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- Aug 31, 2011
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Need Suggestions on a Tough Weekend Project
I have made about 40 knives, so I have some skills. I also have a drill press and a magicut file.
I live in Chicago. I am posting this on my morning break, but I do work full time, and I will be working late tonight. Tomorrow morning, I must start making a medieval battle axe, and get it to Okmulgee, Oklahoma by next Monday, 2PM.
Next Monday is the plenary session of the Okmulgee World Conference On Medieval Life, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. 6000 re-enactors, spectators, and academics are expected to attend. So my medievalist friend tells me. He wants me to make a battle axe for his academic presentation, as well as for a re-enactment on Monday afternoon. He says the axe must be based on the following pattern:
I suggested some modifications, but he would not budge on the design. He insisted that it look just like *that.* [sigh]. Additionally, he said it must be made of titanium, because steel is too heavy. I told him a medieval axe could not possibly be made of titanium, since they did not use titanium back then!! He said we could paint it black, and no one would know the difference. What?? It was no use arguing. Titanium it must be! [heavy sigh].
The city of Chicago has shut off water to my shop for the weekend, because they are working on the main. So I guess I will have to haul some drinking water in, and if I have to pee, I will have to find a dang bottle to pee in. Thats not the main challenge, though. The big challenges are as follows.
1. Obtain a billet of titanium that is at least 1.25 X 11.5 X 7. Is there a supplier here in Chicago for that?
2. Figure out how the handle will attach into the head. My friend said something about holes in the back, and bolts? I suggested something simpler, but he wouldn't listen. I have a tool for making bolt threads. I think it is called a tap or a dye? I have never used it, though.
3. Possibly purchase more tools, since I have never made an axe head, never worked with titanium, and dont know what challenges I might face.
4. Get leather and authentic-looking hardware for the carrying device, so he can carry the thing around on the battle field. He referred me to some books and websites about medieval weapons, but I am all out of leather and related hardware. Whats the best place near me to get it on a weekend?
5. Get the finished product shipped to Okmulgee, Oklahoma by no later than 2PM Monday.
I would appreciate any suggestions. Like, do I need a bandsaw? I hope not, because I don't have one. Somebody told me I need a "bridge port." What is a "bridge port?" What do bridges and ports have to do with this? I am getting stressed out.
Thank you, and if you want to understand the whole situation more clearly, click here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...morrow-is-April-Fools?p=17051695#post17051695
I have made about 40 knives, so I have some skills. I also have a drill press and a magicut file.
I live in Chicago. I am posting this on my morning break, but I do work full time, and I will be working late tonight. Tomorrow morning, I must start making a medieval battle axe, and get it to Okmulgee, Oklahoma by next Monday, 2PM.
Next Monday is the plenary session of the Okmulgee World Conference On Medieval Life, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. 6000 re-enactors, spectators, and academics are expected to attend. So my medievalist friend tells me. He wants me to make a battle axe for his academic presentation, as well as for a re-enactment on Monday afternoon. He says the axe must be based on the following pattern:
I suggested some modifications, but he would not budge on the design. He insisted that it look just like *that.* [sigh]. Additionally, he said it must be made of titanium, because steel is too heavy. I told him a medieval axe could not possibly be made of titanium, since they did not use titanium back then!! He said we could paint it black, and no one would know the difference. What?? It was no use arguing. Titanium it must be! [heavy sigh].
The city of Chicago has shut off water to my shop for the weekend, because they are working on the main. So I guess I will have to haul some drinking water in, and if I have to pee, I will have to find a dang bottle to pee in. Thats not the main challenge, though. The big challenges are as follows.
1. Obtain a billet of titanium that is at least 1.25 X 11.5 X 7. Is there a supplier here in Chicago for that?
2. Figure out how the handle will attach into the head. My friend said something about holes in the back, and bolts? I suggested something simpler, but he wouldn't listen. I have a tool for making bolt threads. I think it is called a tap or a dye? I have never used it, though.
3. Possibly purchase more tools, since I have never made an axe head, never worked with titanium, and dont know what challenges I might face.
4. Get leather and authentic-looking hardware for the carrying device, so he can carry the thing around on the battle field. He referred me to some books and websites about medieval weapons, but I am all out of leather and related hardware. Whats the best place near me to get it on a weekend?
5. Get the finished product shipped to Okmulgee, Oklahoma by no later than 2PM Monday.
I would appreciate any suggestions. Like, do I need a bandsaw? I hope not, because I don't have one. Somebody told me I need a "bridge port." What is a "bridge port?" What do bridges and ports have to do with this? I am getting stressed out.
Thank you, and if you want to understand the whole situation more clearly, click here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...morrow-is-April-Fools?p=17051695#post17051695
Last edited:
It's not april first where I live yet, I call foul
