How Many Coats of Boiled Linseed Oil on Axe Handle?

Maintaining an axe handle using oil has no alternative. Using boiled linseed oil on the axe handle can make it last longer.

Oil is essential for keeping an axe handle in good shape as well. However, not every oil creates an equal effect on wood when it is protecting and maintaining wood. Because wood compresses and fractures when it dries, it is particularly difficult to work with a wooden handle.

Without knowing how many coats of boiled linseed oil on the axe handle could create a few drawbacks, such as if the wood absorbs oil more than necessary, the wood can be damaged.

Usually, three coats of boiled linseed oil can be used on an axe handle, but at least one coat of linseed oil per year can keep an axe handle up to the mark. But still, a question can be raised: which oil is best for axe handles?

Boiled Linseed Oil on The Axe Handle: What Is It?

When boiled linseed oil absorbs the wood, it polymerizes into a solid. This method fulfills two goals. First of all, it shields the wood from the weather, and secondly, it causes the wood to swell, increasing the pressure between the wood and the metal in the axe head’s eye. The excessive pressure aids in keeping the axe’s head attached permanently to the haft or handle.

People use different types of linseed oil, such as tung, hemp, walnut, teak, and linseed oil. These oils are very popular for the handle of a tool or furnishings. Few people used to think the same about linseed oil for axe heads and as well as handles. But the reality is that all these oils are famous because of polymerization.

Because non-drying oils like coconut, almond, and olive oil do not harden when coming into contact with air, they aren’t as effective as wood. Moreover, tung oil vs linseed oil for axe handle is also an important fact.

Linseed axe handle oil is extracted from the dried flax plants and the matured seeds. It’s a natural kind of oil used to keep lumber from deteriorating. But sometimes, the lengthy drying time makes it unsuitable for most users. Solvents and metalloids make boiled linseed oil more user-friendly to speed up drying.

5 Steps of Applying Linseed Oil

To apply linseed oil to the axe handle, there are 5 steps to follow. Linseed oil application can be essential immediately after changing the axe handle or just polishing the old axe handle.

1. Prepare the Tools and Wood

Preparing tools and wood is the first step in treating your axe’s handle. It is important to remove any varnished wood accumulated on the handle.

 Some people apply a glossy finish to the handle as a standard technique. Varnish can be problematic in some circumstances since the slippery surface makes it harder to grip the handle.

Then, take the cutting edge of a good knife and slide it down the hardwood handle to erase the varnish; this ought to do the trick. After that, lightly sand the handle with a certain grit of sandpaper. In this case, grit should be approximately 200. We aren’t attempting to modify the handle in any way.

As anyone wants to smooth down minor edges and rough places. The objective is to reveal the new timber. When someone is done, wipe the dust away with a paper towel.

While applying the oil, take hand and eye protection. Choose a well-ventilated and bright area. To clean up the oil, use an old rag.

2. Use Boiled Linseed Oil

After scraping the polish and cleaning the handle to eliminate all the dirt, put on a light layer of linseed oil. Using a fresh rag, blot out most of the oil. Rub the grip with the towel until the wood is considerably brown, then apply the linseed oil to the blackened axe head to the whole surface.

Coat both ends of the handle with oil because they will absorb a lot of it. Allow the handle to dry after applying a thin oil coating to it.

3. Let it Dry

At this stage, the situation might be simple or tough. Drying the axe in the sun on a sunny day will help speed up the process. But drying in windy weather will be tough.

Furthermore, whether someone uses boiled or raw linseed oil for axe handle also impacts the drying time. It will take longer for the raw linseed oil to dry. To get a better outcome, take some of the expert’s advice.

4. Wipe the Handle and Repeat

The outside layer of the handle should be mostly dry once the oil has been absorbed into it. Next, wipe the handles with a clean paper towel to remove excess grease. If the start is good, anyone can repeat the process on your handle with at least three coats of oil.

To be clear, the handle does not need to be reversed. Next, apply another light coat of linseed oil to the handle after wiping it down with a towel. Repeat this process at least three times. The full procedure may take a few days.

5. Use the Axe

The focus of using oil is the pleasant use of the handle. Moreover, the axe will also acquire a wonderful shine as someone use it and grip the handle.

Linseed oiling is natural, and it’s a fantastic method to polish an axe. But don’t stop there. And apply one coat of linseed oil to the handle at least once a year to keep the axe in good shape for a year.

Linseed Oil’s Dryness Duration

Before applying the first coat of boiling linseed oil, let it cool slightly. This applying will ensure that the material is dry enough to apply to the subsequent coats.

And then use the next layer, making sure the preceding one is no longer sticky. Again, a few coatings are typically needed. Once completed, the axe should be allowed to rest for a few days before usage thoroughly.

The drying period varies based on temperature, moisture, and coat depth. Boiled linseed oil might take a few weeks to solidify or harden fully, but you can use the axe once it has been set for a few days.

Safety Tips

Some important points cannot be missed, such as stopping scrunching up an oily rag after using it to wipe down the handles and storing it in a small, contained location. This can be a cause of burning. 

After all, these oils are extremely unpredictable. These oils must oxidize quickly enough and generate enough heat to catch fire, particularly as someone rolls it up and stores it in a small space to achieve polymerization.

So, it may still be getting a small amount of oxygen, which will combust due to the heat in that small space. It’s happened before, and it’s a serious threat.

FAQ

Final Verdict

Linseed oil is the ideal coating for axe handles since it provides the best weather resistance. It has a completely waterproof coating that has the natural feel of a wooden handle. So, your concern about the coats of boiled linseed oil on the axe handle will end by using it properly.

Moreover, Linseed oil inhibits mildew and does not grow rancid like some other oils when exposed to the sun or rain, and it lasts for years with just one coat to get a better result user should apply at least 3 coats.

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• How To Measure Axe Handle Length (With Replacement Guide)
• How To Put An Axe Head On A Handle In 6 Steps