HOW TO FORGE AN AXE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2286, 26 February 1912, Page 7

HOW TO FORGE AN AXE.

An easy way to make an axe is to take a piece of 1-in. by 3§-in. soft steel and forge to shape shown at A in the accompanying illustration. Then, when flattening out the thin part, put the fuller in sidewise and draw out V-shaped points as at B. Bend as C, and weld up the point of the eye, leaving the ends open to receive wedge-shaped piece of tool steel. This is then driven in and the outside laps closed down tightly, so that no dirt can get in. Now take a careful heat and weld up, using a little borax. After weldicg up, draw the forging down fairly thin on top and bottom, but leave it heavy in the middle, so that when it is sunk in the wood it will not stick and wedge itself fast.

The last hammering on the flat edge should be done o,t a low beat, with quick, light blows to puck the grain; the hammering ehould not he continued after the redness has disappeared. Then heat evenly all over and lay aside to cool. When cold, grind up to shape. Then have a good fire that will heat the axe evenly all over. It is best to heat the back part of the axe first and them gradually back to the edge. The heat should be the lowest heat that will make it hard. A good bath in which to temper is common salt and rain-water. Move the axe up and down in the water when quenching ; then polish or brighten and draw to a blue colour. The quality or life of an axe depends on the steel that is used, and the manner in which It Is worked and tempered. “American' Blacksmith.”