Restoring Chopper 1 splitting axe

L

Leichty

Joined
Oct 13, 2014
Messages
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I just picked up a Chopper 1 splitting axe from eBay , I haven't received yet, how do I go about restoring it , I got it for my husbands birthday . How would you go about cleaning it up , it has rust , I'm looking into a handle . Would you paint it , if so what would you use, I'm going to have it sharpened, I'm hoping to get it done before his birthday and I want it as nice as I can get it.
 
Good luck with your Chopper 1 axe. I would just wire brush off any rust scale with a wire brush and re-paint it black. You can still get replacement parts for it at their link:

https://www.chopper1axe.com/Products_Results.php

I hope this isn't deal spotting. Mods, if you feel it is please remove it. Just trying to help the lady out...

Tom
 
Thank you so much that helps a lot! I've been searching for ideas and found navel jelly , I forgot about that stuff , thank you for the info and the link , I only seen pics of the axe so I made need parts if they don't work, thank you for the link!
 
I'm far from any kind of expert but in the last 2 weeks I've restored 4 axes so my little bit of knowledge may help. For removing the rust and/or patina a good overnight soak in Vinegar works wonders and no heavy wire brush needed. A good scrub following the soak with a rag (you will ruin it btw) and then a modest hand sanding with 120 or 180 grit.

If you need a new handle call House Handle and speak with Megan. She was great with helping me get the correct handles for the 4 different axes I was working on. Their number is Remember to try and have the dimensions of the "hole" where the new handle (haft) will be inserted. Also, make sure whatever handle you order comes with both a wood and an aluminum shim.

Pick up some boiled Linseed Oil to either refurbish the existing handle (after sanding down to bare course) OR to finish the new handle you have ordered. Btw, if you go the new handle route do your husband a favor...order the new haft with NO finish applied...it's an option that House Handle will do for you. Any varnish or poly is abrasive to the skin even with moderate use. You really want nothing but Linseed Oil to be applied...preferably in multiple coats with a light sanding (220 grit for me but it's personal preference) in between.

Lastly, if it were me. I'd put together the pieces of the puzzle but I would only strip the old axe head (vinegar mentioned above with a good wipe down) and coat with some linseed oil (keep the rust from coming back while you wait to give it to him). Put the handle, axe head, sandpaper, oil, (a nice pair of work gloves, hint, hint) and let him do the rest of the work. He'll likely enjoy it more if he made it his own.

My .02 Have a great B-Day PARTY!
 
Thank you , this helps a lot , and I will take the hint ! A friend of his had this type of axe and he loved it! So I thought I would get him one , but they are quite pricy when they are in good condition so I picked up one that need some tlc a lot cheaper! This forum has so far been a big help! Thank you all
 
For that axe I'd go with a vinegar soak. Most axes I prefer to clean with wire cup brush on an angle grinder. But that won't get into the mechanisms on a Chopper 1. Plus I'm guessing that you have better access to vinegar than you do to an angle grinder.

Leichty, I think you're doing a wonderful thing for your husband. It's very thoughtful.

Once you've given it a good vinegar soak (24-48 hours depending on the piece) give it a good rinse and dry it quickly in a 150° oven. Then spray it down with WD-40. I think the raw metal will look better than new paint.

Might be best to buy the new handle but let him install it - he may enjoy that. Or we can easily walk you through the installation if you'd prefer. Plus there's some good videos available on the internet for how to re-hang an axe. This is a good one, though rather lengthy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz3rs-eaN3E
 
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Vinegar = effortless win without tool marks/scratches. In fact it works so well that after an over night soak, most times all I need is a plastic scrubby to knock of the bits that won't cooperate.

ETA: Rubber gloves with vinegar/rust solution or your hands will smell like vinegar no matter how much you wash them and it stains my hands a little - particularly finger nails. You'll probably get questions and ruin the surprise.
 
You all have been so helpful and kind! I'm glad I joined this forum! Thank you all! God Bless
 
Leichty said:
You all have been so helpful and kind! I'm glad I joined this forum! Thank you all! God Bless
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Leichty,

Where are you at with this project? Curious if you snapped a few pics so we could see the before and after. It's a bit of a shark pen around here (in a good way) when we hear someone taking advice and giving a restoration their full go.

I picked up another 2 Vintage Axe heads last night for restoration and gifts come Christmas. Even if the recipient might swing the tool only a few times a year they will remember such a personal effort. Once cleaned up and a new handle is installed they can be quite memorable.

One last thing, I did finally get the 36" Octagon Handle installed on a Vintage Plumb Double Bit 3.2 I asked for a dark wood handle to be picked out and House Handle did not disappoint me. No time before work today but maybe this weekend I'll post a pic.

Good luck to you :thumbup:
 
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I will put the finished product on as soon as it is finished , I did soak it in Viniger for 3 days and then used wd40 and steel wool, got the handle from chopper 1 axe website and all it will need is sharpened.
 
Leichty said:
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I will put the finished product on as soon as it is finished , I did soak it in Viniger for 3 days and then used wd40 and steel wool, got the handle from chopper 1 axe website and all it will need is sharpened.
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Bob
 
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