Recommendation? Pipe wrench hatchet

[Thesneakyd25]

Hello I’m new to forging and this forum and i was wondering if I just welded the adjuster but , jaw and handle side jaw piece together if I could forge a axe head without complications theoretically?

 

[Timetestedtools]

I did something similar on an adze. https://timetestedtoolswoodcarvings.blogspot.com/2018/09/day-two-at-coal-forge-making-adze.html

 

[Grease]

It depends on the quality of the pipe wrench and the steel used to make it. If its got some carbon and will actually harden halfway nicely, it should work just fine.

 

[Thesneakyd25]

Perfect and hey what kind of respirator should I get for grinding ?

 

[Square_peg]

Pipe wrench handles are typically made of either ductile iron or cast iron. Neither is very impact resistant. The adjustable jaw is typically made of hardenable tool steel, likely something along the lines of 4140.

Having all that weight in the handle would make it awfully unwieldy. I wouldn't care to use it but it might make a fun conversation piece. And it would be fun to heat it up and bang on it and see what happens.