Theodore's axe facts opinions thoughts and reviews or, for the love of the axe

Discussion in 'Knives, Gear, Guns And Other Tools' started by Theodore, Jan 2, 2017.

  1. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    This is a well worn Plumb USA Tazmanian pattern that I kind of overpaid for. I justified it buy telling myself to get one from Australia or New Zealand I would have paid more in shipping than I did for the head.

    I will put it on a scale later, it is over 4lbs.

    It is also a Plumb permabond ax. So I figured this would be a good one to document. Permabond was a mixture of I can only guess a tiny amount of red rubber. And even parts asbestos, lead and arsenic;)
    Jk, perhaps.....
    It is a red rubbery wax looking stuff. Instead of cutting a kerf and using a wedge, they jammed the handle in and poured permabond in. And oh boy does it hold!
    Normally I would cut off the handle side flush, drill and remove the wedge and drive the handle out through the top......
    This was not normally.

    Ax as I got it pretty much. I hit it quickly with a wire brush to expose the stamp.
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  2. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    This is what permabond looks like from the top. Notice the thickness of the Tazmanian pattern. I will post comparison shots later.
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    Drill, it's really deep. The handle isn't as far in as you would expect.
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    You can see here the permabond is not just on top. It surrounds the handle the entirety that it is in the eye. I wonder if it has swelling properties as it dries? It does not matter. This stuff holds!
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    Drill some holes, snap and chisel at it with a screwdriver:)
     
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  3. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Normally this is where you cut the bottom flush. Pull out the wedge and break the seal. Then pound it out through the top of the eye. I had to drill a kerf, then break the permabond on the sides. This stuff does not let go easily.
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  4. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Basically when you have one that is a pain you drill. And then drill more. You break it out in chunks. And you drive a drift through like a madman. Pry, snap, drift, drill.

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    That pile below is no joke, what is left of the handle.
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    I may have used a several tools including a power tool improperly. I advise you do this in front of an elderly person. Particularly a carpenter. You should use a flathead screwdriver as a chisel and pound on it with a large wrench. They love it.
     
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  5. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    I think I will take a palm sander to this one. Just to be different.
     
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  6. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    This head weight is 4lbs .07 ounces. It is marked 4. As in 4lbs. In the ax world weight is not an exact science.? Lol. It is obviously worn a bit. Whatever.

    Anyway everything seems to be in order. I touched up the sides and the poll. I left the top and bottom painted/patina to prevent rust. I am happy.

    At this point some people like to sharpen the bit. They then tape it up and hang it. I do not like to do it this way. I will sharpen it after it is hung.

    I will focus some file attention to the middle of the bit going light on the heel and toe. I will work most if not all of the flat grind out of the bit. Creating a good convex edge.

    I am off in search of a handle:)
    I will try to document the hang better than I normally do.
    I do get lost in the work:)
    This one is like a mini racing ax.
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    Last edited: Jun 23, 2017
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  7. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    I documented the hang, but the pictures are all out of order. I will post them another day.
    For now
    All hung, the bit unsharpened.
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    Same
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    Ready for the files and stones
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    Ten minutes later
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  8. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Just some different views

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  9. The Warrior

    The Warrior Member

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    Really nice man. I like the heavier axes.
     
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  10. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Thank you. This one is thick!
     
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  11. The Warrior

    The Warrior Member

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    No problem. Is that a knot in the handle, close to the head?
     
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  12. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    No. Just Heartwood.
     
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  13. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Testing. Bucking and splitting through maple knots. It's all good.

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  14. The Warrior

    The Warrior Member

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    Nice man. Really liking that one.
     
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  15. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Thanks. If someone said they wanted an ax to buck softwood and split firewood I would hand them this ax without hesitation.
     
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  16. Zeek

    Zeek Member

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    I want an ax to buck softwood and split firewood.:D
     
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  17. STPNWLF

    STPNWLF Member

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    Any thoughts on this one @Theodore?
    Doesn't have any markings that I can see.
    IMG_20170625_164839.jpg IMG_20170625_164944.jpg
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  18. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    Off hand it looks like a decent Dayton. The ridges in the eye could be an indication of Kelly, but don't hold your breath. Has a good convex cheek to it. Hit it with a wire wheel. Look on the poll sides for markings. And near the eye. Knock that handle chunk out. Hang it and re profile the bit and sharpen it up.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2017
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  19. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    What does it weight? I'm guessing it is a four pounder at least. What does the poll look like?
     
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  20. Theodore

    Theodore Member

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    I take that back, that may actually be an unmarked or still hidden marked Kelly or Collins.

    Use it. That is what I think. Looks like an awesome user.
     
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