COPPER Plated!! AXE Restoration - Estwing Hatchet Customization & Electroplating

[@jonathanhuman7333]

When you’re sanding to a polished finish, make sure you only sand in one direction at a time and when you change direction sand at a 90 degree angle to the last direction. When you sand in circles it makes it look hazy and uneven. Try using a foam or rubber sanding pad when possible. It keeps the pressure even. I love the videos. It’s making me want to get busy in my shop again. I also loved the tribute to your grandfather. It reminded me of my grandfather. He grew up during the depression and he taught me it’s better to rebuild than buy new in most cases.

[@mikecuev820]

Good sanding tips!

[@richardsandwell2285]

This is a wonderful restoration and Copper plating is now so important with the control of Corona virus, door handles and any touched surfaces are much safer in Copper.

[@timlfrench]

To get a mirror finish when polishing, use a strop. Get a piece of economy rouge from Tandy Leather, and apply a bunch to the back side of a piece of leather and then use it like a polishing cloth. Boom! Shiny shiny!

[@davidcoats1037]

That turned out really nice. Makes me want to copper plate a bunch of stuff. When moving through the grits, I’ve found that you have to sand in straight lines and change the direction of your sanding between each grit. There is just no other way to know for sure you are ready to go to the next grit.

[@lukearts2954]

as a sanding nut, I'd love to share how I do the polishing sanding... I haven't gotten around editing videos that show this (saving up to replace broken pc) but maybe I can describe a few major points. To me it doesn't seem to be as much about _having_ patience as I feel it actually gives or teaches patience... Eventually it even becomes a sort of meditation. The trick to that, is finding a rhythm and count it or sing it (if it's a song). Try to maintain the same number of strokes per grit per surface... For more consistency, I try to stick my paper onto another object as often as possible. A stone, a metal bar, a wooden block... Moving those around is much easier to do in a consistent way than just the paper under your fingers. I see you use circular motion. While I know that some people swear that's the way to go, I actually feel I get better results on metal with straight lines. Depending on the grit steps I take, I either stagger the direction, or always do the same direction. Smaller steps (120, 150, 180, 210, 240 etc instead of the typical doubling 80, 120, 240, etc) allow you to get away with not fully removing all scratches from the previous grit, which actually saves time in spite of using more steps. This will not give you a true mirror polish, but I find it looks even better because you get an equally deep shine while still maintaining the rough look from a strong tool instead of a tacky chromed prop. With the small steps, I use the same rubbing direction all the time. (It requires a cross section sketch to show how and why that works well) Fixing your item will also make the work a lot lighter. And the next big factor, would be the applied pressure and the presence of residue from previous sanding (has a stropping effect on higher grits 1000 and up). Without residue, applying more pressure will result in a more coarse result than a lighter pressure. So you can actually do 2 steps per grit. The hard pressure of a higher grit will in fact be more coarse than the soft pressure of the previous grit, which helps reaching a smooth result because it allows you to fix any errors that were left in after the previous grit. Two steps forward, one step back - the Echternach Procession. For difficult areas, I spray glue the paper onto an old file, but be careful not to rip the paper with the file because that'll send you back to grit 80... (Return to "START", you do not receive start bonus XD)

[@tikonc]

If you use copper sulfate and hot water mix, you will get a thicker coat of copper in much less time. Nice work with the hatchet.

[@rr3102]

Really neat set there. Haven't seen anyone else really do the copper plating, I like it. Lots of restoration channels on YT but yours stands out. Keep up the good work.

[@RoosterAndTheHen]

One tip to sanding is to use a sanding block. It helps to the the waves and divets out. Personally on an axe I'm working on right this minute, I'm using a file to get everything level and then I'll use a sanding block to shape the metal the way I would like.

[@humanhybrid8089]

Wow...April 2019....now it's already January 2020...glad I found your videos!👍Really Cool...Ty for sharing.🖐

[@johnkemas7344]

I liked the video! I think I would have gone 1 step more and plated the handle end of the ax too for better long term rust resistance.

[@adamsifford6228]

My as well plate all the metal.

[@yvesdesrosiers2396]

Thanks for sharing. To help with polishing you should use a sponge rubber backing pad. The ones used to hand sand vehicles. 3M has a nice one #05526 good bother for wet or dry sanding. As well it is best practice to sand in the same direction that way you avoid swirls. Nice job.

[@fvrrljr]

AHA! that drywall looking rasp thingy is called a surform rasp, Thanx for including in the description

[@rodmackenzie9986]

Here in South Africa we call that rasp a Surform Rasp Thy're available a Rat tail , concave across the long axis and also come with a flexible holder to make it concave or convex along it's length . They also remove skin really quick ! Really interesting plating demo and meticulous detail work . Thanks

[@SlickD217]

I use a bench buffer with jewelers rouge to finish polish.

[@oldshovel]

Good tip thanks

[@Jim_Fries]

Matching hammer and hatchet!! Excellent work, I love your videos.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@Karbonthirteen]

Im new to your channel and I have not seen you use a 2x72. I’m sure it’s been said but I’ve experienced this first hand and there is a HUGE selection of different belts using a variety of materials. If you don’t have one already please consider buying or make a 2x72 inch belt grinder/sander. Your belts will last A LOT longer and you can get some rock bottom prices for the 2x72 vs 1, 3, or 6 inch belt sanders. Be blessed and thank you for making some really good content.

[@tfknauss]

Good job, I know how you feel on the polishing,, but your better at it than I. Thanks for sharing!

[@ChuckisOutside]

I suggest sanding with each grit in one direction. When you go to the next highest sand perpendicular from the last. You can then see when the previous scratches are gone. I like your videos. Thanks

[@oldshovel]

Thanks for the tip

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Nice work. You really stuck with the project. Good job.

[@moonolyth]

Nice jobe gathering materials to copper plate now. I'm using 2prts Hydrogen peroxide to 1 part Muriatic acid to build up coppe solution. Than perhaps cut it with clean water. In the states, they sell tree root killer which is essentially copper ready for use. Also, I'm crazy about de-rusting with un-sulfured molasses and water 1 to 9prts water. Placed in a container with lid 2 weeks, will remove everything w/o eating base metal. Will last up to 7 months but does smell some. Lastly, I've reconditioned a couple of plexy-glass aquariums grading sandpaper and it looks like you may not need to us as many transitions as you did, perhaps totally dif. than plastic. Anyway, great job overall, I'll have to try the handle material plates for something one day.

[@TheLoxxxton]

Love the copper plating. I really wasn't sure about the leatherman but it turned out great. Real steam punk!! Wouldn't it be great to buy a cased tool kit wrenches screwdrivers pliers etc from home depot and Cooper plate the whole thing to really make it custom

[@oldshovel]

That could be cool. I love the idea.

[@salesshorelinerental]

Polished bronze plating looks like gold. Great videos.

[@SpaceManAus]

You need a cloth wheel for your bench grinder and polishing wax, come in all size grit, can polish all metal to a mirror finish.

[@mr.anderson9938]

Saweet! Nothing beats old steel

[@altoticket]

Great job! Looks amazing

[@andrewkiefer1267]

You want all the scratches going the same direction. If you sand in circles it will always look wavy

[@carlson6022]

The key to a good sand is to shape for longer... m3 makes a powder guide coat that will get into the low spots.

[@underdog427]

first time seeing your videos and i really dig it. one thing ive been told and learned though is if you want the copper to last, do a nickle plating layer first and it helps so the copper plating doesn't rub off or flake off as quickly over time.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@underdog427]

@@oldshovel no problem, I just recently learned about that as well and I've seen really good results.

[@farissiddiqui6302]

Hey dude! This the first video of your’s that I’m watching, and I can already say that I live your channel! You have a great personality, and everything is well edited and shot. I hope to follow your journey through the jungle that is KZbin. Please keep up the work!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks and I’m glad you liked this one.

[@clayodonnell3067]

with the sanding, if u go in one direction the same time it is better, usually along the length

[@willyam9735]

Oh, now you've done it! I gotta try some copper plating also! I think I will start with my Leatherman Wave.

[@RoosterAndTheHen]

The copper plating is pretty amazing. Definitely enjoyed the video and would love to see some updates on how the copper wears after using the hatchet.

[@oldshovel]

The copper does dull a bit as it goes on and wears depending on the amount of use.

[@robertblitch4702]

That's a really nice set now, great job

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@explosivefreak666]

Wel, to mé, that is some Damm good job you on the axe in general.! NO ONE, is to be complaining about shit... I would be Lucky to be half that good.! Great work mate.!!

[@КошмарКошмар-й2б]

Very good restoration bro 👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@Soupcan13]

Huh! That came out surprisingly cool! Interesting that the playing holds up with use

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@Bang6484a]

I guess your great great great grandson can see that axe. Because you extended it's life.

[@mtmchenry]

Great video. I'm going have to try copper plating on a couple projects.

[@oldshovel]

It’s fun.

[@twigglykevin]

I have the same Stanly 199 knife, found it buried in lime at the pulp mill.

[@forjanatalense]

dude id rlly like to find some estwing somewhere near. awesome work man. greetings from Brazil

[@FixitRestoreit]

Somebody got himself some new evaporust! Nice resto too 😉

[@oldshovel]

Lol. Yep, to do the time lapse I needed something cleaner.

[@Recluse_JL]

Love the video man just like always you’re super impressive and always surprise me.

[@tootall5559]

I'd like to see a plated Tonka truck. I've seen em painted, and powder coated, but not plated. Nickel might be a better choice tho. Can you take one of your half dollars, dip it in like half way into the copper, then turn it around and nickel plate the other side? Also if you can rig it up, like on two metal rods with a couple of bolts or something hot glued in the middle, so you can keep turning it in the plating sauce but only plate say a quarter or 3./8 inch around the rim... I've got to get some way to do plating myself so I can try all this stuff

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Everything looks better with added copper or brass 👍 😊

[@DaleDix]

Looks good, glad you love them too.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@Deawithhoneyandoatmilk]

I’d really like to see a Swiss Army knife restoration video. It’d probably be a lot of work but think about what a vintage Swiss Army knife with custom scales would look like

[@oldshovel]

That would be cool great idea

[@Facts.About.Everything.YouTube]

I found one kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4jXkHWZp5inodk

[@Facts.About.Everything.YouTube]

One more... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJyYc4B6ecira6s

[@madethehorsecry]

Happy it turns is a under sale it freaking awesome

[@madethehorsecry]

Screwdrivers

[@supabiscuit]

Great video. Thanks for what you do

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@ServiceTrek]

do you have any friction fit handles to set or a restoration of an offset hewing axe would be cool.

[@oldshovel]

I’ve been on the hunt for a good hewing axe.

[@prozach5535]

This video was inspiring because i want to restore my watch lathe and i'm curious if I copper plate the lathe bed, if I then could solder the pitted area before nickel plating. Have you ever tried this and if not would you be interested in trying this and making a video. Thanks, zkapp

[@benkanobe7500]

If I can not find a pure copper cup at a thrift store, what should I use (I want to copper coat my Plumb axe head I am restoring) for the copper? How long do you put it in the solution for each coat? Is more voltage (I have a DC power supply) or more amps better?

[@tootall5559]

you might want to get a detail sander. saves a lot of hand work.

[@Outdoor.pixels]

Awesome video! I copper plated something a few days ago and then left everything in my shop a few days and now it won’t work when I try to copper plate. When I stick something in the mixture it doesn’t start bubbling and I’m using a 6 volt battery. Thanks for the help!

[@greatitbroke]

How durable is the copper coating while you say cut or trim branches with the hatchet? Just wondering?

[@huma78rrashid69]

😎 Cool ⚒ work

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@tootall5559]

you can use a power adapter of anything 3 volts or less instead of a battery. Also, it helps to run two annodes through the acid water mix when you first start. that puts the copper in the fluid before you even start. You might want to consider going to nickel plating. It doesn't oxidize like copper does. It won't be long that copper will turn black from oxidation.

[@bettyadkisson1681]

I just bought a dropped forged world famous hatch with a black plastic coated handle. But it so rough with 4 bad nicks.

[@Mustachio63]

Wow love that, new sub, I'll be watching for more of this stuff. .

[@StigEtDump]

Loving your restorations

[@joeheilm]

Outstanding!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks!

[@TheNamesDalton]

Does the copper have to be partially submerged or can it sit at the bottom of the container of acid?

[@TonyGenerali]

That's really dang cool. Great work!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@royalecrafts6252]

was it possible to plate copper on top of steel directly?

[@Debtfreehomesteaders]

Job well done. Hopefully that copper cup will go a long way. Does the acid solution seem to be better the first time around or did you notice any less coating cohesiveness with the pre used batch on the hatchet? Thanks! -Will

[@oldshovel]

It actually seemed to coat faster. The green color has been darkening with use.

[@4PixelCorner]

I live in the UK and I have one of these axes being shipped to me at the moment, just love the look of it and hopefully I can restore it to a decent level!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. They are fun little axes.

[@slowga4215]

how would you maintain something that has been copper plated? i have a piece of steel i want to plate and was looking to see how it could be done. thanks for the 3 vids on this subject.

[@oldshovel]

The copper develops a patina over a few months. I’m still looking for a way to keep it nice but they all tarnish after a while. I tried a clear coat to protect it but with use it took the copper off with it.

[@slowga4215]

@@oldshovel ah.. well the piece I'm going to be doing will be a sort of decorative piece. Kinda like a paper weight sort of speak.. So I won't be banging it too much. So I can clear coat it and have it last a bit? And again thank you for your time I really appreciate it.

[@christopherbillington8965]

Nice video. The only thing I would do differently is I would put that shopsmith to better use. They're awesome for sanding/polishing tasks.

[@regularhumanbeing5211]

Did you nickel plate the axe first? What steel is the axe, can you use this method with any steel blade/knife?

[@Лужениекузова]

good afternoon == can you clarify the exact recipe for the composition of the electrolyte? I also want to cover a metal part as you have = thanks =

[@oldshovel]

I use a 5:1 solution of distilled water and muriatic acid and a 100% copper anode. Additional detail is in my copper hammer video.

[@jasonyoutubeaccount]

Do you have to be mindful of the corrosion potential of cathode and anode metals when you electroplate something?

[@lomeranger]

Can you do the same process with brass or bronze?

[@leebrewer1190]

Beautiful job!

[@asbjrnyoung-groener1646]

That just looks so sick man, a really nice set of tools. Also think the hand sanding needs to be in one direction (and not the band, the movement) congratulations on 10k, what you are doing is great 👍

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@twigglykevin]

Would unpolished hold more plating than polished?

[@EFreeman1970]

Great video. Does the copper plating “feel” softer than say chrome plating? I am thinking of copper plating some old golf iron heads. I will probably have the old chrome plating professional removed, unless you have a video on DIY chrome plating removal to take it to the raw steel before copper plating it. The intent is to protect the carbon steel with plating while keeping the “soft” feel of the carbon steel. Would love to get your thoughts! Thanks.

[@EuelBall]

Great video, glad you did the hatchet. BTW, 100th upvote!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@adamali7840]

Your hand sanding would go much faster and easier if you started with very high quality low grit sandpaper. I noticed your grits before 400 were not FEPA standard (indicated with a P before your grit number). Do all your work with your lowest grit and use the rest to remove your sanding scratches. 1.5 times your previous grit as you go up your grits. Also sand in 1 direction until you're close to done with your grit then sand perpendicular to more easily even out your scratches. Hopefully this helps a bit.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks for the tips. I’m always up for improving.

[@CarlosMoreno-gl9ls]

Awesome 👏 nice work axe 🪓

[@MetalSmithForge]

Your videos inspired me to try plating some of the things I forged. Are your pieces tarnishing over time? I live close by the Eastwing plant in Rockford, I have a bucket full of scraped hammer blanks from there. I have reforged a couple into new creations.

[@oldshovel]

That’s awesome

[@brianrust5275]

Awesome job man looks great!!

[@brianrust5275]

Also Austin seemed to use an orbital sander quite a lot lol

[@mushroomtip11]

how long did you leave it in the acid each time?

[@zombietwostep]

More cooper, thanks my dude!

[@SantoMuerte187]

Awesome video brother I'm going to do this on my tomahawk!!!!!!!!

[@buckstarchaser2376]

Do you keep the silver dollar in your pocket as a hand sanitizer?

[@CornflakesYognaut]

Thank you for the video. I have a quick question - do you need to protect the copper plated parts in any way? A clear lacquer or something? I want to copper plate parts of a bicycle, so I am worried that the copper will oxidize quickly and lose the shine. Thanks!

[@whatupdoe5744]

Thanks for another great informative video.👌 I see a lot of other restoration channels say that Norton Blaze has excellent abrasive products, they claim they cost a little more but you can easily make up your money because of how well they work and how long they last .Anyway it was just a suggestion maybe it'll help you in the future ,but keep up the good work can't wait for the next video

[@oldshovel]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll check them out.

[@stevend9124]

So in your opinion are estwing hatches and axes your work horses cause I like mine. Cool video ⚒⚒⚒⚒

[@MW-ir3cc]

Really enjoy your videos man. Cool and interesting.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks!

[@Recluse_JL]

Sorry man but the real Gordon Ramsay has 9.4 million subscribers.

[@Will-Xaru]

Would love to see you sharpen the axe I think it would make the copper pop with a shiny edge.

[@larrymiller8990]

Will the copper help to prevent rust ?

[@alexanderkempf9828]

Hope you see this comment! I was curious of 3 things: (1) what you do to prevent the copper from corroding or tarnishing, (2) how might I connect the negative end to a nickel cube, and (3) is a copper coating thick enough to force a patina?

[@HoustonR6ryda]

nice job

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@jason561120]

Youre at 56k subscribers now!

[@KoRnNut]

Congrats to 10K subs! An yea, I really like the copper plating on the hammer and hatchet. Also, Whats the little notch for on the axe head? Keep the great video's coming!!

[@eskimoquinn1062]

It’s for pulling nails. Or opening beers...

[@eagle3351]

Pulling nails

[@stillwatermtb1961]

Pulaski. Show us your work on a trail Pulaski.

[@noahworke2497]

First Comment! Love your videos and I am excited to see your channel grow. You, sir, are probably my favorite youtuber.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks Noah! You are awesome. I am glad you like my content, share it with all your friends!

[@MW-ir3cc]

Gordon was here first.

[@paulpower1972]

Loving your videos. I have always tinkered with upcycling and restoring old gear but your videos have inspired me to get stuck in and try do more. Thank you and keep them coming 👍 What concentration is the acid you are using? Any of the concrete cleaning acids i can find where i live are very low, like 1.5 to 3%

[@oldshovel]

Awesome. Will do. As to the acid, I’m not sure what the concentration is but I used 5 parts distilled water to 1 part acid.

[@adamsifford6228]

I notice a date under my handle 1951 dont know if it is date it was made or casting date i googled the year up on my axe and it come up.

[@sidneimanzutti7735]

Very Good....

[@toddmccarter45]

How long is a dip in the plating tank?

[@oldshovel]

about 2 min each time

[@toddmccarter45]

@@oldshovel thanks!