Great info, thanks. I taught my 10yo son how to replace an axe handle a few weeks ago, something my dad taught me at about that age. Gotta keep these things going! We need a walk around on the truck in the background too!
As a wood worker and wood turner. I use your standard wood glue on my precut bowl blanks to prevent checking in the drying process. You could always add a couple coats of exterior grade wood glue to help stop the checking on the butt the handle. Great video, love seeing people make things by hand
Good stuff. I use the drawknife as well as a rasp with good success. However, I’ve found an angle grinder with a flap disk is a game changer in shaping the handle to go in to the eye…that is if you want to go the power tool route.
Awesome class. Looking forward to seeing Jacob use the new handle in an upcoming video. Learned a lot of great old school techniques in this video. I would have never considered only cutting the wedge kerf to 2/3 the eye length. I probably would have cut it too far and proceeded to break the handle.......again.
Been looken, pulled the trigger Ordered my handle today and can't wait to get it. Y'all must know we can't wate to get our stuff I think it was in the mail 30 min after I ordered . Thanks guys appreciate the videos and great service from real American people getting it done. Love it...
Nice one!I have old Finnish axe heads Billnäs and newer Fiskars waiting on new handles that im hanging in some point with my son and daughter! Thanks for nice tips! 👍🏻
Great information!! Wish I had an axe and a need to hang it.....kinda looks like fun!! Back before fiberglass handled sledges, I replaced a couple handles that got broken off when I was working in construction. It wasn't pretty or refined!!! Love the tips to keep the handle in good shape! Have a great week guys!!
I'm not a professional logger but I do own land here in Oregon with trees that I harvest for firewood and milling into lumber with my sawmill. Its good learning from professionals so I dont kill myself in the process :D I've been needing to put a handle on a wedge banger. Thanks for the video. Perfect timing!
was looking all over and having found this am convinced your video is the best, covers all the steps simply and concisely with advice about all the steps and preservation and also use of tools. Nicely done, now wheres that Gransfors handle.
Depth of the kerf, how much wood you leave proud of the axe head for the wedge will help determine how much material/ shaping the shoulder is necessary.
Got a old Forged Steel Jersey head ready for my new WCS handle oh ya! Ps. Could you eventually have a octagon handle as a option? That would be awesome
great job, always learn something new! do you use tong oil ? linseed oil is good on wood, but that does not cure or really cross links like paint to seal the surface! do you ever glue the wedge in the slot? thank you for the ax training!
He is much braver with the drawknife than I am. I really like seeing when he started a gouge (go too deep), he stopped, and started to take little chunks around it to clean it. Maybe I was observing wrong but it seems the case. I am more in the 20+ on and off to get the fit.
As I am gathering climbing and falling kit, I have been hafting or hanging axes. I enjoy the precision that is required in doing it right. Please help me find Morgan? I lost the contact stuff and he was kind enough to write to me. Thank you.
i noticed you said you make the handles on a lathe how exactly ive done a little work with them but its not a round piece is it. it seems more like a egg shape to me could you show how you make the handles too or just explain the technique and also do you sell axes too and if they can be shipped to europe like if the go trought porder controls alright if so i would really like to get one i do a little falling every now and the plan to get into falling more and buying a bigger saw too if there is enough need for one
The active ingredient in Antifreeze is ethylene glycol and there are other non-toxic source of glycol (propylene glycol) which will swell the wood. A mix of water and propylene glycol is best then regularly treat with BLO.
Question guys. I have never hafted an axe before. I picked up one of your handles and got an old used Ebay axe head to put together a wedge bander. The eye is longer than the handle. I have not started to haft to yet. Is this somewhat normal in this situation or do I need to find a head with a shorter eye? Seems like Jacobs head was very similar and they just kind of filled it with the wedge. Am I seeing that correctly?
That can happen sometimes but if you shape it to fit the big end will be tight then you trim your wedge as long as your eye and it will take up the space in the front 👍if that makes sense
I'm lazy. While I have some NICE vintage axe heads... they are all users. I use a 1x30 belt sander to quickly form the eye section 90% of the way and then finish with hand tools. Makes it go real quick. I love axes but I don't particularly enjoy the woodwork part. My goal is to go from "a head and a handle" to "an axe" in the shortest period of time. Can't wait to try one of your new handles. I'll break something sooner than later. Also, when you gonna make a better single dog for the echo 4910/501? The factory piece is kinda dinky. You'd get twice as many per sheet so wouldnt need to do many runs. Little saw doesn't need a huge dog.. but it certainly needs a better designed one...
Nice handle there 👌. I've got a question... What breed is that lathe in the shop?.... looks bit like a boxford of good ole england. Surely it's American one, though?🤔
@Westcoast Saw I suppose if you did wind up wanting to re-hang on the same handle, glue wouldn't be ideal. I break mine before they come loose usually. I need better aim.
My nephew broke a handle of mine and instead of talking about it, threw the whole thing in the fireplace and burned out the old handle! I installed a new handle and while sharpening it noticed the metal temper didn't seem to be too messed up. If I find I'm sharpening too often I might pull the handle again and re-heat-treat it if it needs to be a bit harder.
Just got my handle in the mail 2 days ago, Came fast. And she's a beauty! It sure is a bitchin piece of wood shampoo Gordy! Now what axe head do I mount on it? Serious inquiries only 😂 maybe I'll buy another handle and mount an Pulaski head on it 👍👍 my 1st axe I've always had splitting mauls. You ever read the Big Burn Gordy?
@@westcoastsaw1368 Yeah, it's stamped Stroax. Made in Sweden. Mine's a 4 pounder too. I've had several guys that knew what it was, try to steal it. Been a good axe. I bought it from Dick Brown (Cutter's Supply), in Enumclaw, WA, 40 some odd years ago. Don't remember what I paid for it, but $125 seems to come to mind.
Boiled Linseed oil on the entire handle before you hang the axe, at least 4 coats, then apply 10 more coats after the axe is on, then once every month for 12 Month's..
@oilburner8548 DPG bonds with the water in the wood. One of the few compounds that actually holds its swell over time. BLO doesn't actually swell wood.
@oilburner8548 buy dpg online. Mix with 20% water. Soak head of axe in the solution overnight. It swells the wood. If u have a slightly loose head, it will lock it in place. A very loose head should be refit prior to dpg treatment. It's the same product as SWELL-LOCK, which is used by carpenters to swell loose wood joints. The DPG stays in the wood and retains the moisture in the wood. If your wood is already heavily treated with oils, then soak the wood in denatured ethanol to extract the oils first. Then let dry well. Then soak in the dpg. Keep in mind that if your head does not properly fit the handle, the dpg will not solve that problem. The dpg only helps to make the handle expand and become tight.
Best way best way best way always... BOILED LINSEED OIL 🪓🤠👍 It'll soak into the wood expand and harden up... The best method an old logger told me is linseed oil everyday for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year, once a year for its life. He showed me a wicked gnarly rustic axe he used as a wedge banger before he retired 18 years ago, head was still on rock solid... For me the proof is in the pudding 🍮 It's the way I've been doin' it since 😋 Anyways I got my handles in way before I expected them but what beauties🤘😎👌 As Borat would say "Very Nice!!!" 🤣 Great job Gordy and Thanks again!!! 🪓🤠👍
I disagree that the steel wedges splitting the handle is anything to be concerned about. If thee handle is properly fit to the eye, any splits created will be clamped from going below the axe head by the tight fit of the eye.
this guy: make sure to put a piece of leather between the vise jaws so you don't mark up your axe head also this guy: proceeds to pommel axe head with the butt of his axe 🤣
Great info, thanks. I taught my 10yo son how to replace an axe handle a few weeks ago, something my dad taught me at about that age. Gotta keep these things going!
We need a walk around on the truck in the background too!
As a wood worker and wood turner. I use your standard wood glue on my precut bowl blanks to prevent checking in the drying process. You could always add a couple coats of exterior grade wood glue to help stop the checking on the butt the handle. Great video, love seeing people make things by hand
Thank you for the tip 👍
I use natural bees wax to seal my handles up, leaves a nice grippy feel too
Good stuff. I use the drawknife as well as a rasp with good success. However, I’ve found an angle grinder with a flap disk is a game changer in shaping the handle to go in to the eye…that is if you want to go the power tool route.
Have you tried the sandpaper disc attachments you can put on the grinder? You can get down to 26 grit and it really carves up !
Another great video. One of the best I have seen on replacing an axe handle.
At 70 years old it’s always fun to learn new things, great job young man!
Thank you 👍
Awesome class. Looking forward to seeing Jacob use the new handle in an upcoming video.
Learned a lot of great old school techniques in this video. I would have never considered only cutting the wedge kerf to 2/3 the eye length. I probably would have cut it too far and proceeded to break the handle.......again.
That’s good to hear that these videos are helping you guys out thank you
Been looken, pulled the trigger Ordered my handle today and can't wait to get it. Y'all must know we can't wate to get our stuff I think it was in the mail 30 min after I ordered . Thanks guys appreciate the videos and great service from real American people getting it done. Love it...
Nice one!I have old Finnish axe heads Billnäs and newer Fiskars waiting on new handles that im hanging in some point with my son and daughter! Thanks for nice tips! 👍🏻
Love the Finnish axes!
im lucky that i live in scandinavia so theyre pretty common here:)
Love that truck in the background
Great video Gordy!! Always fixing Tube Salads stuff lol Good to see you all working together keep up the great work!!
Yea he’s good at getting me to do that your right huh 🤣
Great information!! Wish I had an axe and a need to hang it.....kinda looks like fun!! Back before fiberglass handled sledges, I replaced a couple handles that got broken off when I was working in construction. It wasn't pretty or refined!!! Love the tips to keep the handle in good shape! Have a great week guys!!
Good info guys. I'm glad to see Jacob out & about. All of ya take care. Later from Northern Michigan.
I'm not a professional logger but I do own land here in Oregon with trees that I harvest for firewood and milling into lumber with my sawmill. Its good learning from professionals so I dont kill myself in the process :D I've been needing to put a handle on a wedge banger. Thanks for the video. Perfect timing!
was looking all over and having found this am convinced your video is the best, covers all the steps simply and concisely with advice about all the steps and preservation and also use of tools. Nicely done, now wheres that Gransfors handle.
I learned a lot from this video. Always good content coming from your arsenal.
I ordered a couple handles Saturday night. Can’t wait to get them. Gotta find a couple heads worthy of them. Also stoked to try the new McT liner!
Depth of the kerf, how much wood you leave proud of the axe head for the wedge will help determine how much material/ shaping the shoulder is necessary.
Hoffman Blacksmithing also has a video with some hanging tips. Nice job, just received a couple of your handles, very nice!
Awesome video Gordy!! Keep up the awesome work and products.
Thank you
Nice Handle, NICE JOB!!! Looks Good!!! West Coast!!!
You guys are awesome, keep up the good work. Gotta get one of those handles, they look great.
Very nice job hanging that ax, those handles should last a long time. I ordered a handle can’t wait to hang my 5 lb ax on it
Right on Gordy! Good to see you guys.
Thank you
That has to be the nicest shop I've ever seen. A few minutes on that pickup in the back would be sweet.
such a great video Gordy thanks i needed this video it helped me a lot for hanging my first axe.
Beautiful work
He makes it look stupid easy
And I learned a couple of Tip tricks
Yea he has done a few but all and all once you get it down it go’s pretty good some faster than others
Got a old Forged Steel Jersey head ready for my new WCS handle oh ya! Ps. Could you eventually have a octagon handle as a option? That would be awesome
Great! I will pit these tips to use. Thanks, Gordy and Garrett and Jake
Awsome glad this video is helpful 👍
Nice video, awesome shop and I want that truck 👍
great job, always learn something new! do you use tong oil ? linseed oil is good on wood,
but that does not cure or really cross links like paint to seal the surface!
do you ever glue the wedge in the slot? thank you for the ax training!
He is much braver with the drawknife than I am. I really like seeing when he started a gouge (go too deep), he stopped, and started to take little chunks around it to clean it. Maybe I was observing wrong but it seems the case.
I am more in the 20+ on and off to get the fit.
Your right I think he did get a bitter bit into the wood than he wanted 👍
beautiful hang and beautiful axe
Awesome video Gordy
Very nice ! I really like that axe head . I need one
As I am gathering climbing and falling kit, I have been hafting or hanging axes. I enjoy the precision that is required in doing it right. Please help me find Morgan? I lost the contact stuff and he was kind enough to write to me. Thank you.
i noticed you said you make the handles on a lathe how exactly ive done a little work with them but its not a round piece is it. it seems more like a egg shape to me could you show how you make the handles too or just explain the technique and also do you sell axes too and if they can be shipped to europe like if the go trought porder controls alright if so i would really like to get one i do a little falling every now and the plan to get into falling more and buying a bigger saw too if there is enough need for one
Look up “copy lathes” they are specific for reproduction of off round shapes.
We have a video that is on our channel a few videos back that shows the lathe and how it works 👍
The active ingredient in Antifreeze is ethylene glycol and there are other non-toxic source of glycol (propylene glycol) which will swell the wood. A mix of water and propylene glycol is best then regularly treat with BLO.
Question guys. I have never hafted an axe before. I picked up one of your handles and got an old used Ebay axe head to put together a wedge bander. The eye is longer than the handle. I have not started to haft to yet. Is this somewhat normal in this situation or do I need to find a head with a shorter eye? Seems like Jacobs head was very similar and they just kind of filled it with the wedge. Am I seeing that correctly?
That can happen sometimes but if you shape it to fit the big end will be tight then you trim your wedge as long as your eye and it will take up the space in the front 👍if that makes sense
@@westcoastsaw1368 That's what I thought but was hesitant to ruin the handle so I really appreciate the confirmation
Great info,gonna get a handle and follow it through again tomorrow
Great video guys always on the lookout for more tips
I'm lazy. While I have some NICE vintage axe heads... they are all users. I use a 1x30 belt sander to quickly form the eye section 90% of the way and then finish with hand tools. Makes it go real quick. I love axes but I don't particularly enjoy the woodwork part. My goal is to go from "a head and a handle" to "an axe" in the shortest period of time.
Can't wait to try one of your new handles. I'll break something sooner than later.
Also, when you gonna make a better single dog for the echo 4910/501? The factory piece is kinda dinky. You'd get twice as many per sheet so wouldnt need to do many runs. Little saw doesn't need a huge dog.. but it certainly needs a better designed one...
Good work. Where do you purchase handles?
Very nice hickory handles! Are those made by Liam Hoffman?
Nice handle there 👌. I've got a question... What breed is that lathe in the shop?.... looks bit like a boxford of good ole england. Surely it's American one, though?🤔
It is a old Jet I found a few years back
No wood glue on the wedge? Probably not always needed, but sure seems to lock them in.
Some guys do both have good points and bad I guess
@Westcoast Saw I suppose if you did wind up wanting to re-hang on the same handle, glue wouldn't be ideal. I break mine before they come loose usually. I need better aim.
Great job on the axe but holy crap thats a big block behind him what is it from?
30” block they would use these for yarding logs
loved the video. if you don't mind me asking what apron did Garrett have on like what brand? I'm looking to buy a new apron.
I asked Garrett for you he said
Calavera tool works
They have a Instagram it’s under
Calavatool
@@westcoastsaw1368 ok thanks so much for asking him i really appreciate it!
Definitely will be picking one up.
Hell yeah, nice job guys! 🤙🏼
I want a video on that block/pulley behind Garrett (sp?)
That’s a 30” block
Gordy did you guys put finish on that handle or is that how they come?
Edit: nevermind, I asked too soon.
My nephew broke a handle of mine and instead of talking about it, threw the whole thing in the fireplace and burned out the old handle! I installed a new handle and while sharpening it noticed the metal temper didn't seem to be too messed up. If I find I'm sharpening too often I might pull the handle again and re-heat-treat it if it needs to be a bit harder.
Love the vise also 🤙🏻
I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.
excellent video. thanks.
What brand and pattern is that axe? Plumb national?
Hey try RV water line antifreeze works like a charm.
Thank you for excellent content
Is the old, broken handle the one that Jeff Shroeder hung a couple of years ago in a GoT video?
Gordy the last video you put out in comments you said dm you on telegram was it you or a scammer ?
It sounds like somebody made a fake account. It wasn’t me.
@@westcoastsaw1368 they used your same sticker to I just went back to it and reported it
Thank you!
Deadly axe!!
Swear I’ve seen that axe head before 🧐
Stove lookin sexy AF in the back, haha.
“I’ve got these big arms”😂
😂😂
Well done gentleman!
Anyone know what kinda axe head that is????
Yes that is a Plumb National
Just got my handle in the mail 2 days ago, Came fast. And she's a beauty! It sure is a bitchin piece of wood shampoo Gordy! Now what axe head do I mount on it? Serious inquiries only 😂 maybe I'll buy another handle and mount an Pulaski head on it 👍👍 my 1st axe I've always had splitting mauls. You ever read the Big Burn Gordy?
awesome video
Nice work!
That’s awesome. Does anybody know what happened to John’s custom saws?
No it sounds like he is MIA
I follow John’s channel and was wondering why he stopped uploading videos. He did say he was unwell in one of his video’s?
@@AndyH-13 yes, that worries me that maybe something happened
Nice bullet vise!!
Thank you
I have a StroAx that's over 40 years old. Still has the original handle.
No way 😍🙌
@@westcoastsaw1368 Way !
It has the Stroax stamp ? What weight ?
I have a 4lb Stroax
@@westcoastsaw1368 Yeah, it's stamped Stroax. Made in Sweden. Mine's a 4 pounder too. I've had several guys that knew what it was, try to steal it. Been a good axe. I bought it from Dick Brown (Cutter's Supply), in Enumclaw, WA, 40 some odd years ago. Don't remember what I paid for it, but $125 seems to come to mind.
Good content
Boiled Linseed oil on the entire handle before you hang the axe, at least 4 coats, then apply 10 more coats after the axe is on, then once every month for 12 Month's..
Most oils dont expand wood. Dipropylene glycol 80/20 water is swell lock.
Boiled linseed has been used for over a hundred years, water dries out and shrinks wood..
@oilburner8548 DPG bonds with the water in the wood. One of the few compounds that actually holds its swell over time. BLO doesn't actually swell wood.
Hi could you tell me how to use dpg ? I've looked it up and it's used in cosmetics and perfume??
Thanks.
@oilburner8548 buy dpg online. Mix with 20% water. Soak head of axe in the solution overnight. It swells the wood. If u have a slightly loose head, it will lock it in place. A very loose head should be refit prior to dpg treatment. It's the same product as SWELL-LOCK, which is used by carpenters to swell loose wood joints. The DPG stays in the wood and retains the moisture in the wood. If your wood is already heavily treated with oils, then soak the wood in denatured ethanol to extract the oils first. Then let dry well. Then soak in the dpg. Keep in mind that if your head does not properly fit the handle, the dpg will not solve that problem. The dpg only helps to make the handle expand and become tight.
Thank you 👍
Best way best way best way always... BOILED LINSEED OIL 🪓🤠👍 It'll soak into the wood expand and harden up... The best method an old logger told me is linseed oil everyday for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year, once a year for its life. He showed me a wicked gnarly rustic axe he used as a wedge banger before he retired 18 years ago, head was still on rock solid... For me the proof is in the pudding 🍮 It's the way I've been doin' it since 😋 Anyways I got my handles in way before I expected them but what beauties🤘😎👌 As Borat would say "Very Nice!!!" 🤣 Great job Gordy and Thanks again!!! 🪓🤠👍
Drift has now entered the chat.
I disagree that the steel wedges splitting the handle is anything to be concerned about. If thee handle is properly fit to the eye, any splits created will be clamped from going below the axe head by the tight fit of the eye.
That a beautiful plumb national!!! USA!!!!!
vacuum negative barometric to soak oil, be an interesting experiment
👍🏻
Is that a big ole Skookum block? Thing must weigh 400 pounds.
👍👍😎😎🤗🤗🙂.
Toss them metal wedges . If your gonna use metal in the the best way is barrel wedge. If you hang the head more proud you won’t need any metal wedges
I'd put wood glue on the wedge.
this guy: make sure to put a piece of leather between the vise jaws so you don't mark up your axe head
also this guy: proceeds to pommel axe head with the butt of his axe
🤣
What are you going to do with all the shavings and clippings? Are you going to build a wooden wig and put it on the axe head?
Easier to drift the other direction.
Good sized gap in the top of the eye 👁
First!
1st
Nice hey Gordy when are we gonna see some WCS 🪓. I think an axe head would look sweet with WCS engraved in it
Is that a sappy supply shirt
Yep
You lost me at that absolutely smok’n Wilton vise. Gaga🫠🤤
I payed $30 for it and that included the table 😁
@@westcoastsaw1368 What‽ Fabulous deal.