# Transforming an Old Circular Saw into an Ax Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L8i1On7SIM Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/5L8i1On7SIM Generated: 2026-01-15T22:04:17.207+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The creator successfully transforms an old, large circular saw blade into a custom, heavy-duty axe head by carefully cutting away material using an angle grinder, shaping the blade, grinding the edge, and finally fitting it onto a custom-made wooden handle secured with two bolts. **Key Points:** - The project begins by using an angle grinder to cut the circular saw blade into a rough, axe-like shape, leaving the original teeth on the unused portion of the blade (0:00-0:15). - The excess material is removed by grinding along a drawn outline on the blade, shaping the head with a distinct, curved cutting edge and a prominent spike/hook feature on the back (0:15-0:45). - The craftsman finishes shaping the axe head by grinding down the remaining teeth on the unused section of the blade to create a smoother, more traditional axe profile (0:45-1:30). - A wooden handle is shaped to fit the eye (center hole) of the newly formed axe head, involving careful carving and fitting to ensure a snug connection (7:00-7:18). - Two holes are drilled through the wooden handle where it meets the metal head, and bolts are inserted and tightened to secure the axe head firmly to the handle (7:18-7:32). - The finished product is shown resting on a wooden block against a brick wall, displaying the unique, repurposed axe made from the saw blade (7:45-8:01). ![Screenshot at 0:07: The angle grinder is actively cutting away the circular saw blade material, generating bright orange sparks as it carves out the initial unique profile of the axe head.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/5L8i1On7SIM/00-00-07.jpg) **Context:** This video documents a DIY metalworking project where a craftsman repurposes a large, discarded circular saw blade into a functional, custom-designed axe head. The process involves aggressive cutting and grinding of the metal blade to achieve the desired shape, followed by the careful construction and attachment of a wooden handle to create a finished tool. ## Detailed Analysis The video details the process of upcycling a large circular saw blade into a custom axe head. The process starts with securing the large metal disc, which is marked with blue chalk to outline the desired shape. The creator uses an angle grinder equipped with a cutting disc to meticulously cut along these lines, removing the bulk of the unwanted metal, including the original saw teeth from the intended axe portion (0:00-0:45). After the initial rough cut, the craftsman continues to grind the edges, refining the curve of the cutting edge and shaping the back spike/hook feature (0:45-1:30). The remaining serrated edge is then ground down to create a more conventional axe profile while maintaining the unique shape. Once the axe head is fully shaped and smoothed, the focus shifts to the handle. A piece of wood is carved to match the eye of the axe head, ensuring a tight fit for secure mounting (7:00-7:18). After test-fitting, the craftsman drills two holes through the wooden handle where it interfaces with the metal head. Bolts are then inserted through these holes and fastened, effectively wedging and securing the axe head to the handle (7:18-7:32). The video concludes by showcasing the finished, unique axe, which features a distinctive, curved cutting edge and a spiked poll, resting on a wooden stump against a brick background (7:45-8:01). ### Blade Repurposing - Cutting the circular saw blade using an angle grinder along pre-drawn lines - Shaping the blade by removing excess material to form a unique axe profile with a curved cutting edge and a spike on the poll - Grinding down the remaining saw teeth to create a cleaner edge and profile ### Handle Creation and Attachment - Shaping a wooden handle to perfectly fit the eye of the newly formed axe head - Drilling two alignment holes through the wood into the metal tang area - Securing the head to the handle using two bolts fastened through the wood ### Final Product Display - The completed, heavy-duty axe made from recycled metal is displayed resting on a wooden cross-section against a red brick wall background. ![Screenshot at 0:00: A close-up of the angle grinder making the initial cut into the circular saw blade, producing a shower of bright orange sparks.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/5L8i1On7SIM/00-00-00.jpg) ![Screenshot at 0:23: The angle grinder is actively shaping the metal, showing the transformation from the circular blade profile to the rough outline of the axe head.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/5L8i1On7SIM/00-00-23.jpg) ![Screenshot at 1:00: The angle grinder is being used to refine the shape, with sparks flying intensely around the cutting area.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/5L8i1On7SIM/00-01-00.jpg) ![Screenshot at 7:05: The craftsman drills holes into the prepared wooden handle piece to accept the mounting bolts for the axe head.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/5L8i1On7SIM/00-07-05.jpg) ![Screenshot at 7:46: The finished, unique axe, crafted from the saw blade and mounted on a wooden handle, is presented resting on a large wooden slice.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/5L8i1On7SIM/00-07-46.jpg)