This is how the broad axe handle problem turned out

[TW]

Some weeks ago I wanted and got advice about fitting the handle to a broad axe where no wedge can be used.
You produced lots of possible solutions and this is how it ended.

A time later I visited some relatives. The old man who is now in his eighties remembered that he had fitted a handle to a similar broad axe when he was young.
He said that the handle had to be extremely dry and precisely fitted. Then it was just banged in dry.
"If it does not stay there you have not been patient enough" he said.
I followed his advice but if it doesn't work I will use epoxy as some of you recommended.
I have not yet used the axe for any serious work.

Mark Davidson told about the dry fitting at this forum but I could then hardly believe that it works with a birch handle. It seems like he was right.

Thank you all

[mark davidson]

Hey TW,
good that you mention patience in handle making,
a neccessary ingredient, for sure.
-mark.

[IL Bull]

Did he say anything about soaking it in water? ???  I've heard of that.  The wood swells up and holds the head on.

[thedeeredude]

Don't soak em in water!  The cells will burst from the swelling pressure and your axe head will fall off.  Soak em in linseed oil if ya have to soak em.