I should be done with my first Trail Hawk Mod tomorrow evening. Below are some pictures to tide you over. Here's what's happened so far...
1) Stripped the factory paint off the head...it took two applications of the paint mover.
2) Sanded the heck outa the haft so that the head fit much better. The head sits higher on the haft now.
3) Applied two (2) coats of boiled linseed oil to the haft.
4) Decided I really liked the look of the unpinted head.
5) Assembled the hawk.
6) Decided I didn't like the look of the linseed oiled haft. Decided to stain the haft, so I resanded, wiped it down with mineral sprits, and applied two (2) coats of minwax "Ebony" (it's
supposed to be black).
7) Found a small rust spot forming on the head. "Uh oh...I'd better paint the head after all!"
8) Applied two (2) coats of Rustoleum mil (like) green satin spray paint to the head.
I'm waiting for the head and handle to dry now. Tomorrow morning I'll apply one (1) coat of exterior satin polyuretheane to the haft. Then I'll wrap the handle with green 550 cord.