Hey guys so over the past couple of months I have been acquiring some vintage axes to restore/tidy up. I have been very busy up until now and can finally start to put some work in; in fact over the next 8 weeks I will be able to put a lot of work in until I am re-inundated with my usual life stuff.
I would like to post photos of my progress and ask questions as I go - I know a lot of you are kind souled axe men who are more than happy to share your wealth of knowledge to beginners (whether that is for my benefit or for the axe's is yet unconfirmed).
I want to begin by asking about rust removal of axe heads.
I have several heads like this Kelly TT Flint Edge. It is not quite a built up flakey brown rust it is more of a black coating (almost looks like someone has taken a paint brush with black on it and painted it over).
Not sure if this was true rust or not I took some metal polish and a rag to it but without much improvement.
Another example with a more extreme level of black rust is my latest acquisition a Michigan Kelly Perfect..
I believe this is more than just a dark patina.. I want to remove it as it seems the rust is beginning to build up and start to pit the head.
I have several heads like the first picture, a couple like the second and a couple far worse with actual brown rust all over it. Please tell me how I should go about removing axe head rust. I got some sand paper and started at it by hand but the results were poor at best; sore hands, clogged paper, not a drastic change on the axe head.
Most of my axes/hatchets are hung so for information's sake please don't recommend vinegar bath as I won't be submerging them and I won't be taking the heads off for it; I will be trying my hand at my first hangings on the others shortly after which I will update you with pictures as we go.
So, I have a power drill..are we talking brass cup here? - (note: my hardware stores only seem to have brass coated steel cup brushes..could this do more damage than good?).
All comments and recommendations welcomed with open arms.
THANK YOU AXE MEN! More pictures of everything I have to come ASAP.
I would like to post photos of my progress and ask questions as I go - I know a lot of you are kind souled axe men who are more than happy to share your wealth of knowledge to beginners (whether that is for my benefit or for the axe's is yet unconfirmed).
I want to begin by asking about rust removal of axe heads.
I have several heads like this Kelly TT Flint Edge. It is not quite a built up flakey brown rust it is more of a black coating (almost looks like someone has taken a paint brush with black on it and painted it over).
Not sure if this was true rust or not I took some metal polish and a rag to it but without much improvement.
Another example with a more extreme level of black rust is my latest acquisition a Michigan Kelly Perfect..
I believe this is more than just a dark patina.. I want to remove it as it seems the rust is beginning to build up and start to pit the head.
I have several heads like the first picture, a couple like the second and a couple far worse with actual brown rust all over it. Please tell me how I should go about removing axe head rust. I got some sand paper and started at it by hand but the results were poor at best; sore hands, clogged paper, not a drastic change on the axe head.
Most of my axes/hatchets are hung so for information's sake please don't recommend vinegar bath as I won't be submerging them and I won't be taking the heads off for it; I will be trying my hand at my first hangings on the others shortly after which I will update you with pictures as we go.
So, I have a power drill..are we talking brass cup here? - (note: my hardware stores only seem to have brass coated steel cup brushes..could this do more damage than good?).
All comments and recommendations welcomed with open arms.
THANK YOU AXE MEN! More pictures of everything I have to come ASAP.
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