axe handle finish

I made a huge mistake trying to use tung oil to put a finish on a new surplus unfinished axe handle. I sanded it down lightly with 220 grit sandpaper and brushed on a light coat of tung oil. I hung it up to dry over a dehumidifier and 24 hours later it had not dried not even a bit. I just wiped it off with some clean mineral spirits and hung it back over the dehumidifier. hopefully it will dry and maybe I can coat it with shellac, lacquer or varnish.
what would you use to put a finish on an axe handle that won't take forever and a day to dry?

Many lite coats of raw linseed oil.

Peace/Heddwch

I use linseed oil. I sand off ALL the commercial finish and rub the oil in. It's tacky for a few days. Usually treat any handles several times. Rub oil in then remove the excess with a cloth, then do it again a day later.

I am guessing maybe you didn't get all the original finish off when you sanded. Or, just used too much tung oil and didn't wipe it down afterwards.