UTC, I was wanting to ask you if you've tried this with a council axe? I know they use the aluminum wedge and it seems like it would be a real pain. Just curious if you've tried it or no anyone who has.
I've done it on a Council Hudson Bay axe. I secured it in a vise and drilled out the wedge with a series of holes (slightly smaller in diameter than the width of the wedge) for the length of the wedge. It started to come out in pieces, which I was able to remove with a needlenose pliers. It really didn't take that long, maybe 15 minutes. I did manage to slip up in 2 places and drill into the wood, but I think that can be patched if I want to rehang the head on the original handle.
From reading around though, it sounds like the wedge isn't all that secure and the head may come off just from using it awhile. I'd try that if you're uncomfortable drilling out the wedge.