How do you temper an axe?

[lakeside forge]

I forged an axe this weekend and need to know how to temper it. The axe is made out of 1045 and is a punched hole axe. I have heat treated it in peanut oil (just the edge) and let it cool over night. How can I temper the axe and to what temprature?

Thanks,

Steven

[Steve Sells]

to start read http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/151-knife-class-reference-material/

[basher]

to start read http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/151-knife-class-reference-material/

 

or if you would like some specific information rather than be linked to a general HT page with pretty much no info to help the poster with his request.....:-

 

I use a steel that is equivalent to 1050 but have used 1045 equivalent although I find that the 1045 does not keep an edge like I would require from one of my axes , the small bit of difference in C makes a big difference in reality.

 I temper at 250C 482F for two one hour periods, this will leave you with a tough and easy to sharpen axe, you can temper lower for a little more hardness say 230C , 446F . the temper of an axe depends upon specific use and on the edge geometry.

 I use a converted domestic oven or a proper ht oven depending upon size of axe...

 good luck and post pictures.

 cheers Owen

[Momatt]

Steven is an experienced young smith. I subscribe to his YouTube channel. Steven you have made a lot of knives and tools, I think your axe edge would temper similarly.