Hatchet forging

[Lin Rhea]

I recently aquired a video about forging a particular style hatchet and thought I'd share the process and the outcome. Here is the link to a slide show, but I will give more detail if you want. By the way, I am forging this. I am not sharing the video here, lest there be a misunderstanding.
   web page

[2treks]

Very cool Lin, Now I have another thing on my "Really really want" list.

[J Reeves]

Sweet Lin what kind of handle you going to use?
I really like it you make it look so easy.

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks.
I'm going to cut out a hickory handle. I have some kiln dried 5/4 hickory.

[4est trekker]

I love seeing how a master craftsman creates timeless tools.  Thanks for sharing this...too cool!

[Steve Nuckels]

Wow, that is some serious technical forging!

Fascinating!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation

[Lin Rhea]

I just got it heat treated. I think it will work out. I'll be posting pics soon. Thanks

[Doug Campbell]

Doggonit Lin, if it were possible I'd come down there and work for you for a year for nothin just so's I could watch. Maybe some of those skills would rub off on me... That is just too cool!

[bjansen]

Outstanding!

[D.Ellis]

That's very cool Lin, I am building my welding forge as we speak so I can play with more of this kind of thing........and damascus steel of course. :D  
Love that style of hatchet.....what steel are you using for the cutting edge?
Darcy

[Roughcountry]

I can't thank you enough for sharing this kinda stuff with us Lin. The light bulb is starting to flicker a bit in my little mind.
I really like that head. RS

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks fellers. I used 5160 for the bit.

This forging sequence is based on a very early way of making the hatchet. It is very simple, if you can call it that. I had to forge the drift, since I didn't have one already. I will forge another larger drift so I can scale this head up somewhat. The method is good for about any size head. One good thing about old methods, is that they dont require a lot of extra tools. Other than the drift, just hammer and anvil.

[akaboomer]

Lin, would you mind showing us the drift you made? This is a project that I can see the methods used transferring to other projects.

Chris

[Lin Rhea]

I'm trying to get some pictures and will add them soon. Thanks

[Lin Rhea]

 

 

You'll notice that the drift is a little small but it seemed to work fine. It's mainly to straighten the eye since your goal is to never hit the eye walls with any real force anyway once the weld is made.

With this method, you shouldn't have to use the drift for much stretching. You have already forged the eye walls. You have to be satisfied that the walls are symetrical before you fold it, or you are making it more difficult.

[akaboomer]

Great explanation and descriptive images.  I am really liking where this project is heading. Thank you for taking the time to show these projects and answer the questions.

Chris

[Lin Rhea]

Smoothing the handle. The head is drawn back and waxed. I'll wire wheel it just before I install the handle.
 

[kbaknife]

Pretty darned slick, right there.

[Lin Rhea]

Got her finished.
   

I learned a lot on this one and will be making some more as I get time. The main thing is that I want to understand the methods of getting from the bar stock to a hatchet. The dangerous areas and the pitfalls.
 

[2treks]

That is so cool. It has stirred some memories for me Lin,
I remember watching my Grandad make handles for his axes and hatchets, he was a lumberjack in norther MI. I now use his draw knife and other tools to make my stuff. He never made his own heads to my knowledge.
That tool there is a thing of beauty. The grain in the handle looks about perfect. What a great piece.
Thanks for showing us Sir.
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