Making a Broad Axe Handle
Broad axes are used to make square timbers out of round logs. The square timbers can be
used to make timber frame buildings, rafts and boats. Years ago not everyone had access
to a sawmill, therefore hand tools such as a broad axe were very useful.  Our friend, Seth
Miller had a few broad axe blades that needed handles as the blade outlived the wood.  
Cliff and him decided to spend a morning in the basement making new handles.
February 1, 2008
Tools to make a broad axe handle:
1. Hewing Hatchet for shaping  
wood.
2. Large Spoke Shaves makes
larger shavings.
3. Drawing Knife for removing
large chunks of wood
4. Spoke Shave for finishing  and
smoothing wood
More tools from left to right:
1. Froe splits the wood to a
estimated rough size.
2. Drawing Knife
3. Froe Club  to hit the froe
Seth is using a spoke shave to finish an
ash handle for a broad axe.  Hickory and
ash make good handles because the
wood has a "whip" to it
The ash handle in boiling water
becoming pliable so it can be shaped,
formed or molded to a desired bend.  
A six inch vice is serves as a better jig to hold
the handle in place while it dries.  Notice the
slight curve in the wood.  This will keep the
handle away from the log so your knuckles
don't get scraped while splitting off pieces of
wood.
Cliff is using a brace and bit to drill holes for
dowel rods to use as a jig.  
"Let's try this Cliff"
"If the tools you use are sharp enough and the
wood you use is pliable enough, you might
end up with a good handle."