How do you wedge an axe handle?
A common way to do this is to simply insert a metal wedge into the slot or kerf once the head has been placed onto the new handle: which then pushes apart the slot and thus holds the metal head onto the handle.
How thick should an axe wedge be?
Cut a wedge out of a nice, straight-grained piece of hardwood. I like using contrasting wood colors, so a walnut wedge with a hickory or white oak handle looks nice. The wedge should be slightly taller than the axe head and gradually come to about a 3/8” thickness at the thickest spot.
What wood is used for axe wedges?
Poplar is very soft, which makes it a great wood for axe handle wedges. It will expand and fit the gaps well when needing to properly hang an axe. Also, it is a very renewable resource as Tulip Poplar grows very fast.
How do you make homemade wedges?
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Thoroughly wash potatoes, cut in half, and slice into wedges.
- Toss wedges in olive oil and seasonings.
- Place on a baking sheet, skin side down.
- Bake 40-50 minutes.
- Enjoy!
How do you sharpen an axe with a wedge?
Tapping the squared-off part of the fawn’s foot should pull the axe head onto the handle. The wedge can be sawed out on a band saw, and should be an inch or more longer than needed; it should be as wide as the slot, and thicker. Insert the wedge and drive it in until tight, then wait a few days and pound it in more.
How do you make a wedge out of a metal wedge?
Soak the metal wedge in linseed oil. Insert the wedge in the slot at the end of the axe handle by hitting with the hammer or mallet. Apply epoxy resin for making it hard. Secure your axe with clamps or in a vise. Make the wooden wedge for your axe. The quick tips are you can make a wider wedge.
What’s the best way to remove axe handles?
Just a tip on metal wedges for axe handles. If you notch them on both edges, they are much easier to remove. I’ve removed a lot of them, both with and without and it’s much easier if they have a notch to provide purchase!
Can you make axe wedges out of Osage orange?
I was wanting to make axe wedges out of them, however I worry about following up with a metal wedge, osage orange does not compress, it cracks if it gives way. So then I thought maybe it would work better to use the softwood as the wedge and cut smaller wedges from the osage orange, to act as the metal cross wedge.