need input please

peter nap

peter nap

Joined
Nov 27, 1999
Messages
3,745
I decided to make a spike poll this morning because I like Bill's idea about using it to start tree steps.Thanks Bill!

This still doesn't look quite right though. Any suggestions before I quit pounding on it?
Thanks
36026905.jpg
 
Peter lookin good to me, I would make it rounder and put a nice sharp point on that baby with the grinder, then heat treat it and draw it to a good brown/purple with a torch 3 times. Your going to love it, it sure does make those steps screw in a lot easier when your hangin 15-20 ft. up on the side of a tree.

Bill
 
I would agree on a rounder/sharpeer point. THink you'll be very happy with it(obviously I'm just repeating now).

This is just a matter of personal taste, but I think I would change the blade jsut a touch. At least, esthetically. Admit this may not make for better use of the blade part, but it seems to me that either the blade isn't wide enough(as in length of edge) for how long blade is from the hole, or it's jsut too long(ie shorten it or make it wider). Not sure that makes sense.

Heck though, I'm boring on hatchets. Crafstman Half Hatchet is all I ever carry camping/in my gear. Boring, and maybe a bit heavy at 16 oz, but has worked for me for years.
 
Aint nothin wrong with that Peter. So how did you form the ears so nice ? I think I may hate you:D

Mark
 
Thanks guys. It was just roughed out then and I have the poll nice and round now. The blade is a little wider but as usual, I ran out of steel and I can't bump worth spit. Gotta work on that.

Gouge, to make a square eye with a neck, I form the neck, then swage the hole then forge around it........Don't hate me on this one though...I cheated. I reforged a Big Lots ball peen hammer:p

It's in the oven now for the second cycle. The proof is in the cutting.

Oh...I made the blade that length because there is a picture in " Edged Weapons of the American Revolution " that looks just like this. Other than I liked the looks, there is no reason for it. The last one I did (square poll) was copied from a picture in the same book.
 
Perer, I think that work looks great just the way it is(but not for starting tree steps). Most folks here just use a cordless drill or a spike with a heavy handle.If you forged a spike on one end of that hatchet, I think it would work great. Nice looking work, Peter.
 
Looks good from here Peter. Just make one to match it and you can climb the tree and leave the spikes home.
;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top