Oval Axe drift ?

[flaminggoldenhawk]

Would anyone know how i could make/forge a drift that is oval instead of teardrop shaped? I dont really care for the regular tear drop drifts because they are a little small and i want to forge something a little larger for a more axe type handle weight. Any pointers at all will be very appreciated.

steve

[Sam Salvati]

Oval shaped and tapered, driven in from both sides to create an hourglass shape to the eye. You are a blacksmith, forge it.

[brian.pierson]

Steve,

Take a look at this link

http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/ah637e/AH637E26.htm

It is on axe making but has the shape and size of a drift. it is metric but you can convert it. I am guessing that you are looking for a real axe drift and not more of a tomahawk drift. Hawk drifts tend to be more teardrop shaped. Hope it helps and good luck on your project.


Brian

[rthibeau]

You can make a drift any size you want. I just finished up a tomahawk drift, teardrop shape, out of 1144 steel, 1 3/8 inch round. It's about 16" long. For an a oval drift, it's the same process just on both sides and not as aggressive.

[flaminggoldenhawk]

thanks for the help gentlemen hope to post some of my work here in the near future

steve

[Andrew Smith]

I am not sure if you started yet but... When you make the handle for the ax you want to make sure the fit is very tight- that may sound profound.....but anyway. I am not sure how you plan on making it, If you are making it like a tomahawk where the handle gradually gets bigger at the top then it is wedged in place or if you are going to put pins in it.

One thing I do is leave extra length on the wood you are using so you can have room to mess up a little bit. The main thing you want VERY tight is the fit from front to back of the ax. The sides are important but not quite like front to back as this will receive the most stress. If the tight is not very snug from the front to back then it will be very hard to keep it from moving, even with pins in it.

Hope this makes sense. Post some pictures of your work, I would love to see how it turns out.