My first me carving an axe handle. I did alright. Most material was removed with a flap disk. Really wish I had a spoke shave. Finished up with a box plane for stock removal. Sanded down to 120, then Tru oil finish.
Sycamore axe handle
- Thread starter norman vandyke
- Start date
Great job! I will be interested to know how Sycamore holds up under the stress an ax takes. Chuck
It usually does not... similar to the maples, if it is properly flame hardened, it could last longer. MLB will not release their method.
Interesting, I've not heard of sycamore being used for an axe handle. Hopefully you prove me wrong. (Don't hate me!) But I don't think it will hold up under the work load force of an axe that size.
However, with that said, it does look good. Real good.
However, with that said, it does look good. Real good.
Take a look at this list, if it doesn't hold up for you.
https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/axe-handle-materials-full-guide-to-species-toughness.183764/
https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/axe-handle-materials-full-guide-to-species-toughness.183764/
Thanks! What is MLB? Chuck
Incredibly informative article! Figures the government would have done a study on this! Thanks for digging this reference up! Chuck
Major league baseball
Up here, Bitternut not used as much as Shag & Shellbark for long handles. Not sure about short handles...
I disagree with fiberglass handles, based on splinting fun, however fiberglass cored with the plastic over-layment, I have had good luck with those.
I made an axe handle out of a steel pipe. I've had it over 25 years and it has yet to bend. The middle one....
Lol
Lol
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #12
I know hickory is the usual choice but I had the Sycamore and it looked good and had straight grain. If it doesn't last, I'll switch it out for oak.