Reshape an axe head?

[DayGlo_Koolaid]

So I was cleaning out my grandparents' garage, and I found this old axe head.

Granddad said I could have it, knowing full well of my intentions. Said it would have ended up in my hands anyway, since he's never gonna use it again. Doesn't have a maker's mark, but it DOES have a crack in the eye that goes down about 3 millimeters.

I'd like to reshape it into a tomahawk, like so.

I've got a pretty decent machine shop available, and I DO intend to drift the eye out to make it bigger. Trouble is, I don't have a drift. What can I use as a substitute? Also, can I use a bandsaw to cut this thing out, or do I need to spend a week cutting it out with a coping saw?

 

[markv]

i have made several of these Hudson Bay or cut down axes. i don't have a metal cutting bandsaw so i use a 16 inch cut off wheel and a 1X42 belt sander.

i don't cut any meat away from the axes cutting edge, you'll use up steel there by sharpening out imperfections and chopping wood
works good.

be careful when the heat builds up,
glad you are re-profiling this old cutter

buzz

 

[Square_peg]

.....and I DO intend to drift the eye out to make it bigger. Trouble is, I don't have a drift. What can I use as a substitute?

There's no substitute for a drift. But you can make your own drift. Hinge pins off of a backhoe or excavator make good stock to start with.