Something old and new

Raymond Richard · Jul 26, 2006

My first attempt at forging a Nessmuk ax and trying to get it as close to the drawing as possible. Pretty much guess work as far as the size goes. Its about 5 3/8" edge to edge and the edges are 2 3/8". Got the profile grinding done. I still need to go back in the forge for some minor tweeking then I'll gind the outside and get it heat treated. This was a challenge since I also had to make a special drift. I would have much rather bought one pre made but there's no such animal. BTW thats my new finishing hammer. All my wood handled hammers keep getting lose and thought I'd try a Harbor Freight special. Regular $3.99 now on sale for $2.99.

JCaswell · Jul 26, 2006

That looks like a fun little ax.

CUTS LIKE A KRIS · Jul 27, 2006

You will have to show it once handled. Will this be a user or more for show (what steel is it)??

Raymond Richard · Jul 27, 2006

As far as I know the fellow that I'm building it for plans on using it. I'd guess 99% of the axes and tomahawks that I have made are hanging on walls. The steel I used on this one is 1065.

J.Marsillo · Jul 27, 2006

Nice axe ray :thumbup: that hammer is great too.I guess it doesnt take a 100.00 hoffi hammer to make good knives and hawks.I usually leave some of my older hammers in the slack tub so they swell up nice and tight.

Raymond Richard · Jul 27, 2006

valimas said:
Nice axe ray :thumbup: that hammer is great too.I guess it doesnt take a 100.00 hoffi hammer to make good knives and hawks.I usually leave some of my older hammers in the slack tub so they swell up nice and tight.

I've done that for years but this time of year they loosen up pretty fast. Soaking them in linseed oil for a couple months works also but they still will still shrink but not as fast. I find the yellow easier to spot also. I've tried $100.00 hammers. The magic isn't in the hammer, that part comes from you.

tony moyer · Jul 28, 2006

Nice axe Ray, what steel did you make the drift out of?

Tony

Raymond Richard · Jul 28, 2006

Tony, I made the drift out of 7/8" square 1080. A combination of forging and grinding.

Will52100 · Jul 28, 2006

Cool Ray, man how did you drift that long a poll and keep it straight? Can't wait to see it finished.

Raymond Richard · Jul 29, 2006

Will52100 said:
Cool Ray, man how did you drift that long a poll and keep it straight? Can't wait to see it finished.

Will, It will be awhile before I finish it. Actually I got the head finished but I noticed one of the bits had a slight twist so now I have to start all over again. The poll is 2" deep. 1/2" longer than any I have tried before. First I drilled five 5/32" holes all the way threw in line and then turn it into a slot by using carbide burrs. Not a fun thing to do but its the only way that I've been able to figure out how to do it.