a 35” hickory handle on it. That will keep my knuckles out of the way.

[@ChopWithChris]

Wow! Congrats!

[@brianmcguire5005]

I finally found one of those big coopers spokeshaves about a month ago. Had to travel 200 miles to get it but I found it!! It is now my favorite spokeshave to remove large material lol. It’s like a drawknife that has a sole on the bottom lol.

[@ChopWithChris]

They’re amazing!!

[@Georgecobb-s1v]

Very impressive!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@dakalunst]

Fantastic job, man! So much work on it! Thanks for sharing with us

[@ChopWithChris]

You bet! 👍🏻

[@caj1]

Very therapeutic to watch, nice job 👌👍

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job Chris, good reproduction handle ! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@ChopWithChris]

You bet!

[@trindal359]

This is really encouraging, thank you. I have a similar head, mounted on a standard recurve handle, it's awful. I had no idea it was supposed to be so short, that makes great sense. The stem set up is beautiful, I was over thinking that part. I saw another video that shows the "aussie hang" method. It uses a separate hardwood wedge, I think it's for one that can be disassembled for packing, not sure. Anyways the full length handle totally does not work at all, it's actually really scary. I'm going to hew my first big log it is 24 at the butt and 14 foot long. Having the broadaxe setup proper will help alot, thank you for your teaching

[@ChopWithChris]

Great! Good luck!

[@uncledavesfrontier6846]

Beautiful work Chris. Great job!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@Needtorestore]

Really good restoration, subsribed

[@ChopWithChris]

Awesome, thank you!

[@SteveC38]

Awesome Job Brother... and Mrs. 👍

[@ChopWithChris]

We both thank you!

[@gslope1]

Great video. I just picked up a goosewing head and need to make a handle. I was going to try and buy one, but this *may* have inspired me to try and make one. The bending process is cool.

[@ChopWithChris]

Good luck!!

[@ArtDevil85]

That was an amazing work! Thank You!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@RESTORATIONOFSCRAPMETAL]

great job well done.👍

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@MWAWoodworks]

dude that was so amazing! Wizardry!

[@ChopWithChris]

Ha! Thanks!

[@phillipduncan2497]

Nice job with this. I can remember the canoe you made in high school. You were doing fine craftsmanship back then.

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@DrJay-er9ky]

What’s in the bin besides the axe head and the solution? Looks like two round weights.. Can’t tell .. Great video

[@ChopWithChris]

What is the time stamp?

[@peteseddon5819]

Chris, would you consider white vinegar and salt to remove that kind of rust, or is the product you used a better/gentler substitute? Beautiful restoration!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks. I think it works better than vinegar.

[@ironleatherwood1357]

Great video bud!

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks

[@johnclarke6647]

Mine was 2.25” by 3/4” at the eye.. I got a nice straight hickory handle 35” long from my local Ace hardware. It was 2.4” by 3/4”. I hope it will work. The head is soaking in Evapo Rust, now.

[@ChopWithChris]

Nice!

[@lrayvick]

I have a right hand head that looks much like yours. It weighs 2.6 lb. I have had it many years and don't know where I got. It is pitted and rather crudely forged - you can see a small part of the line where the halves were folded over and forged together. I think I will put a 28 inch handle on it. What do you think?

[@ChopWithChris]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@haroldmilroy4489]

Great video. Just wondering where you got that stone? One more question shouldn’t you put a smaller wedge going perpendicular to the larger one in the axe eye? Just wondering. Great job and awesome ideas. Going to try that steam bending trick. Been looking for a handle for a left handed (me) forever. Thanks for posting

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks. I got the stone in Craigslist. I don't understand your 2nd question.

[@haroldmilroy4489]

Great find. I've been looking for one of those forever. Good for you. So for the wedge, I have been told that the only way a handle will stay in an axe is if you drive the long wedge into the handle as you did in your video and then drive a second wedge - into the first wedge - but perpendicular to you so you end up with what looks like a cross or a "t" of wedges in the axe handle. The theory is that the two wedges secure the handle in both length and width if you follow my explanation. Apologies if I'm not clear.

[@ChopWithChris]

Understood. I’ve never tried that before. Good luck with your axe handle!

[@haroldmilroy4489]

@@ChopWithChris I don't remember where I saw this but it was on one of the "name" axe sites. I have had axes come loose when only wedge was driven into the handle but that was likely poor a job on my part though I will say that after having driving perpendicular wedges in the last two axes I re-handled I haven't had that happen. Just my experience. Thanks looking forward to trying that handle. Take care.

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@kato2531]

Nice job and video, may I ask why did you chose to sharpen the axe after the handle was installed.

[@ChopWithChris]

Easier to hold

[@maxkarpov1903]

interesting ax shape😉

[@ChopWithChris]

Love my broad axe.

[@bristleconepinus2378]

nice methodology

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@peterboyd5618]

Great video sir. Perhaps you've addressed this issue, but the HVAC ducting used during the steaming process looked to be galvanized and I'd hate for you to get any zinc smoke exposure. All in all a very enjoyable and informative video. ~PB

[@ChopWithChris]

Ahh. Good point. Thanks for the info!

[@jeffborup4983]

I’m thinking that the grinding wheel should be rotating toward the piece. Please coach me up

[@ChopWithChris]

Probably but my wife was nice enough to turn the wheel crank and I didn’t want her to get sprayed with water otherwise it would have been a very short sharpening session 😄

[@TheRedhawke]

Great save on that axe sir. What is the size number and maker of that spokeshave you were using to make the handle ? That is the largest spokeshave I have ever seen and think it would really be handy making handles as you just showed.

[@ChopWithChris]

J G Steiger. Patented April 3, 1866. I bought it at the flea market for a couple of bucks with no handles, restored it, and added these large handles because it’s a huge tool and makes it easier to use. It’s amazingly effective!!

[@TheRedhawke]

I really like it. Did you make a video of the restoration ?

[@ChopWithChris]

Sorry. No.

[@TheRedhawke]

I am on the hunt now.

[@millbankbagsusa2037]

So nice to see a guy who has the right tools and knows how to use them. Chris, did the style of axe just have the bevel on one side? If so why is it made that way? thanks, Ray

[@robertpothier1861]

A broad axe is used to hew logs to make them into rectangular beams. You use a regular axe to cut big notches on one side of the log, then use a broad axe to chop the chunks between the notches off. The axe is only used in one direction to split material off, so the one-sided bevel helps to stop the axe from digging in to the beam.

[@ChopWithChris]

It has a single bevel which ensures it cuts straight along the grain vs. cutting INTO the grain. This ensures a flat surface.

[@ChopWithChris]

Yep

[@johnclarke6647]

How long did you leave it in the Evapo Rus?

[@ChopWithChris]

2 days.

[@johnclarke6647]

@@ChopWithChris Chris, I took the axe head after 24 hours and scrubbed it with Brillo to remove all loose rust. Use my little wire brush to clean out the eye. I then put it back into the EvapoRus for another 24 hours. I will the scrub it down, again.

[@ChopWithChris]

Good idea.

[@algerc.5492]

Chris, that's the largest spokeshave I've ever seen and I have a ton of antique tools, is that craftsman made or manufactured?

[@ChopWithChris]

J G Steiger. Patented April 3, 1866. I bought it at the flea market for a couple of bucks with no handles, restored it, and added these large handles because it’s a huge tool and makes it easier to use. It’s amazingly effective!!

[@buckwylde9567]

Was that a L hand or R hand broadaxe? I’m new, so forgive if it is a dumb question. Very nice work

[@ChopWithChris]

Hmm... I'm not sure what the old timers would say - the bevel is on the left side so I'm calling this a left handed broad axe and of course you can flip it over on handle and it becomes right handed.

[@MartinMMeiss-mj6li]

Nice looking handle. I'm worried about the abrupt shoulder where the handle enters the eye. That tends to focus the stress at that one place and can lead to breakage. BTW. a piece of an appropriately sized tire makes a dandy water bath for a grinding wheel like yours.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks and great idea!

[@mardakworkshop4450]

well done man 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!!

[@ekhwankso5921]

hi chris good to see new video..

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks

[@snoopyismydog5695]

thumbs up for me, should it have shoulders like that, just asking cause i have not seen an old one with shoulders like that

[@ChopWithChris]

It’s a little too much I think.

[@snoopyismydog5695]

@@ChopWithChris dont get me wrong great work, impressive, thanks

[@notatechie]

Good job.

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@mowdan77]

No glue on your wedge ?

[@ChopWithChris]

No

[@tacotes16]

I got lucky i found a 12" in excellent condition for 25 freaking dollars awesome!

[@ChopWithChris]

Dang!!!

[@u.sonomabeach6528]

Come on now, you didn't need to make me feel that bad about my drawknife's performance! 😃 I think I'm gonna go sharpen mine

[@ChopWithChris]

Ha ha ha!

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Why the steaming and clamping?

[@ChopWithChris]

I’m permanently bending the handle so I don’t got my knuckles when slicing down the length of the log.

[@tenpennyguy]

suggest you further research how broadaxe was used. Your demo shows splitting and rough work. Other tools did that while the broadaxe put the final finish on a square log - dropping the blade crossgrain ro diagonally to produce a smooth true surface.

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@genegoodman5233]

why don't you put a foot pedal on the grinding rock. We had one at home outside, it had one pedal, very easy to build, put a seat on the stand then you can get wet

[@ChopWithChris]

I need to do this!!

[@cathyng8092]

Bravo

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks!

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Steam in a plastic bag use an old 5 gallon gas can heat the wayer hoze to the bag handle its easier

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@genegoodman5233]

I guess I need to read some comments before I write. It's bound to work, 2 great minds agree on it.

[@ChopWithChris]

:)

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

I'm no antique tool expert, but it seems that axe head required a much longer handle. It seems large enough to use standing on the log and hewing the side of the log. Handle would be bent like yours, just longer.

[@ChopWithChris]

I just copied the handle from an original handle on a slightly larger broad axe.

[@davefarnsworth3020]

Handle is the correct length for the head. Standing on the log you use a different axe make scoring cuts to a chalk line. Then standing on the ground with the broad axe using a chopping- slicing motion to the line. That's the reason for the bent short handle. So you can get close to the log for very controlled cuts while keeping your knuckles away from the log.

[@joaoPedro-ei4vy]

Parabéns

[@ChopWithChris]

Obrigado!

[@KeilCas]

bro, easy on the splitter axe just chucking it on the concrtete like that lol

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@melodyschultz5031]

Could have made two handles from that piece of ash.

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@trungminh321]

I subed :p

[@ChopWithChris]

Thanks and welcome to my channel!

[@dandoyle4519]

Hey Chris that's a lot of work you you're going, say hi to your wife for me 😁

[@ChopWithChris]

Will do!! 👍🏻

[@hbk2806]

👍

[@ChopWithChris]

:)

[@ГеннадийБодриков-н3г]

Посадочное маленькое. на долго не хватит. Больше похож на топор мясника.

[@ChopWithChris]

ok

[@garypickering7981]

Slow and easy Bubba

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@moradmoro8638]

مرحبا كريس

[@ChopWithChris]

مرحبا

[@DanVR001]

To me, it looks like the handle is too small compared to the axe head.

[@ChopWithChris]

I copied the handle from a 150 year old axe that was slightly bigger so I assumed they knew what they were doing. The handle is short because it’s intended for a short arc to hew the leg lengthwise.

[@ShellJing]

Such a big piece of wood, can do at least three handles, so it is too wasteful.

[@ChopWithChris]

ok

[@FredMcIntyre]

😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@ChopWithChris]

:)

[@scottmcintosh2988]

See tips from a shipwright

[@ChopWithChris]

👍🏻

[@porchcrow]

It looks like a piece of oak to me.

[@ChopWithChris]

Hickory

[@johnjhs3497]

You could have made the axe handle at the edge of the wood instead of in the middle and losing most of the wood. Then you could have gotten 2 handles out of that piece of wood

[@ChopWithChris]

I was ensuring the wood grains were parallel to the axe head for maximum strength.

[@moradmoro8638]

مرحبا كريس

[@ChopWithChris]

مرحبا