My first punched eye axe

[Jon Buescher]

I’ve made several wrapped eye hatchets and tomahawks and made the leap to making a real axe. I cut a 1” slab of mild steel off of a 2”x4” bar. Drilled some guide holes and welded a handle on it. Punched the eye and forged a drift then drifted the eye, split the axe body and forge welded in a piece of 1084. Wish I would hand taken more pics

 

[Jon Buescher]

Here is the beginning of the project

 

[Jon Buescher]

Some photos of the progress

 

[Daniel Macina]

Very nice sir!

 

[Jon Buescher]

I want to start another one, I want to make one that is all some type of tool steel, does anyone have any advice as to what metal I should use? I was thinking something in the 1045-1060 range or something similar but I am just guessing here. I have spent a lot of time on NJSB website and they don't have anything that I could see.

 

[Sean Jones]

Very nice!

 

[mike miller]

To play with see if you can find one of the big "u" bolts from a tractor trailer. They are 1045 and should work. Normally they are around 1 inch in diameter.

 

[Jon Buescher]

Some photos of the progress

I made my axe drift. To figure out the size and shape I wanted I bought an inexpensive 28" axe handle and mimicked to shape with the drift. After using it once I am not sure if the drift needs more tuning for uniformity or if I just need more practice making axe eyes. or both. I bought a 2"x4" x8' clear straight grain Hickory board from a local hardwood dealer, and carved a 20" handle out of that, I used the store bought axe handle as inspiration for this one

 

[mike miller]

If you need axe or hammer handles check out House Handle Co. in Cassville, MO.

 

[Dusty One]

Very nice looking work !