Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => At the Forge => Topic started by: TSA on January 10, 2020, 10:13:22 pm
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i have my coal forge, anvil and a bunch of tools, been messing around over the years making all, and sundry things, really keen to make something useful, really would like to make a tomahawk.
been researching the axes made from ball peen hammers, seems like a fun way to go initially, but then i hear that the hammers are only a med carbon, so the edge holding wont be the best.
so before someone says, just weld in a high carbon bit, i have not had much success with forge welding, (so any advice in this department would be greatly appreciated).
would another option be to use a billet of good steel, suitable for an edge, and make the entire hatchet out of it, i know this may seem sacrilegious to some, but this may be the best option for me.
any ideas or advice!!
TIA
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Farriers rasps work well.
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...so does a railroad spike. (f)
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yeah hammer heads are probably 1045, 4140 or something of the like. i think it would still be worth doing if only for the practice shaping the head, and if you figured out a good heat treat it would still be a serviceable tool.
the hawk i made was from 1" square 1080 and i went that rout because it was easier :) if you end up going that way try finding stock that is a little bit bigger if you can, i had to work pretty hard to spread out the width i wanted.
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Is that the hawk you made for me, Dylan?
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Is that the hawk you made for me, Dylan?
Yep ;D how is it holding up?
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Good as new. I haven't used it much.
(https://i.imgur.com/f8dixky.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hm7RAn0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JstidFT.jpg)
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wow... thats a beaut!!!
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Good as new. I haven't used it much.
(https://i.imgur.com/f8dixky.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hm7RAn0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JstidFT.jpg)
wow!
that's a great looking hawk.
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That's Dylan's work. All I did was add the lipstick. ;)
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Wayne, here is a pic of the railroad spike hawk that Bobby Keller, a friend made for me...
(https://i.imgur.com/j8o6FK0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xwKlXbF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Gssxtd6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/y3MTa3l.jpg)
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that is awesome Pat, i love the poll, it makes it so much more practical in and around the camp!
i love the overall shape!
being low carbon, how did you find it holds an edge .
when i get my forge welding figured- might be awesome to weld in a good cutting edge.
i really like that!!!
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Dylan, what would your recommendation be for size of the 1080 stock that would work a bit better if the 1" by 1" was a wee bit too small, as much as 1.5"??
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I would think 1.25 or 1.5 should be a good size. You don’t want to go to big or it’ll be a bear getting it forged out
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Also just wanted to add that I recommended 1080 because it’s heat treat is simple and it will get glass hard really easy
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Wayne, I told Bobby I wanted a throwing/camp hawk and I think he did a great job. It holds an edge pretty good but I haven't used it much.
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thats awesome, thank you guys so much.
i really like the unique style of that hawk Pat, i am going to give it a go emulating it.
Thanks Dylan, was just online sourcing some 1080- going to make a call in the morning.
many thanks for all your help, do you mind terribly if i pm you for a few pointers in the heat treating?
my son is showing a lot of interest in doing some forge work, hence the motivation to pull all the gear out. the axe is a project for me, while i am helping him.
many thanks
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dylan, any ideas as to where a fella might get 1080 in say 1.5" bar stock- i cant seem to locate any. it all seems to be flat bar stock for knife blades
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pat.
that's a really nice railroad spike tomahawk you got there .
I like how your friend drew down some material in the center of the eye.
fwiw.
in my experience with making railroad spike tomahawks make sure to use the ones with the raised letters hc on the head.
supposed to be 4130.
I brine quench mine and no temper.
they seem to hold up fairly well that way.
Kevin
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I’m no expert but I’d be happy to walk you through what I have already fuddled through myself ;D
And I’m sorry but I have no idea on your second question the 1” square I got from “Aldo Bruno the New Jersey steel baron” you could try calling his company and see if they have anything thicker.
You might be able to find large drill rod in W-1 or W-2 or O-1 but they will be round instead of square and will make slitting the eye more challenging