Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: mcginnis6010 on January 15, 2014, 10:40:21 am

Title: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: mcginnis6010 on January 15, 2014, 10:40:21 am

Anyone ever forged an adze from a regular old hammer and would you think it was feasible? I was thinking of trying it since i definitely dont want to pay the prices for a store bought adze. Also i was thinking of using some mild steel for a froe since ive read it doesnt need a sharp edge. Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: KHalverson on January 15, 2014, 03:13:17 pm

feasible-yes
iv'e forged a couple of ball pein hammers into other tools
I have the ability to get to welding heat in my forge and it was  tough work with a #3 hammer.
the fellas that forge those 24 oz hammers into tomahawks by hand have my utmost respect.
if you have or know someone that has a hydraulic press  or power hammer  it would ease the pain.
Kevin

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: mcginnis6010 on January 15, 2014, 03:28:51 pm

Unfortunately i dont know anyone with a power hammer or hydraulic press. Ive forged some gouges out of some scrap steel as well as knives. I was thinking i could try to forge an adze out of a hammer since i have an over abundance of them. As for the froe i was thinking i could just grab some cheap flat bar steel from lowes since its not absolutely necessary for a sharp edge.

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: lostarrow on January 15, 2014, 07:11:11 pm

A leaf spring works as a froe. Cut it off with the eye being used to insert the handle of your choice. You will want to grind a good taper on it though as it's fairly stout and can be hard to get  started.

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: BOWMAN53 on January 15, 2014, 07:47:44 pm

A buddy of mine made one.


(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a631/jamesbowyer89/IMG_15910405187237_zps7eqh1eum.jpeg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/jamesbowyer89/media/IMG_15910405187237_zps7eqh1eum.jpeg.html)

(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a631/jamesbowyer89/IMG_15914078569778_zpsgfrhckg0.jpeg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/jamesbowyer89/media/IMG_15914078569778_zpsgfrhckg0.jpeg.html)

(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a631/jamesbowyer89/IMG_15937576839957_zpsdzq7qcut.jpeg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/jamesbowyer89/media/IMG_15937576839957_zpsdzq7qcut.jpeg.html)

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: mcginnis6010 on January 15, 2014, 10:01:58 pm

I like that thanks bowman for the pics. It has made me want to do it even more now. Thanks for the advice lostarrow.

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: BOWMAN53 on January 16, 2014, 12:25:01 pm

no problem, i was thing about making one myself.

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: KHalverson on January 16, 2014, 03:24:09 pm

fwiw
I was just looking at one of my blacksmithing books.
it gives an example of an adze forged from barstock.
a couple hot cuts and drifting out the handle.
looks pretty ez peazy.
Kevin

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: lostarrow on January 16, 2014, 07:55:02 pm

Hey Kevin,
   would you splice in a piece of high grade stuff like you would for an axe on the cutting edge?

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: Zuma on January 16, 2014, 11:45:12 pm

Nice work on the adz.
Just wondering about removing the hammer portion?
Less weight good? Or is it about looks?
Zuma

Title: Re: making an adze from a regular old hammer?
Post by: KHalverson on January 17, 2014, 06:24:08 pm

Quote from: lostarrow on January 16, 2014, 07:55:02 pm

Hey Kevin,
   would you splice in a piece of high grade stuff like you would for an axe on the cutting edge?

yes
or just forge the whole shootin match from  good stuff and give it a good spring temper.