Just got a set of phil freewheeled hubs this weekend for $50, but the axle seems kinda tight (and less smooth) on the front hub. From what I can see, though, it looks like Phil hubs are basically never supposed to be opened up and messed with. Is there any way to adjust the cones or service the hub?

Phil wood uses sealed bearings. There are no cones like in a cup and cone hub. Phil does service their hubs:
https://philwood.com/store/page52.html
Or you can do it yourself:
https://philwood.com/support/partsservice.php

ah. thanks!

The axles are virtually indestructible so you probably just need new bearings. They are type 6003 and are readily available. I don't have a hub in front of me ATM but on the older hubs I think there are fewer threaded assemblies than shown in the link above and the axle(s), bearings and shell are simply pressed together.

Thanks Iowegian. Do you know if the mechanism for opening the hub up is the same otherwise?

Could be just a little drag at the bearing seals and nothing to worry about. Just manufacturing tight tolerance that could actually just "break in". If the hubs are very old the grease inside might also be just a bit thickened from age causing the bit of drag and could also thin out with use. I have older Look pedals I got NOS that had a similar problem. the bearing seals were dragging badly on the left pedal, but it eventually freed up and spinned nicely after some miles. It happens a lot with sealed bearings on bike components.

Chombi