How to impregnate an ax handle
You can buy anything today, but prices are often prohibitively high. This suggests that some operations that improve the quality of a thing can be done independently. Gardeners and gardeners often have questions about how best to treat the ax handle so that the tool lasts a long time.
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How to treat a wooden ax handle?
An ax is an indispensable device in a private farmstead. It is used for removing twigs and branches of plants, for splitting firewood and cutting logs. In order for it to serve for a long time and fit comfortably in the hand, the ax handle must be smooth and competently processed.
Most often, the holder is made of strong wood, but in recent years, tools made of plastic or metal have become common.
There are basic rules for what an ax handle should be:
- Initially, determine the purpose of the tool - for carpentry or for chopping wood - and only after that you can choose the wood for the handle of the device.
- Consider impact toughness and strength.
- Based on the type of work, wood is chosen. For example, oak is considered a stronger material, while birch is a universal option.
- A stronger holder is made from mature wood - no older than 40 years.
After selecting and fitting the metal part, we begin processing the wood.
Impregnation of the ax
The procedure is carried out for convenience:
- do not get a splinter from uneven wood;
- increase the service life of the ax;
- make the job easier.
Impregnation consists of two stages: first, oil is applied and then polished.Both are critical to creating a quality instrument.
There are a large number of compounds in stores that are used to impregnate ax handles. You can also use folk remedies. However, impregnation with linseed oil is considered a proven and most often implemented method. It is spread in a thin layer over the wood and then left to dry. Repeat several times.
Polishing is carried out in various ways, for example using grease and a blowtorch. The ax handle is coated with the compound and heated with a lamp. The procedure is repeated up to four times. It is important to ensure that the tree is not burned.
Simple polishing is carried out using sandpaper marked “240”. Once smooth, wipe with a cloth soaked in oil.