dpack
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axe handles neededare there any bespoke axe handle makers?
i need a long un and approx 20 "
the commercial stuff online and up close is not to spec.
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gz
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MoD surplus auctions?
Although the Green Goddesses and kit probably went a long time ago
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Ty Gwyn
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Try Carter Tools,Huddersfield?
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dpack
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umm i could get hands on with that option, ta .
i have had quite a few handles over the years and intend these two to work better and last longer than some.
both heads are smith made and deserve a decent stick.
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wellington womble
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Could Gareth Riseborouh do you something? As in Sally and Gareth? I’m pretty sure her website is Sallypointer.co.uk and you can contact Gareth through it.
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dpack
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the green wood worker thing is a possibility.
something i do want is for the grain to be part of the structure rather than chopping a handle shape out of a plank .
iirc a slice of buttress is about the correct shape in terms of grain lay
in a suitable wood makes it a bit harder and needing one felling length, even for a short bloke, is a bit trickier than a 20" for the GP axe head.
i have had the GP head through 4 handles and one major regrind, the felling axe is new to me and yet to be put back into full polish, it has not had a lot of use since it ended up in a shed somewhere probably as a kindling chopper on a broom handle
i guess research and outreach is needed
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Rusticwood
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If you want handles made for yourself rather than "of the shelf" it would be better
to go to a green woodworker. Not sure of any round you but these people might be able to help you find someone
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Mistress Rose
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I would agree a green woodworker. Ash would be a good wood and can be steam bent. Husband has just reminded me that Surrey and Sussex Coppice Group have a member that makes axe handles. You could try contact him through his web site; www.theluddite.com or e-mail him on ian@theluddite.com
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Ty Gwyn
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If you need a bend in the handle look for a natural bend,its stronger and gives more spring to the handle,
Coppiced off shoots at the base of the tree are the ones to look out for.
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Nick
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As an innocent, wood is traditionally used but are the new synthetic handles any good?
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Slim
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I've broken as many (or more) fiberglass tool handles as I have wooden tool handles. Not to say that they can't be useful, I just don't know that they're as much more durable as you might think.
They don't dry out and come loose however. But they also may be difficult to replace/repair relative to wood.
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dpack
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thanks folks, made to measure for the head and me seems essential to get the best out of the GP woodsman's one and i expect much the same with the big un.
i agree natural bend would be best, i want continuous grain full length if possible ie the centre of the heel has the same fibres as the centre of the neck and there is little chance of "plank splitting" due to short cross grain layers, the current issue with the GP axe..
ash is the most obvious choice for a uk made one but there are some rather good "exotic" timbers, hickory is the usual one but there are others even better than those. iirc some are "forest friendly" , some are not so much friendly as legal and a couple are on the banned trade list of rare primary forest timbers.
i will follow up the contacts list and see if i can find an artisan handle maker who is up for the job.
the little one needs a similar shape to the one on it (with a few minor adjustments to the heel and upper shaft ) and the big un i will just work out my best length
and let them shaft around that and the type of head.
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dpack
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i just spoke to mrs axe , mr axe is teaching til monday when we can have a chat about sticks for the, almost, hudson's bay style one
the stuff in their online shop is pretty nice but this one was pretty good before the wear n tear
it's length, balance, shape, angles etc etc i rather like and i am used to it ( which is important ) i want it to be similar with a few improvements after refurbishment.
as they are woodsmithing tutors and specialist axe merchants it seems worth a chat
the kent pattern one is on hold for the mo but having used the GP one yesterday to make coppice cut stakes and withies it is well overdue a proper service.
probably best to get a proper axe cosy rather than an old coffee tin as well
i will report on progress
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gz
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As an innocent, wood is traditionally used but are the new synthetic handles any good? |