Making a tomahawk.

J

jbrewton01

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May 6, 2012
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Is there anyone that can tell me what grade of steel I need to use for a tomahawk. I'm going to make a one piece tomahawk. I have the design that I want and I'm going to cut it out with the laser that i work with. I was thinking about using a lower grade of wear plate. But I still don't know if that is the way to go.
 
For a breaching tool type hawk I think something like 1060 or so would be good. Maybe S7 also. For just general type hawk 5160 is good too.


-Xander
 
How thick do you want it. 5160 would be great but the thickest I know of is 1/4 inch
 
I will be using 1/4 " steel. I thought about using 4130 steel because i seen that RMJ uses 4140 steel. I figured that would be pretty close.
 
If it is free and available, I would go for it. However, if you are starting from scratch, then I would recommend a steel that was maybe a bit higher carbon.
 
Well the plate I was going to get is not free. I priced all different types of steel but this will be my first hawk and I dont know where to start on material wise. Any info anyone has would be a get deal of help.
 
A 4-6" piece of 3/4" square stock in 1070 makes a perfect forged hawk. Just laser cut a 1" slit in the center and drift the eye.
A piece of 1/4" plate in 1060-1084 will make a great wrap style welded hawk. You could laser cut this to the "butterfly" starter piece.


It seems almost senseless to try and cut a 3D hawk with a laser from a solid block of steel....but I suppose one could if he didn't mind the cost and waste.
Reminds me of the video of milling a one piece race car helmet out of a 12" cube of solid titanium.
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/04/17/5-axis-milling-machine-demonstrates-capabilities/
 
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Stacy I think he's got this style in mind, profile cut from sheet

ET_09_Head_500x400.jpg
 
I Gotcha!
A tactical hawk.

1/2" would be plenty. 3/8" would be fine. I have seen them cut from 1/4".

IIRC, Aldo has some thick and wide stock that may be perfect for this project. Give him a call. 5160,1070,1084 will all work.
 
I've got 1075 that would do the trick. I also have a some 5/16 S-7 PG. Personally....A-2. 5160 is an excellent choice. It is available in sizes thicker than 1/4". You would have to go to 3/8" to get a piece wide enough(5 or 6 inches) to make the piece. It is made to auto spec. and up till now I haven't been able to find it in sheet. I'm hoping that I can replace it with 80CrV2. A German steel that they use in the stone cutting industry. I think it will blow 5160 away. I've sent out a few test pieces but I can't seem to get anyone to get back to me. :)
 
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