Hawk Drift Technique

S

sirwilliamjr

Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
44
I don't have a drift yet, but I'm thinking about getting one pretty soon. I might be able to figure it out when I get one, but what how exactly do you use one? Is it used like a hardie tool where you hammer the hawk down on it, or to you put the hawk in a vice, hold the drift w/ one hand and hammer w/ the other? I just thought that a drift that fit in a hardie hole would be the easiest way to do it, but I haven't seen a drift that looks like it goes in a hardie hole. Thanks for any clarification.

-Will
 
My old forging book shows a round punch [the face is always flat] and sometimes one with a handle so it's easier to hold as you strike it with your hammer.The steel lies flat on the anvil , punching half way through produces a dimple on the other side which is easily located , and conitnue punching from the second side . Sometimes a pin is inserted in the hole to prevent collapsing the hole as you work the piece...If you don't like punches you can do it the other way - fold a strip over to form a hole , then insert a better steel for the cutting edge.
 
I have several shapes and sizes I made. Using them is pretty simple. I Think it was Ray that said he drills a hole, cuts a slit and uses the drift. The slit idea has worked well for me. Much easier than drilling a hole alone.
 
Thanks guys, but I still don't understand how you hold the hawk and the drift while hammering one of them. Can it be done without a vice? Also, I'm sure I could just find this in an old thread, but where would you recommend getting a drift? I know Kayne and Sons has them, and probably other places, but are any better than the others, and do any fit handles that you can buy? Thanks again.

-Will
 
Here's a photo that shows pretty much the sequence that I use except I've been doing the drifting at the last. The slit is made by drilling 5 or 6 holes in a row and then cleaning it out with a carbide burr. This is done with a drill press and a cross vice. The reason I drift the eye last now is the rest of the hawk is easier to forge without the eye in the way plus you don't end up hitting it by mistake.
PDRM0786.JPG
 
Raymond-

You know, I was looking at that picture, thinking that the hawk on the bottom looked kind of like one of the Hawks on the iForge tutorial, and then I looked at your name and started thinking, wait a minute.... Anyway, I just thought that was funny.

Do you make your handles or buy them? Any tips (other than whittle away at a stick till it fits nice and snug)?

-Will
 
Will, For the most part I buy ready made handles but there's still alot of fitting to be done. There not that hard to make but pretty time consumming. Just start with a stick, take the hawk head and draw the eye shape on the end and start shaping. You can get ready made handles anywhere from a low of around $4.00 up to as much as $30. for the fancier ones out of curley maple.
 
Hey Raymond, did you polish your drift? My drift has the "as cast" finish left from the mold. Should it I smooth it down to help prevent it from getting stuck or does it really matter?

Oh, and I'd like to head off any of our more ornery members (they know who they are!) from commenting about "polishing your drift" or even talking about "members"! :D
 
I have a buddy in louisana that makes his drifts from old spud wrenches. I think they are also called klein wrenches. I have never made one, but I thought it might give some of you a few ideas on how to save a buck or 2.
 
Guy, It does make a difference if you smooth it off. I also use oil while drifting. It also helps it move better. As far as getting it stuck as soon as it stops moving you need to knock it out cause the cooler the steel gets the more stuck it will get. Good idea to wear gloves. After a couple heats the drift gets very hot.
 
I used to use either coal dust or beeswax to lube when I was punching and drifting, don't know if there is anything better. I think Astroglide would burn off!!! :D :p

stevo
 
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