What is acetal?

S

Sundsvall

Joined
Jun 25, 2002
Messages
1,559
I am a proud new owner of a new NG ranger tomahawk.

Just curious, is acetal just a polymer or some kind of fiberglass compound.

Thanks in advance.
 
Acetal is a copolymer resin that sports performance characteristics we like in the specificity of a Tomahawk. The idea of bonding this material to a Tomahawk actually belongs to an SF Operator that worked with Robert Humelbaugh about a year ago.

The homopolymer equivalent that is known to most retail industries is called Delrin.

The particular grade of Acetal we use is not glass filled, is relatively easy to machine, and offers good stiffness, rigidity, tensile strength, friction coefficient, and value.

Hope this helps.
 
I just got my first ATC product, a NG Ranger. Love it!

How is the handle attached to the head? What is used as the bonding agent?

How much heat can the handle endure before it is compromised?

Cheers!

Burton
 
Thanks for your note.

The eye is machined to receive the Tomahawk handle, pressed from the top down...the configuration of head and handle does not allow the handle to pass through completely. This is an old, tried and true method, simply with new materials and precise measurements.

The tightness is what we call "interference fit"...there is no bonding agent. The top of the handle is milled to a set of dimensions slightly OVER the eye dimension, and pressed in with a hydraulic press.

It's nothing unique, special, or patentable...just a solid precision fit that is very strong. In cases where we have needed a "bombproof" version, we have pinned it with threaded rod laterally.

As for heat, the grade of Acetal we use will probably begin to deflect somewhere in the 250-300 degree (f) range.
 
Good info on the handles! I think my (soon to be arriving) VT should handle the Middle Eastern temps nicely! That was one of the considerations that steered me away from the Eagle Talons. I can't wait to beat the hell out it. With the last estimates on shipping mine should be arriving soon!!!! WOOOOHHHHOOOOOOO!!!!!! Now I just need to figue out how to keep it sharp and throw it (just for fun). I also think I need a cool harness so I can wear it around the house. :D Everyone needs a tomahawk to compliment their attire! :D
 
I still have the alleged factory edge - which isn't too sharp.

Should I sharpen it? Or rather, how sharp is sharp enough?
 
:eek: Well...the NG has a 19 degree included angle before we sharpen it by hand, so the hair on your forearm SHOULD be running for cover...if its not, then our bad.

You may want to try stropping it on some leather to see if its just a burr that didn't come off on the buffing operation. If not, then a few passes on a ceramic rod should do wonders.

If you're still not getting the results you want, get with us offline and we'll square you away.
 
Hi Andy,

The tomahawk is not sharp enough to cut paper well although the edge looks nice and new.

Anyway, I contacted your office and they advised me to send the NG Ranger Tomahawk to your facility in Georgia for a resharpening.

As I am not the original owner, I cannot say for certain whether the hawk was used or not. However, the condition was immaculate, so if it was used, the finish and choice of steel is top notch. If new, then your boys missed this one during the sharpening stage.

Regardless, they recieved it today.

-Sundsvall.
 
I already got the phone call on that...that one got away from us.

It's already going back out...you should be pleased.
 
Ah, the speed of efficiency. Thanks Andy.

BTW, I practiced using the belt sheath and am having problems deploying the NG tomahawk. I figured out how to re-sheath.

So what is the deployment technique?
 
Twist/torque the handle down and in toward the Tek Lok...that splits the concealex up top, so the cutting edge "pops" out of the top seam...almost as if you are rotating the Hawk on an axis at the eye...then draw straight back with a quick motion...she's out.
 
Okay, I was doing the twist and poping part and was catching myself with the top of the hawk blade. Luckily it was dull. I didn't do the pulling part.

I will practice when the sharp tomahawk comes home.
 
Originally posted by Andy Prisco
Thanks for your note.

The eye is machined to receive the Tomahawk handle, pressed from the top down...the configuration of head and handle does not allow the handle to pass through completely. This is an old, tried and true method, simply with new materials and precise measurements.

The tightness is what we call "interference fit"...there is no bonding agent. The top of the handle is milled to a set of dimensions slightly OVER the eye dimension, and pressed in with a hydraulic press.

It's nothing unique, special, or patentable...just a solid precision fit that is very strong. In cases where we have needed a "bombproof" version, we have pinned it with threaded rod laterally.

As for heat, the grade of Acetal we use will probably begin to deflect somewhere in the 250-300 degree (f) range.
Click to expand...

Boy, did I just get a cool manufacturing lesson...:D I love learning new ****!
 
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