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Author Topic: What handle for this hatchet?  (Read 3732 times)

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Offline Jodocus

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What handle for this hatchet?
« on: March 31, 2013, 04:08:59 pm »
I got this hatchet in a trade. Lovely, isn't it? It's originally an old head. I want to make a handle for it, but I'm not sure what it should look like. Anyone know more?

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Offline Bitterguy

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2013, 04:58:50 pm »
I don't have any expiernces with hatchets, but i think you'd get a better response in the "around the campfire" section
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Offline Pat B

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2013, 05:16:30 pm »
Hickory or ash are traditionally used for tool handles.
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Offline osage outlaw

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2013, 05:27:00 pm »
I like a gentle flare out on the bottom of the handle. 
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Offline Saxton

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2013, 10:04:59 pm »
Hop Hornbeam (Ironwood)
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Offline bowtarist

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2013, 11:06:11 pm »
The handle will slip into the head from the bottom,  The handle will need to fit into the head, then become thicker about four or so inches down the handle (Kinda like a backwards hourglass) , then it can tapper again where your hands go, then flare at the bottom like osageoutlaw mentioned.  look @ some other hatchets.  I thinbk that style mostly had straight handles, but I'm not expert.  hit that baby with a wire wheel or some emmery cloth to get all them grind lines off it, though.   :) Nice find, dpg
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Offline bubby

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2013, 01:37:42 am »
i'd use a hard maple with some sweet assed figure, I like the shape on that head
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Offline Jodocus

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2013, 04:30:25 am »
thanks all. Maybe my question wasn't clear enough. I got some suitable wood (ash, elm, hornbeam, dogwood) and I have already mounted some handles.

What I need to know is what shape the handle should be. Should it bend or be straight? iE do I want the handle at the grip section to be parallel to the edge (wich is not parallel to the eye). That would make for quite some upward bend. And should it bend laterally or not?

That's what I'm unsure about. Angles and bends.
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Offline robby

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #8 on: April 01, 2013, 11:02:18 am »
Because of the shape of the head and hole configuration, I would go with a handle commonly found on a hatchet or axe, as opposed to a hawk or straight handle.
https://www.google.com/search?q=hatchet+handles&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=lt0&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-ItZUemdKIXH4APAn4HQBw&ved=0CHEQsAQ&biw=1051&bih=648
Robby
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Offline Gus

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #9 on: April 01, 2013, 10:42:56 pm »
Osage...

 :)

-gus
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Offline robtattoo

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2013, 03:53:24 am »
Well, seeing as it's a single-bevel carpenter's axe, I'd go with a traditional carving handle shape (the middle one in this image)

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Offline Jodocus

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2013, 12:04:27 pm »
Hah, that thing in the middle looks about like my hatchet! I have already made it a handle that looks more like the one on top, though. I'll try it out and make one like this too. I'll let you look and know about the results. Thanks everyone for the much appreciated advice.

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Offline Jodocus

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2013, 06:30:10 pm »
Thats what I made, it's from an old piece of wych elm with some bug holes, too. I'm going to sharpen and test it as soon as I can, but from the way it swings it should work fine.
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Offline robtattoo

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2013, 09:57:46 pm »
Very nice!
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Offline Pappy

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Re: What handle for this hatchet?
« Reply #14 on: April 04, 2013, 09:21:57 am »
Very nice work,looks like and old roofers ax.  :) Love it,I have a newer version but would love to run across and old one like that. :)
   Pappy
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