If you live or work in the taiga, then you must be equipped with the right tools. The mandatory equipment includes not only a saw, but also an ax. Many people make the mistake of choosing this tool and think that carpentry can be mastered. Today we analyze what the perfect taiga ax looks like and whether it can be made by hand.
Features
Not only in the taiga need a quality axe. All lovers of constant and long hikes will like this attribute. This tool is needed not only for cooking barbecue. There is a to-do list that cannot do without this attribute. Namely:
- cutting trees;
- firewood;
- processing of fallen logs;
- production of bags and traps;
- building a hut;
- splitting the log along the fibers.
Looking at all this list, we can safely say that the work is mostly rough and requires strong and durable equipment. ATmostly taiga ax use:
- hunters-traders;
- jaegers;
- foresters;
- tourists;
- geologists and any other person who is going to the taiga.
Component parts
It is necessary to consider what basic elements an ax consists of:
- Axe - different from a carpentry tool. In the taiga ax it is much longer. With it, it is easy to swing and hit the tree. The optimal length of the ax handle is approximately 50 cm, and in some cases more. It should not be heavy, otherwise it is impossible to succeed in the taiga.
- Head. This part is also different from the carpentry tool. The head is missing the upper part of the blade. If you urgently need to turn an ordinary ax into a taiga one, you can correct it yourself.
- Blade. For efficient operation, it is specially rounded. This blade is widely used in the taiga.
- Beard. This part fixes the ax and the head together.
- Bud. In the taiga, it happens that you need not only an ax, but also a hammer. This part will easily replace it. Convenient, no need to carry a hammer with you, especially tourists prefer it.
- Eyelet. This part allows you to put the head on the handle. For the reliability of the whole structure, a wooden wedge or an ordinary thick nail must be driven inside the eyelet. This will keep the head from coming 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 a taiga axe. The drawing will show where and how each part is located.
Features
Taiga ax is a tool that will help you in everything. There are conditions that must be met:
- light (frequency of use can affect fatigue);
- the handle should be ergonomic (an ax for each man should be like an individual suit - only in size);
- The main weight should be in the metal head.
For those who like to make everything with their own hands, we suggest using our next master class.
Homemade
We offer to complete your hiking set with such a tool as a taiga axe. With our own hands, we will make a real masterpiece from a blank of a carpentry tool. Before starting work, we will prepare everything you need. This includes:
- carpenter's ax head;
- wood butt;
- Bulgarian;
- metal wedges.
Introducing 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 disc.
- If corrosion has damaged the metal from the inside, then soak the head in vinegar for a day. We clean the remains with a brush.
- Cooking an ax handle. In our case, we suggest taking a beech. Wood is considered strong and hard.
- Fix the head and butt together with epoxy. Additionallyafter reinforcing with a bandage, drive in beech wedges.
- Cut off all excess and be sure to sand it.
- Sharpen the ax.
Since the butt is primarily a tree that is prone to dampness, it is worth processing it. Impregnate with special oil in several layers. Additionally, the product will receive a fortress and water resistance.
You can also make your own protective ax case. It will protect against unwanted injury.
Sharpening rules
To avoid injury, the ax must be sharp. Sharpening can be done manually and mechanically. Let's consider each of the methods separately and analyze the basic rules for sharpening a tool.
Manual Method
This method will require a lot of free time, as it is quite troublesome. If you approach with special trepidation, then before sharpening you need to make a special template. For this you need:
- 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:
- attach the template to the ax blade;
- see if there is a deflection angle;
- apply with a marker;
- processing.
If you chose the manual method of sharpening, then it is better to do it with a bar with medium grit. The final touch can be done with the smallest view. The beam also has its own nuances:
- preferredround shape;
- material - fine sandstone.
Professionals advise sharpening with the blade away from you. It is also noted that if amateurs get down to business, then the blade becomes dull, and in some cases the “sharpeners” break.
Mechanical method
If you have a grinding machine at hand, you can use it. To carry out the procedure, you will need the following:
- the machine itself;
- bladed ax;
- grinding stone with two working surfaces;
- finishing paste;
- marker;
- goniometer;
- personal protective equipment for eyes and hands.
The procedure is as follows:
- The machine must be on a level and firm surface.
- The work surface must be flawless.
- If you need to update the sharpening at an existing angle, mark the desired area with a marker.
- Sharpen with the blade away from you.
- If the angle fits, then fix the result with finishing paste. Lubricate the grinding wheel with it and polish the ax.
- Be sure to apply a product that protects against corrosion.
Pro tips for sharpening
It is worth looking into some of the recommendations regarding tool processing:
- If sharpening an ax mechanically, then you need to do it at low speeds.
- Don't grind with a grinder.
- There is no need to rush into sharpening.
- To prevent the ax from dulling for a long time, store it in a protective case.
- Never sharpen an ax without PPE.
- If you doubt your abilities, 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 handle.
- When chopping, put timber under the wood.
- Don't throw the taiga ax on the ground.
- Do not try to cut stone or metal with this tool.
- When working, you need to take positions that are convenient for you. There should be plenty of free space around.
Purchase
If you love constant hiking or hunting, then you need equipment such as a taiga ax. Wacha is the most common model among this family of instruments. Use it to quickly and easily chop and process wood.
If you want to buy a forged taiga ax, then make sure that a protective cover is included. A distinctive feature of this brand of tools is the handle. It is made of strong varieties of birch. Wood impregnated and treated.
We have discussed how to make a taiga ax with your own hands. If it is not possible to make it yourself, then you can always find the product in the store.
