If you’re a lover of outdoor activities, you probably know the importance of having a reliable axe. One of the key components of a good axe is the handle. While many axe handles are commercially available, there’s something special about crafting your own. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of making a double bit axe handle from scratch.
Step 1: Choose the Right Wood
When it comes to axe handles, hickory is often considered the best choice due to its strength and durability. However, other types of hardwood such as ash or oak can also work well. Look for a straight piece of wood that is free from knots or defects.
Pro tip: Be mindful of the wood’s moisture content. Green wood is prone to shrinkage and may cause the axe head to loosen over time. Aim for wood that has been seasoned for at least six months.
Step 2: Cut and Shape the Handle
Measure and mark the desired length of your axe handle on the chosen piece of wood. Using a hand saw or a bandsaw, carefully cut the wood to the desired length. Next, use a drawknife or a spokeshave to shape the handle. Pay attention to the grip area, ensuring it’s comfortable and ergonomic for your hand.
Pro tip: Take your time shaping the handle, as its design will impact the balance and performance of your axe.
Step 3: Fit the Axe Head
To fit the axe head, mark the areas on the handle where the bit will be seated. Use a chisel or a grinder to remove the excess wood, creating a snug fit. Be careful not to remove too much wood, as this can weaken the handle. Once the bit fits properly, secure it using wooden or steel wedges.
Pro tip: Test the fit of the axe head regularly as you work, making adjustments as needed to achieve a perfect fit.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a custom double bit axe handle that’s sturdy, comfortable, and ready for outdoor adventures. Remember, crafting your own axe handle not only brings a sense of accomplishment but also allows you to tailor the handle to your specific needs and preferences.
Gathering the necessary tools and materials
Before beginning the process of making a double bit axe handle, it is important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything prepared beforehand will make the process much smoother and more efficient.
Here are the tools and materials you will need:
- Wood for the axe handle: Choose a durable and sturdy wood, such as hickory, ash, or oak. Make sure the wood is straight and free of defects.
- Measuring tools: A tape measure, ruler, or carpenter’s square will be needed to ensure accurate measurements.
- Marking tools: A pencil or marking knife will be used to mark the dimensions and cuts on the wood.
- Cutting tools: A saw or a bandsaw will be needed to cut the wood to the desired length.
- Shaping tools: A drawknife, a rasp, or a spokeshave will be used to shape the axe handle and remove any rough edges.
- Sanding tools: Sandpaper or a sanding block will be required to smooth and finish the wood surface.
- Drilling tools: A drill and various drill bits will be necessary for drilling holes for the axe head and any additional features.
- Clamps: Clamps will be used to secure the wood during certain stages of the process.
- Protective equipment: Safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask are essential for your safety while working with woodworking tools.
Make sure to gather all these tools and materials before you start making your double bit axe handle. Having everything ready will save you time and ensure that you can complete the project without any interruptions.
Preparing the wood for the handle
Before you can start carving a double bit axe handle, it’s important to properly prepare the wood. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose the right wood
Opt for hardwoods like hickory, ash, or oak as they are known for their durability and strength. Avoid softwoods like pine or fir, as they may not be able to withstand the heavy-duty use of an axe.
2. Cut the wood to size
Measure the desired length of your axe handle and cut the wood accordingly, keeping in mind any extra length needed for shaping and fitting onto the axe head.
3. Split the wood for the handle
Using a froe or a splitting axe, carefully split the wood into halves. This will help ensure a straight grain and maximize the strength of your handle.
4. Remove the bark
Using a drawknife or a sharp chisel, remove the bark from the split pieces of wood. This will prevent any future cracks or warping caused by the shrinking of the bark.
5. Rough out the shape
Using a hatchet or a bandsaw, rough out the basic shape of the handle. Leave some excess material for fine-tuning later on.
6. Allow the wood to dry
Let the roughed out handle rest in a dry and well-ventilated area for several weeks. This will allow the wood to naturally dry and stabilize, preventing any future warping or cracking.
Following these steps will ensure that you have a properly prepared piece of wood to carve and shape into a strong and durable double bit axe handle.
Shaping the handle
Once you have selected a suitable piece of wood for your double bit axe handle, it’s time to start shaping it. The handle needs to be strong, comfortable, and fit your hand properly, so take your time with this step.
Start by marking the desired length of the handle on the wood. This will depend on your personal preference and the size of the axe head, but a good starting point is around 30 to 36 inches.
Next, use a saw or a bandsaw to cut the wood to the desired length. Make sure to cut it as straight as possible, as this will make the shaping process easier later on.
Once you have the rough shape of the handle, it’s time to start removing the excess wood. You can use a drawknife, a spokeshave, or even a rasp to shape the handle. Start by removing larger chunks of wood and gradually refine the shape until it matches your hand’s grip.
Pay extra attention to the area where your hand will be gripping the handle. This section should be shaped to provide a comfortable and secure grip, with no sharp edges or discomforting angles.
As you shape the handle, periodically check the fit with the axe head. Make sure the eye of the axe head fits snugly on the handle. You may need to remove more wood or make adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.
Once you are satisfied with the shape and fit of the handle, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough surfaces. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits for a polished and comfortable finish.
Remember to take breaks and step back to assess your progress. It’s important to approach the shaping process with patience and precision to achieve the best results.
Adding finishing touches
Once you have shaped and sanded your double bit axe handle to your satisfaction, it’s time to add some final touches to give it a polished and professional look.
Firstly, you may want to consider adding some decorative elements to your handle. This could include carving patterns or designs into the wood or adding branded or stamped markings to personalize your axe handle.
Next, you should apply a protective finish to your handle to help protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. There are various options for finishes, such as linseed oil, tung oil, or varnish. Choose a finish that suits your preferences and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the finish to dry completely before using the axe.
Finally, you may want to add a grip to your handle to improve comfort and prevent slipping during use. This can be accomplished by wrapping the handle with grip tape or adding a rubber or leather grip. Make sure the grip is secure and does not obstruct the use of the axe.
With these finishing touches, your double bit axe handle will not only be functional but also visually appealing and durable.
Attaching the axe head
Once you have a properly shaped and sanded axe handle, it is time to attach the axe head. This process requires precision and attention to detail to ensure a secure and functional connection between the handle and the head.
Materials needed:
- Axe head
- Axe handle
- Wooden wedge
- Steel wedges
- Hammer
- Epoxy or wood glue
- Sandpaper
Steps to attach the axe head:
- Start by cleaning the axe head and removing any rust or debris. Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
- Apply epoxy or wood glue to the top of the axe handle, ensuring an even and full coverage.
- Place the axe head onto the handle, aligning it with the centerline of the handle.
- Insert a wooden wedge into the slot on top of the axe head, ensuring it fits tightly.
- Use a hammer to gently tap the wooden wedge into place, securing the axe head to the handle.
- Next, insert steel wedges into the slots on both sides of the axe head. These wedges will provide additional stability and strength.
- Tap the steel wedges gently with a hammer, making sure they are firmly in place.
- Allow the epoxy or glue to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the adhesive is dry, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and ensure a comfortable grip.
It is essential to regularly inspect the axe head attachment to ensure it remains secure during use. If any loosening is detected, tighten the wedges or consider reattaching the head using the steps outlined above.
Testing and refining the handle
Once you have completed shaping and sanding your double bit axe handle, it is important to test its durability and ergonomics before considering it ready for use. This step is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your axe.
Durability testing
Before using the axe handle, it is recommended to perform a stress test to identify any weak points. To do this, securely clamp the handle in a vice and apply controlled pressure to different sections of the handle. Observe for any signs of cracking or splitting. Pay extra attention to areas where the handle tapers or where your hands will grip during use. If any issues are detected, you may need to reinforce or replace the handle.
Ergonomics testing
Another important aspect of the handle is its comfort and usability. You can test the ergonomics by gripping the handle in various positions and running through a simulated axe swing motion. Note any discomfort, unnatural angles, or difficulty in maneuvering. If necessary, make adjustments to the handle shape or length to ensure a comfortable and efficient grip.
| Test | Observations | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stress test | Securely clamp the handle and apply pressure | Reinforce or replace any weak sections |
| Ergonomics test | Grip and swing the handle | Adjust handle shape or length for comfort |
By conducting these tests and making any necessary refinements, you can ensure that your double bit axe handle is strong, durable, and comfortable to use. This will contribute to the overall reliability and performance of your axe.
