Restoring a Vintage Collins Legitimus Axe Head, and Surviving the Flood Waters

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Restoring a Vintage Collins Legitimus Axe Head, and Surviving the Flood Waters

Рет қаралды 20,729

5 жыл бұрын

Today in the shop I am showing you how I restore an axe head in preparation to rehang it and put it back to work. This is a Collins Legitimus Dayton pattern single bit axe head, that I believe was a military issue axe, most likely on a vehicle. I go through the steps of rust removal on the bench grinder with a wire wheel, cleaning up and chamfering the pole, and reprofiling and sharpening the bit.
We had a small set back when my basement flooded due to some sever rain. I took some time to check out why my pump wasn’t working, before deciding to put the axe project on hold to go out and get another pump. After pumping out the basement, and drying out my shop, I got back to work and finished up the Collins axe head.
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Пікірлер: 66

@SolarAB Жыл бұрын

The only restoration that I really like, so I periodically rewatch this video.

@BillySmith-hk6fz 4 жыл бұрын

That axe IS: A U.S. Army axe, for use, for setting up bivouac areas, in wooded areas, as well as chopping wood, for the camp kitchens, to burn. Take it from me, a 1960s era soldier.

@egbluesuede1220 2 жыл бұрын

sorry about the flood....I think I would have freaked out! Nice grind on that Collins....I've got one that needs the same so was really helpful for me.

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Good luck EG

@OUTDOORS55 5 жыл бұрын

Sucks about the flood! Axe turned out great though! Super sharp 👍👍

@MyGraKat2 5 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry about the water in your basement. I feel your pain. I love how the axe turned out! This video has a lot of useful information in it. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

@danielroncaioli6882 5 жыл бұрын

I grew up in Collinsville CT. where those Collins Co. Legitimus axes were originally made. It’s nice to see them brought back to life since they haven’t been made in decades.

@briansayler2511 5 жыл бұрын

I came across the same axe head last weekend (marked Collins & Co. Legitimus - 4) and was thinking about how I wanted to go about fixing it up. Couldn't click on this faster. Love following you along in the shop...

@Mark-xl8gg 5 жыл бұрын

Really liking your content the house and workshop are full of character And at last a restorer who appreciates patina

@horacerumpole6912 5 жыл бұрын

Are you smoking crack???

@abigirltv5188 5 жыл бұрын

Axe looking amazing! Fantastic work sir :)

@susanlushing638 Жыл бұрын

Like your videos. I would to see you demonstrate how to build a simple axe display stand or wall unit. I have quite a few axes i have restored and need to organize them. I cant find any plans or videos on it.

@rodchristensen4825 3 жыл бұрын

What a great education. Thank you very much from Australia.

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting!

@craigsmartin 2 жыл бұрын

That is beautiful!

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Craig! Cheers.

@badass9223 4 жыл бұрын

Another Gem restored... well done!

@pmwoodworkingstudio7610 2 жыл бұрын

amazing collection

@AZBORDERSOLDIER 4 жыл бұрын

As always Dustin, great video, dig your work, and thank you for sharing.

@richardm1631 5 жыл бұрын

Great job.👍

@mikeashexperience9602 5 жыл бұрын

Dope Video! Sending blessing your way, Keep inspiring!🎒🙌🏻

@AndrewBeals 5 жыл бұрын

You can get a float switch for your pump to turn it into an automatic pump. I installed one I. A friend's house a few years back when her sump pump's automatic switch went south.

@abigirltv5188 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I would also recommend getting an automated pump. Preferably the ones with a bobber on top as they tend to get stuck less in my experience.

@The_Lorax0331 5 жыл бұрын

Just noticed your shirt says Bristow, VA 2016. I used to live there from 2000-12. Loved it there. Can’t wait to go back one day.

@blademan6075 5 жыл бұрын

Nice work.👍🏼

@brianclark9796 5 жыл бұрын

hey man great work. I love the ax restoration and knife making videos. I just made my first knife after watching your videos. Great work guys.

@jerryjohnsonii4181 5 жыл бұрын

That sucks about your workshop flooding Sir. That Axe came out looking awesome.

@robertgilkerson8517 5 жыл бұрын

Very nice can't wait to see it hung

@GiantPinhead 5 жыл бұрын

My utility pump died in the middle of our "event" last month, too. Like you, I bought another. The next day, miracle of miracles, the first one was back up and running. Apparently the heat sensor shut it down when I was performing my stupid human trick and trying to run out the final 3/8" of water.

@rolandotapullimaguerra8627 3 жыл бұрын

Sir, I am from the Peruvian jungle, I have a Collins 4 ax without a handle similar to the one you are showing, I got it in 1995, I do not send it to put its handle because I consider that the buttonhole is very narrow and the handle is so He would be very thin and would not resist the hard work on the farm that consists of felling and chopping trees.

@darrenbowers3267 4 ай бұрын

Good looking axe head great job I get torn between doing a pole polished like you did or just get rid of the mushroom and leave it as it is or not doing anything to pole. I have decided I will not be polishing the whole head anymore I like the natural beauty of the patina better just personal preference. Darren

@gennaroskinedxl8051 5 жыл бұрын

Bellissimo lavoro! Bravo! 💪💪😄😄

@Snowalker13 2 жыл бұрын

Curious about the grit# on your grinding belt? Good video and flooded basements suck.

@richardcranium6554 5 жыл бұрын

Military equip usually says US. It is, however, an awesome head. Fantastic job so far. I know you can.... handle the rest. Nyuk nyuk nyuk. Any chance of you firing up the forge soon? Have a great one, thx for making these. Your golf commentator voice is very soothing:)

@lucacadianalbert 4 жыл бұрын

that looks great. What grit belt did you use for cleaning out the edges and pole? did you use the same grit to create the convex grind?

@ataria5609 5 жыл бұрын

As always beautiful film Dustin. But also I'm kinda bored of all this axe stuff. Looking forward to see something fresh. Keep up the good work guys!

@larsvab3690 3 жыл бұрын

But axe is life

@alexmorris3106 Жыл бұрын

These were used in jeeps and tanks duce and a halfs ,all were painted green, Eck usmc

@codybryant8684 5 жыл бұрын

Now your talking my language doing an ash handle. I prefer ash over hickory cant wait to see it

@anthonyseidita919 3 жыл бұрын

I know a year later, but why do you prefer ash? I’ve just started getting into restoring axes.. thanks

@codybryant8684 3 жыл бұрын

Ash is easier to work

@lancemillward1912 Жыл бұрын

That little bit steeper bevel you could call a micro bevel on a knife. But often blended into a convex bevel on an axe? Is it to help to split the wood off as you cut through? I've had axes that jam and others that cut for days but the geometry seems super important.

@richkirk2687 4 жыл бұрын

Collins Legitimus axes were made between 1917-1921 because Collins last year was 21. That is a nice collectable 100 plus year old axe

@gregchambers6100 5 жыл бұрын

Really pretty. I'm a little concerned about the electrical work in the basement though. I see a lot of cables and wonder if these or this circuit is GFCI protected. It made me really nervous to see you with your feet in the water with electricity all around you. Please separate your lighting from your convenience power circuits and Ground Fault protect them both, pretty please.

@1rdgrnnr 5 жыл бұрын

if you,re combating moisture how do you keep the rust down? I do like your work though !!!

@richardbryant7972 5 жыл бұрын

All the ones I ever seen said just U.S on them and they were just plain green, wouldn’t put anything like silver paint on them because it would show up in military conditions

@richardanderson2411 5 жыл бұрын

Navy gear is painted gray, which could appear as a worn silver. However if Navy, it would have an anchor stamp somewhere.

@justinrobertson1590 5 жыл бұрын

Check your title as edit. No, I haven’t watched it yet but I know it will be a good video. 👍🏼

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 5 жыл бұрын

Justin Robertson thank you!!

@larryschmidt3594 5 жыл бұрын

What grit and brand of belts do you use on your belt sander.

@michaellionart3675 5 жыл бұрын

So how did you set up the angle for grinding please?

@raymondfernandez1567 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought a Collins 4 axe 🪓has blue paint 🎨💙 on it...possibly know what year axe is 50s or 60s

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 3 жыл бұрын

That’s probably about right, but blue paint is from a wide period of time. If you send me a pic I could help further.

@danepaulson9370 3 жыл бұрын

What would you call the shape of the bit of the first Collins legitimus you showed in the video?

@benedictdelacruz2535 5 жыл бұрын

I want to say hello to our dear son Superman.

@WINOtinkery 2 жыл бұрын

Neat little belt grinder. What kind is it?

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 2 жыл бұрын

It’s a 1x30 belt grinder from Harbor Freight. I love it.

@Tha_AntiChrist 2 жыл бұрын

Where do you find your old axe heads at?

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 2 жыл бұрын

Flea markets, yard sales, antique stores, vintage shops, craig’s list, FB market place, etc.

@ericday604 4 жыл бұрын

What compound did you use on the belt?

@TheArtofCraftsmanship 4 жыл бұрын

White polishing compound for carbon steel

@kongy1787 3 жыл бұрын

Love your vintage axe collections but found it bit dangerous the way you hanged them on the wall, should have a string across to prevent them from falling off the wall accidentally. Just some suggestions.

@tracyobrian7291 5 жыл бұрын

The axes, shovels & pickaxes on military vehicles were painted completely in O.D. green.

@Robert-ko6wr 4 жыл бұрын

You call that "some" water? Do you also call alligators salamanders? By the way, one of these days you are going to stick your hand in that nasty cooling bucket and something is going to bite you. You know what "they" say about cleanliness ... well obviously you don't. :-) Enjoy your videos. Cheers!