David W Babcock
Black Metal Forge
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2018
- Messages
- 80
I did a search but didn’t come up with much. Looking for some advice. My TIG Welding instructor (figured time to take a lesson I’ve only ever done mig) wants a hatchet/axe hammer for his camper. I’ve forged a hammer, and forged an axe (I need practice on the axe it works but isn’t the prettiest thing but only one I attempted with mild steel and inserted hard bit forged welded for striking but it’s too ugly to share lol, but I now have a power hammer and tools that optimistically should make this easier) but my question is about what part to tackle first,,, or any suggestions on forging steps.
I’m assuming drift the eye hole, then stretch out the neck for the hammer before going after the axe? I’m thinking as the metal widens for the axe it will make it less wieldy to work in the hammer head.
Also have questions for heat treating, since the hammer is going to be thicker than the axe would anyone suggest a double heat treat? I’m worried about heat uniformity, I’m using straight carbon steel similar to a 1080 - have a 3/4 by 1.75 inch bar just shy of about 5” long I’m going to use. Not worried about soak but the axe where thin is going to get much hotter quicker than the hammer head so questioning best way to heat treat.
Any info would be appreciated.
I’m assuming drift the eye hole, then stretch out the neck for the hammer before going after the axe? I’m thinking as the metal widens for the axe it will make it less wieldy to work in the hammer head.
Also have questions for heat treating, since the hammer is going to be thicker than the axe would anyone suggest a double heat treat? I’m worried about heat uniformity, I’m using straight carbon steel similar to a 1080 - have a 3/4 by 1.75 inch bar just shy of about 5” long I’m going to use. Not worried about soak but the axe where thin is going to get much hotter quicker than the hammer head so questioning best way to heat treat.
Any info would be appreciated.
