If you live or work in the taiga, then you must be equipped with the right tools. Mandatory equipment includes not only a saw, but also an ax. Many people make the mistake of choosing this tool and believe that you can deal with the carpentry craft. Today we are analyzing what an ideal taiga ax looks like and whether it can be made with one's own hands.
Features
Not only in the taiga you need a quality ax. All lovers of constant and long trips will like this attribute. This tool is needed not only for the preparation of barbecue. There is a list of cases that can not do without this attribute. Namely:
- felling of trees;
- logging;
- processing of felled logs;
- production of guns and airplanes;
- building a hut;
- splitting logs along the fibers.
Looking at the whole list, we can safely say that the work is mostly rough and requires strong and durable uniforms. Basically the taiga ax is used:
- hunting hunters;
- gamekeepers;
- foresters;
- Tourists
- geologists and any other person who is going to taiga.
Components
It is necessary to consider what basic elements an ax consists of:
- Hatchet - different from a carpentry tool. In a taiga ax, it is much longer. With its help, it is easy to swipe and hit a tree. The optimal length of the ax is about 50 cm, and in some cases more. It should not be heavy, otherwise it is impossible to succeed in the taiga.
- Head. This part also differs from the carpentry tool. The upper part of the blade is absent in the head. If you urgently need to turn an ordinary ax into a taiga one, you can independently adjust it.
- Blade. For efficient operation, it is specially rounded off. Such a blade is widely used in taiga.
- Beard. This part fixes the ax and the head.
- Butt. In the taiga it happens that you need not only an ax, but also a hammer. This part will easily replace it. Conveniently, you do not need to carry a hammer with you, especially tourists prefer this.
- Eye. This part allows you to put the head on the ax. To ensure the reliability of the entire structure, a wooden wedge or an ordinary thick nail must be driven inside the eyes. This will prevent the head from popping off.
- Fungus. This part is for safe use only. Hands are fixed on it in a comfortable position and do not slip off.
Below is the taiga ax. The drawing will show where and how each detail is located.
Characteristics
Taiga ax is a tool that will help you with everything. There are conditions that must be met:
- lightness (frequency of use can affect fatigue);
- the handle should be ergonomic (the ax for each man should be like an individual suit - only in size);
- the main burden should be in the metal head.
For lovers of tinkering with their own hands, we suggest using our next master class.
Do-it-yourself production
We offer to supplement your camping set with such a tool as a taiga ax. With our own hands we will make a real masterpiece from the workpiece of a carpentry tool. Before starting work, we will prepare everything you need. This includes:
- a head from a carpentry ax;
- wooden butt;
- Bulgarian;
- metal wedges.
Introducing a step-by-step lesson:
- With the help of a grinder, you need to shape the ax. It should look like a taiga specimen. If there is rust, it must be removed. To do this, use a petal disk.
- If corrosion has damaged the metal inside, then soak the head in vinegar for a day. We clean the remains with a brush.
- Cooking hatchet. In our case, we suggest taking a beech. The tree is considered strong and solid.
- Fasten the head and the butt to each other with epoxy. Additionally reinforced with a bandage, drive in beech wedges.
- Cut off all excess and be sure to polish.
- Sharpen the ax.
Since the butt is primarily a tree that is subject to dampness, it is worth processing it. Dip with special oil in several layers. In addition, the product will receive strength and water resistance.
You can also make your own protective case for an ax. It will protect against unwanted injuries.
Sharpening rules
In order not to get injured, the ax must be sharp. You can sharpen it manually and mechanically. We consider each of the methods individually and analyze the basic rules for sharpening a tool.
Manual method
This method will require a lot of free time, as it’s a rather troublesome business. If you approach with special trepidation, then before sharpening you need to make a special template. To do this, you must:
- find a piece of tin;
- choose the optimal and correct sharpening angle;
- make a cutout.
When the template is ready, go to the main action:
- apply the template to the ax blade;
- see if there is an angle of deviation;
- apply markers with a marker;
- process.
If you choose a manual sharpening method, then it is better to do this with a bar with medium grit. The final touch can be made and the smallest view. To the bar also has its own nuances:
- round shape is preferred;
- material - fine sandstone.
Professionals advise sharpening with a blade on their own. It is also noted that if amateurs are involved, then the blade becomes dull, and in some cases the “sharpeners” break.
Mechanical way
If you have a grinding machine at hand, you can use it. To carry out the procedure, you will need the following:
- the device itself;
- ax with a blade;
- whetstone with two working surfaces;
- lapping paste;
- marker;
- goniometer;
- personal protective equipment for eyes and hands.
The procedure is as follows:
- The machine should stand on a flat and solid surface.
- The working surface must be flawless.
- If you need to update the sharpening at an existing angle, mark the desired area with a marker.
- Sharpening with a blade.
- If the angle is suitable, then fix the result with a finishing paste. Lubricate the grinding wheel with it and polish the ax.
- Be sure to apply a tool that protects against corrosion.
Sharpening Professional Tips
It is worth exploring some recommendations that relate to tool processing:
- If you sharpen the ax mechanically, then you need to do this at low speeds.
- Do not grind with a grinder.
- There is no need to rush in sharpening.
- To prevent the ax from blunting for a long time, store it in a protective case.
- Never sharpen an ax without personal protective equipment.
- If you doubt your abilities, then it is better to turn to professionals.
Work Safety
An ax is a rather dangerous thing. So that the trip does not turn into a sad journey, remember the tips on the rules of operation:
- The head should not hang on the ax.
- When chopping, put a forester under the wood.
- Do not drop the taiga ax to the ground.
- Do not try to cut stone or metal with this tool.
- When working, you need to take positions that are convenient for yourself. There should be a lot of free space around.
