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Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Veritas - Innovation in Tools

Axe bevel

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Axe bevel

#1

Axe bevel

Would it be possible to change the bevel of my early 70's boy scout hatchet using a stationary belt sander?


I've been trying to use it as a carving axe.  Kinda teaching myself a little about spoon carving.  The bevel on my scout axe is, for lack of better term, fat.  It's meant for splitting wood, not carving.



Not sure yet if I want to destroy my old axe.  If someone says it's a bad idea to try to change the bevel then I'd have justification to buy one.  I found a cheap one at Green Haven forge I'd be willing to buy.


https://greenhavenforge.com/collections/axes/products/the-essential-craft-axe



Lastly, what is a good method to tighten the axe head on the handle?  Did I read on here once about soaking it in BLO?



Thanks.


Re: Axe bevel

#2

Re: Axe bevel

I try to take advantage of a reason to get a new tool. 


Joe


Re: Axe bevel

#3

Re: Axe bevel

If you change the bevel, you will lose the tool's original functionality, it will not continue to be useful for splitting spoon blanks out of a log (or piece of firewood). Do you have another splitting axe? There are other features that optimize an axe for carving, including the weight of the head, the shape of the handle, and whether or not the head is bearded.


Re: Axe bevel

#4

Re: Axe bevel

Lastly, what is a good method to tighten the axe head on the handle?       Add a metal wedge for this purpose


Re: Axe bevel

#5

Re: Axe bevel

Sure, you can regrind it with a belt grinder. most useful tool in the hand tool shop. To get good results, you will want have a very clear idea of what shape you currently have, and what shape you can find inside that shape, that is your desired destination.  It is the same idea as making a spoon or a bowl, you need to be able to visualize what lies inside.  Grinding is fairly easy once you know where you are headed.



Other things to consider:



- Is the current axe any good? Is the steel any good?



- Why do you need a new bevel, almost any kind of axe can be used to carve wood. 



- Use a really good belt.  LV sells very good steel removal belts for the 1" x sanders.



I wouldn't hesitate if I had a clear goal.




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