Thread: Axe talk

I will not say "stupid" question.

Because addressing lack of knowledge is not stupid.

So axe people. I have often seen the letter C stamped on the reverse face of old axes.

Why? What does it signify?

Originally Posted by goodvibes

So axe people. I have often seen the letter C stamped on the reverse face of old axes.

Until an 'axe person' comes along and gives an authoritative answer; I'm guessing it is C for Cast. Axes heads are either forged (ie hammered into shape from a hot ingot of metal) or cast with molten metal into an axe head mould.

Cast axe heads tend to be economy tools, but not always:

The Spirit of Competition

C for carbon is another possible reading, but unlikely, as any axe head made from iron will have some carbon in it, as it is carbon that makes iron steel.



Stay sharp!

Neil

Thanks Neil, although I am inclined to doubt your quite reasonable thought process.

Not least because I have on my desk at the moment a Kelly "Perfect" axe head made at the Charleston location (1904-1930). Marked with a "C".

Is it a factory mark or a user mark? In your post of the 21st that is.

Pic?

Originally Posted by goodvibes

Thanks Neil, although I am inclined to doubt your quite reasonable thought process.

Not least because I have on my desk at the moment a Kelly "Perfect" axe head made at the Charleston location (1904-1930). Marked with a "C".

OK, we will just have to wait until someone comes along and sets us right.

Stay sharp!

Neil

Just a heads-up folks: my Husky carpenter's axe is for sale. It's too hard on my injured paw.

Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe

I've started a video series where I'm going to be using some of my collection including a bunch of axes.

Follow along if you have an interest.

I went looking for the sequels, but I don't think they have been done yet. The main reason I went looking was that the timber looked like it was the hearts and only good for firewood. I was curious to see what could be made from them.

Even allowing that there is some timber around the heart (of hardwood that is) that could be salvaged but is uneconomic for a sawmill, those logs appeared particularly poor and degraded. Without any further knowledge I would hazard a guess they were boxed hearts from either an old building using massive timbers or, even more likely, a bridge.

I think they could well be axed .

Regards
Paul

They are indeed boxed hearts.

Out of each one of the logs I got.......one boxed heart.

Yes they are hewed.

The timber is fine but yes its a bit weathered. Been planning this project for some time. The large beams where hewn about 4 years ago.

Oh and the next part I'm hoping will be published tonight.

Thanks for the information Weaver.

I have done my old trick of picking up fag ends in that I had jumped in on your post without thoroughly understanding the posts that had gone before. Consequently I had not twigged (oops) that you were the owner of the video too. I am still most interested to see what you make of that timber.

I do understand the concept of recycling such material. I have about six Spotted Gum power poles sitting here in my backyard that I inherited from my son (shouldn't that sort of thing be the other way around?) and I have no idea what to do with them (CCA treatment doesn't assist finding an end use).

I expect I can find the link, but it would be helpful if you posted here as soon as the next video is available and I will look forward to seeing it.

Incidentally, I thought the use of child labour was terrific and I think you son may have a future in documentary making in years to come. Your daughter should probably aspire more to the Cirque du Soleil . Actually, I love the child participation.

Regards
Paul

Ok next video done and dusted.




I was hoping to get another one done by tonight where I actually talk about each tool a bit but I've run out of time.

Great going Weaver.

I eagerly await the long version. I am wondering whether this project of yours doesn't deserve it's own thread.

Regards
Paul

i've started a thread in the Home brewing section because I thought that was the most applicable spot. I'd appreciate a suggestion for a better place.