With Lin showing the process to forge a belt axe and having made a few with the same process I thought I would share one way the process can be modified for a different style.
The body is mild with a 5160 bit forge welded in.
Chris
Where's all your hammer marks? <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
The hammer marks hit the shop floor. This is the only one I finished clean. I probably wouldn't have if the weld hadn't been so nice. Lin, thank you for sharing the process.
I can leave hammer marks and scale, but my forging is rough compared to yours.
Hammer marks for Lin <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//tongue.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />
Chris
Love that axe... Do you use your forge for heat treating? I have a salt lot that I'd love to be able to use for the control of temperature, but it'd take a lot bigger pipe to handle a hawk or axe head...so that leaves me with a torch or my propane forge.
Oh, and did you make the axe handle? Thanks for sharing the pics.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
Thank you Jeremy. I use my forge for all the heats, with the exception of the temper cycles.
I have had good fortune with the mild body and 5160 bit, the welds take a little extra care, but work out for me and my setup.
My handles are kiln dried hickory that I shape from hand picked planks.
Chris
Thanks for the info, Chris.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
I love that ax. And need to learn to make a smaller version.
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Thank you Jeremy and Karl. Karl, with your skills it should be not problem.
Chris
