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AR15.COM
12/11/2009 12:02:57 PM EDT
I'm looking at buying an old axe and hatchet cleaning them up and making a nice custom handmade handle for them. What wood is the best to use if I was going for something strong and looks nice as I'm thinking of giving one of the hatchets to my son as a gift. Also are there any good deigns out there to make the handle stick out?
12/11/2009 12:04:05 PM EDT
[#1]
There is a reason hickory has been traditionally used.
12/11/2009 12:40:41 PM EDT
[#2]
Hickory or Ash.
12/11/2009 12:45:42 PM EDT
[#3]
How thick should the blank be about?
12/11/2009 12:56:49 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
How thick should the blank be about?


It directly depends on what shape you intend to make.  If you are going to copy a standard axe handle, measure it for thickness, length and width.  You definitely want to be able to make it out of a single piece of wood.

If you are truly going to "custom" it, draw it on a piece of paper first and measure it like above.  I would guess that 2" thick would be enough, but I'd make sure before I bought the wood.
12/11/2009 1:00:44 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
How thick should the blank be about?


It directly depends on what shape you intend to make.  If you are going to copy a standard axe handle, measure it for thickness, length and width.  You definitely want to be able to make it out of a single piece of wood.

If you are truly going to "custom" it, draw it on a piece of paper first and measure it like above.  I would guess that 2" thick would be enough, but I'd make sure before I bought the wood.


Thanks that's about how thick is I was thinking also.Also does anyone know a good place to buy wood from I have no where around me!
12/11/2009 1:14:39 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
How thick should the blank be about?


It directly depends on what shape you intend to make.  If you are going to copy a standard axe handle, measure it for thickness, length and width.  You definitely want to be able to make it out of a single piece of wood.

If you are truly going to "custom" it, draw it on a piece of paper first and measure it like above.  I would guess that 2" thick would be enough, but I'd make sure before I bought the wood.


Thanks that's about how thick is I was thinking also.Also does anyone know a good place to buy wood from I have no where around me!


Can't help you there.  The only wood I buy online are blanks for pens.

Be aware that a 2" x 6" x 30" (guesses of course) piece of hickory isn't going to be cheap to buy or cheap to ship.  Good luck!
12/11/2009 1:49:50 PM EDT
[#7]
I found this page from a local lumber store i sometimes frequent.

Bat Blanks

3"x3"x3' for $14.50, not bad if you can find someplace local, i think that is reasonable. For hickory in that same size i'd bet you'd pay close to $35, more if you want it in a specific size/length.
12/11/2009 2:00:03 PM EDT
[#8]
First read this:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/99232823/index.htm

Then find your hickory, ash, etc.

Bernie is the MAN when it comes to axes...
12/11/2009 3:15:06 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
I found this page from a local lumber store i sometimes frequent.

Bat Blanks

3"x3"x3' for $14.50, not bad if you can find someplace local, i think that is reasonable. For hickory in that same size i'd bet you'd pay close to $35, more if you want it in a specific size/length.


That is what I have seen also the bat blanks but the one I saw was smaller and cost more. I know Ash and hickory are the best but they sure don't look that nice but maybe a wild handle will make up for that!
12/12/2009 10:24:23 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
First read this:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/99232823/index.htm

Then find your hickory, ash, etc.

Bernie is the MAN when it comes to axes...


I just read that it had a lot of great info in it. I'm thinking of printing it out and having my son read it.
12/13/2009 9:07:48 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
I found this page from a local lumber store i sometimes frequent.

Bat Blanks

3"x3"x3' for $14.50, not bad if you can find someplace local, i think that is reasonable. For hickory in that same size i'd bet you'd pay close to $35, more if you want it in a specific size/length.


I found a guy who is selling 2x2x37' Ask squares for $4.97 each Link He also has a lot of nice bat blanks Ash, Maple and Hickory