Hammer Poll Hatchet (handle is done)

[Hopewell Tom]

That round rusty looking hunk turned into that thing of beauty and excellence. A Marvel to be sure.

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks.

Here is the tools that I used to slit and drift this hatchet. Top center is the slitter on a bent handle so I could hold it easier under the power hammer dies. To the right is the next drift that spreads and lengthens the hole and then the final drift on the left.

   

This is the slitter showing the angle. This is probably mild steel (I don't remember)so I have to reshape the end from time to time.
   

That picture also shows the orientation to the power hammer dies. I sometimes turn things lengthwise depending on the need.

This is the final drift. It is driven in top and bottom of the head to impart an hourglass shape to the hole. After this, if I need more flare to the eye, I will hang the rim of the eye on the horn tip and tap it lightly working it around to get it even.
   

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Looks good from where I am sitting      

[Roadkill]

Art + muscle+ talent= perfection.  That would look so good splitting up an elk

[Bazooka Joe]

That is outstanding!  Love the finish
Rick

[Lin Rhea]

[Track]

Outstanding! Really like that handle too.

[Soonerlongbow]

Awesome!!!!

[Alexander13]

Awesome, I'm always inspired by your work and really want to try a hatchet/ small axe.  Do you make you own drifts?

Thanks you!
Joel

[gudspelr]

That looks really nice. Can I ask what grit you finished the head to?

Jeremy

[Lin Rhea]

Thank you gentlemen.

I do make my own drifts. I just forge them from 4140 or mild steel if that is all I have. Remember to make them as smooth as you reasonably can and the taper is important. Nothing extreme. Just about 5 degrees or so. The very top and bottom may need a little more so you can start the taper easier and also be able to knock it back out as you need to.

I take the finish to an even 120 then scotchbrite belt. There may be times when I go to 320, sure, but I mainly want the finish to look even.

[chall]

beautiful work !

[ron w]

       

[fedora]

I want a full size axe in the same design.  Can you do that for me?

[Jack Guard]

That was fun to watch you post.  thanks so much.  

The Hatchet is beautiful !