Replies

1. 
   jazzdogg | Mar 23, 2004 11:19pm | #1

   ADBREESE,

   I find that the riving process produces a straight-grained product much better than sawing does.

   Start by selecting a green hickory, ash, or oak (other species would probably also work) log that's longer than the axe handles you want to make. Use a pair of splitting wedges and a sledge hammer to split out straight-grained halves, then quarters if your log is big enough. You may want to have an axe handy to quickly sever any ornery strands of fiber that are conspiring to keep the halves or quarters from separating fully.

   If the log is large enough to yield more than one axe handle per quarter, use a froe and club to split out your quarters into billets of useable sizes. Crosscut to remove any end checking and cut the billet you'll be working to final length. Keep the remaining billets in a sealed plastic bag out of the sun until you're ready to use them.

   Next, mount your billet in a shaving horse (a bench vise will work if you don't have a shaving horse - it's not nearly as convenient, though) and use a sharp drawknife to rough out the axe handle. You may find it helpful to have a prototype axe handle, a pair of dimensioned patterns (a plan view showing the wide profile and an elevation showing the narrow profile), or a story stick on hand during this process.

   When your handle is shaped, break out the spokeshaves to smooth the surface to its final shape.

   I haven't attempted to provide detailed step-by-step instructions here - just a snapshot of the overall process. You might want to consult books on green woodworking by people like Drew Langsner for additional information.

   Good luck,

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

   
   

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   Edited 3/23/2004 4:19 pm ET by jazzdogg