Hatchet Handle Scales Kit
Designed for people that don't like the squareness or thinness of my standard hatchet handle. This kit makes it easy to add up to 0.25" to the overall thickness of the handle.
Kits include 2x 1/8" Baltic birch scales that have been laser cut to fit perfectly on the side of a standard Infinity Axes hatchet handle. Also included will be two jigs to hold the scales in place while gluing them down.
To install the scales you will need wood glue and at least two clamps.
Installation steps.
1. Cut your handle to the desired length.
2. If your handle has been used for a while or had any kind of oil applied, you'll need to sand it smooth and wipe clean. Handles directly from me should be free of oil but I recommend a visual inspection.
3. Slide the jig pieces up the length of the handle, leaving them approximately 3" apart.
4. Apply a thin coat of wood glue to the back of each scale and a thin bead along the first 3" of the handle.
5. Slide the scales into position through the jigs with the glue side in contact with the handle. Make sure the bottom of the scales line up with the bottom of the handle.
6. Use your clamps to clamp the scales in place, ensure as even a pressure along the scales as possible. Wipe off any excess glue that squeezes out.
7. Let the glue dry.
8. Remove the jig pieces, if you had excess glue come in contact with them you may need to break them off using pliers.
9. Using 120 or 180 grit sand paper slowly sand down the sharp edges of the scales until it makes a smooth transition to the handle. You can also thin down the overall thickness of each scale until you find the thickness that feels best to you. Go SLOWLY while doing this.
10. Once the grip feels good in your hands, sand everything smooth with at least 220 grit. Your handle is ready to go.
Side note: Birch REALLY soaks up stain well. If you want to give your handle a little more pizazz, you can use masking tape to protect the hickory and apply stains or coloring to the birch after everything is sanded and smooth.