Wax Casting and Sharpening

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Oct 19, 2002
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Ok, anyone out there own/use a wax casted high carbon steel alloy 'hawk? First of all, what does "wax casted" mean? Here is an example of a wax casted 'hawk.

tomahawk-fr_1.jpg


Anyone every throw a 'hawk like this one? I like the look, but wonder about the metal properties and balance issues. I'd just be using it for fun throwing, not for carry into the woods.

Second, if an axe/'hawk comes unsharpened (like the one above), what is the best way to sharpen it so it is ready for use? I got this one...

mrl8254.jpg


...from Atlanta Cutlery and had to have it sharpened, so I took it to my local outfitters (since they do sharpenings) and they just put it to the electric grindstone. It worked, but it wasn't very even.

Answers and suggestions are much welcome. Thanks in advance.
 
Wax casting has wax used to make a positive cast which is then covered with something (like clay), which makes the negative which is filled with metal to case. Using clay like that is "lost casting" as the mold is destroyed in each cast. In regards to properties of the steel, these are influenced a lot by how the tomahawk is heat treated after it is cast.

As for sharpening, power equipment is best as if the edge is not formed you are in for a long time of hand filing before you can start honing with a stone. When using power grinders cool frequently to avoid buring the edge. Pass the edge ove the grinder quickly, and dip in water after each pass.

Once the bevels meet, then use a file to even them up and sharpen, now take to which even finish you prefer on various hand stones.

-Cliff
 
The lost wax method of casting ( also called investment casting )is refered to by some as a modern space age technology. That's funny since it's been around for many hundreds of years.It is called lost wax since the wax is melted out .Molten metal is then poured in its place and when cooled the mold is broken open. Almost any metal can be cast this way . It is a precision casting method and some unmachinable alloys such as jet engine blades are cast this way. Complex shapes can be made such as the 'hawk shown with little machining or grinding necessary. Of course that's only the forming method ,steel type and heat treatment are just as important.
 
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