Tool Talk

Blacksmith and Metal Working Forum => Blacksmith and Metalworking Forum => Topic started by: scottg on October 15, 2012, 01:39:30 PM

Title: Fire Ax
Post by: scottg on October 15, 2012, 01:39:30 PM
I just finished this for my local fire dept. Well I might do more work on it yet.
  We have basically nothing on the walls to be proud of, except some old awards and crap nobody looks at.

 (http://users.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/images/hometools/fireaxe2012.jpg)

Its a big sumbitch

(http://users.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/images/hometools/fireaxe2012c.jpg)
   yours Scott
Title: Re: Fire Ax
Post by: keykeeper on October 15, 2012, 02:05:33 PM
Nice work, Scott. Would love to know how you went about making it. I like the way the head forms integral "straps" to secure the handle.

Is it based on a historical piece, or of your own design.

Being an ex-fireman, you have really piqued my curiousity.

Title: Re: Fire Ax
Post by: Mel Larsen on October 15, 2012, 03:16:45 PM
Nice piece Scott,  have you any photos of it in the making?  I really like it.
Mel
Title: Re: Fire Ax
Post by: scottg on October 15, 2012, 03:44:41 PM
Thanks Guys
 No I didn't take any process pix. I started it about 3 years ago, or so.
 I worked on it here and there, until the very end, when it got some hard work.

 I always cut out straps from large pipe. Or rather pipe the right curve to fit the handles. 2" standard steel pipe fits a lot of them though.
  All of my splitting mauls and heavy sledge hammers get strapped.
It makes the handles last 10 times longer!   I think all large hammers should be strapped!
 Anyway I made a master pattern for straps and what do you recon?  I have never used it!
Nearly every hammer wants a different shape and a different curve.

  The spike used to be a chisel from a pneumatic drill. The head was a Swedish ax head from the 60-70's.

 The handle is Ipe wood.  One of the hardest heaviest woods in the world. The strap used to be a belt that I split and braided.  The braids don't come all the way to the end. You are basically braiding a solid piece with smooth ends.  Something I learned how to do when I was just a kid.
  yours Scott
Title: Re: Fire Ax
Post by: Nolatoolguy on October 20, 2012, 07:54:38 AM
That is amazing, very well made. Looks like it would just fit great in the hand.

Great job :)
Title: Re: Fire Ax
Post by: fflintstone on October 21, 2012, 09:19:23 PM
sweet!