Just getting started

Jon, the amount of static friction that is applied to the head of the ax is a function of the total pressure. Which is your frictional force per unit area. In engineering we would draw a vector related to the total force due to the static friction that would need to be overcome in order to get the ax head moving off of the handle. So everything else being equal, if the pressure on the inside of the axe head is the same, then more surface area = more force needed to remove the head. Of course adding lugs adds weight so....
 
Bo T said:
Jon, the amount of static friction that is applied to the head of the ax is a function of the total pressure. Which is your frictional force per unit area. In engineering we would draw a vector related to the total force due to the static friction that would need to be overcome in order to get the ax head moving off of the handle. So everything else being equal, if the pressure on the inside of the axe head is the same, then more surface area = more force needed to remove the head. Of course adding lugs adds weight so....
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That's what I meant. :D Bad wording on my part.

Comparing this design with a more square-bodied ax design, you have a large cutting edge and large gripping surface on the eye with less overall steel being used. The cheeks (lugs, ears, whatever term you're using) are usually made by forging the sides of the eye thinner, so your overall amount of steel isn't really changing much but your surface area on the inside of the eye is.
 
Wow, I am so glad I posted this. I am learning a good deal by it. I enjoy the debate and discussion. I would say that is what forums are about. Thanks gents. I am in the process of make my version of a clean Hudson Bay style head now. I will post it also. It is ready for quench and tempering. Then I am getting a kiln dried hickory plank to make the handle. Again I enjoy the discussion and thanks for the comments and complements.

Chris
 
Bo T
then more surface area = more force needed to remove the head. Of course adding lugs adds weight so....
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I thought you were the one who asked what purpose the lugs served? lol
I don't think the lugs will add weight, depends on the construction method. If the axe is split and drifted - or even in some wrap forging- the lugs will be a product of shaping the head with a drift in place.
Chris,
Looking forward to seeing the axe. Are you using a standard size drift in the heads? Custom handles are great- End user may not have your ability and have to rely on store bought handles. JMO
 
I forge my own drifts but house handles can be shaped to fit. I have just gotten into forging axes and have not sold any, the one going to David Seward is a deal between friends with no money involved. I want to refine my techniques before I offer them. I just wanted to share the joy I am having with fellows that appreciate tools that are not disposable. The way society has gotten is sickening. Everything is disposable, not many things are made that could be passed on to the next generation.

If I do make some for sale I will make it known.

Chris
 
Busted! I didn't think about the force in this case being the result of pressure from the wedge! That's a good point, I'll have to think about it some more. I can see how the additional area could help, I'm just so used to thinking of it in other situations.

But dues the wedge go down that far? Is there really any additional pressure? I've never hung one with lugs, but I didn't think the kerf went down that far

Chris, if you are interested in giving and freebies/test axes away.. ;)

Humbly,
Jon
 
Jon, the kerf goes down even to the bottom of the poll. I was thinking today that I may do a WIP thread with the end resulting axe being a pass around with a sign up. Then everyone that signs up takes pics of it in use. The best pic would get to keep the axe. Is there any interest in that kind of thing? I love making and using them. It brings me joy to see others enjoying them also. Just a thiought. Opinions on this idea? More pics of these two later.

Chris
 
I love making and using them. It brings me joy to see others enjoying them also.
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Sounds like you are on the right track. I feel the same way and have never been let down by my decisions as to gifting my work to friends and family. In every case, I have gotten back more than I gave and definitely more than the market would bear for an unknown maker. Not just in self satisfaction but items in return.
I think there could be plenty of interest in a pass around with a winner takes all contest if you plan on producing them for sale. It would be a good way to get your name and workmanship out there with very little risk to the potential buyer.
Best Of Luck
 
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