Forging a camp AXE with the Jackery Solar Generator

Jackery has just launched its flagship ‘Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro’ in Canada!
Use the code 'CA-3000Pro-YT' to enjoy an early sale discount of up to 499 CAD OFF (Validity period: April 26th - May 26th)
Jackery Official website: bit.ly/3Hdvv5b
Amazon: amzn.to/41VASxO
The video sponsor, Jackery Solar Generator, sent the Explorer 2000 Pro for us to take a look at. The Jackery Explorer is a portable power station. While a small solar battery generator like this is generally used for camping or home backup power, I thought it would be a fun test to see what types of power tools we can run using this battery system while we forge a small camp axe or hatchet.
Full disclaimer, the power was back on for most of this video and I did use plug in power for the lighting. But all of the tools used in the forging and finishing of this blacksmithing project were powered by the 2000 pro.
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - Forging the axe
14:16 - Jackery Solar Generator
18:43 - Rough grinding
21:43 - Heat treating O1 tool steel
26:55 - Hickory handle
32:04 - Leather axe sheath
36:01 - Final thoughts on the camp axe and Jackery 200 Pro
@JackeryInc #Jackery #JackerySolar #JackerySG3000Pro
#backuppower #emergencyprepperedness #vanlife #outdoor #offgrid
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Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil
www.stevefontaniniblacksmith.com
Precut blanks for forging available from:
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use coupon code John at checkout.
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Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

[@BlackBearForge]

Jackery has just launched its flagship ‘Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro’ in Canada! Use the code 'CA-3000Pro-YT' to enjoy an early sale discount of up to 499 CAD OFF (Validity period: April 26th - May 26th) Jackery Official website: bit.ly/3Hdvv5b Amazon: amzn.to/41VASxO

[@Aco747lyte]

And you forged a jolly nice, beautifully balanced camp axe thanks to that Jackery, which I forgot to add. 🌻

[@72151]

I find the skills absolutely fascinating.

[@honthirty_]

Nice hatchet. Appropriate leather cover. Well done.

[@thomasthecrunkengine3512]

Hilarious that the day this came out my power went out lol!

[@robsonsantosOSO]

This hatchet turned out to be really good and the fact that it has a big eye ensures that it is really strong in this connection with the handle. Congratulations!

[@richardsurber8226]

your new ID punch meets with my approval

[@richardsurber8226]

Very Good I'm glad you"re still the most Courageous video guy I'm aware of

[@AtholIronworks]

Nice axe, nice generator. Thanks for another great video

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kennethomeara9848]

Hello John, I hope all is well with you and yours. The noise of the forge is barely noticeable. Take care. Thank you for all you do.

[@ArmySoldier1972]

Great video Army SE Oregon

[@hughcupples1279]

The ambient noise from the forge is not any worse then the previous unit.. if anything it’s a lower pitch tone in the video… 🍻🍻

[@BlackBearForge]

Good to know, thank for the feed back

[@simpleman4224]

Great tutorial! Seems like a nice little generator! 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@JackPinesBlacksmithing]

I hope you see this as the compliment it's intended to be but that was a Diresta-level video! Nicely done!

[@cae2487]

Seeing how long it took you to punch the hole in the 1 inch of o1 makes me feel a lot better about the amount of time it took me to punch a hole in 2 in round 1045. Punching through that much material definitely takes a minute or two to get all the way through. Next time i plan on trying the drill 2 holes trick and seeing how that goes vs free punching without the holes. Another great vidoe thanks for sharing i always enjoy seeing you at the craft.

[@willw7595]

Nice build. Little hatchet looks great. stay safe John.

[@PuissantPike]

It was great seeing all of the leather work for the sheath. I had no idea you even had that station or all those tools. Fantastic work!

[@paulthompson5666]

Thanks for the video, your style and willingness to transfer skills in this way is really appreciated 👏

[@johnearhart8811]

Great video John

[@GodschildinNC]

Just nice! I really like the way that the hatchet turned out. I will have to start watching your other channel to see the build!

[@bobmusser9862]

Very impressive

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice test of the system, I have a 3000 watt Goal Zero and 200 watt Solar Cell, works great.

[@3870TheDad]

Interesting, hmmmm. Great looking axe with sheath.

[@schmiedemesser_Jasmine]

Wonderful video! You are such a great blacksmith and a very good and down to earth teacher! I really appreciate everything you do and the way you show your skills for us out on the internet who try to take away things from the true experts and skilled artists! Wishing you all the best and lots of success from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

[@kuriakos]

Fun video, John. I am glad to see you getting more sponsors. I was also impressed by how well your glove handled near direct contact with such hot metal! Glad it did its job.

[@BlackBearForge]

That glove won't hold up for long wit that much heat, but it will reduce the risk of burns.

[@larryjones4713]

Love the hacket and love the video. I always learn something new watching your videos

[@ticovogt]

Excellent presentation!

[@madhounddog04]

The Jackery solar system cost to much for me. I'm a disabled veteran and I'm on a set budget. It's one of those pipe dream things I would like to get one day. I love the axe you made. Another thing I'd like to get one day.

[@robbiegambley1037]

I really enjoyed watching you make your AXE head , handle , wedge, the lot , clever work. Thank you - ROBBIE - New South Wales , Australia .

[@Bangalangs]

A handsome little axe. I like the look of the larger touchmark on there. That solar system seems like it would be a good investment, especially in an area where power outages are frequent. Another excellent video sir. Edit: It’s always nice to see the Little Giant come off the bench every now and again.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@travisgrimforge]

I likes the addition of a quick sheath demo. I just started leatherwork for my bladed items so seeing it in videos is pretty neat

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, I do like the idea of carrying the project through the end and including the extra details. Its just a matter of time to get everything recorded and edited.

[@forgeworxblacksmith6453]

Very nice little axe 👍

[@michaelhayes1678]

Beautiful work, and thanks for sharing! That Jackery seems like a good product for you.

[@milkbottle1274]

I was just thinking u should make an axe XD

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

I truly appreciate and enjoy your videos and that is a beast of a generator for a solar system

[@kevingunter5994]

Nice looking axe.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Thank you for the Video. This axe is a nice Projekt. This solar Box is very usefull too I wish you a good New week Yours Frank Galetzka

[@mikelastname]

If you had an induction forge and a couple of these Jackery's you could go somewhere warm and forge in the sunshine :)

[@JeffSearust]

Great looking axe... But I was waiting for the induction forge!!

[@BlackBearForge]

The induction forge would require 240V 40A. Not sure if anyone makes a portable battery with that type of output.

[@Green-night1]

Nice little axe, it looks like a work horse for it's size. I really like the large eye for a strong head/handle interaction. VERY COOL to see the JACKERY GENERATOR POWER THE WHOLE PROJECT! GREAT VIDEO AS USUAL! THANK YOU.

[@Joe_for_real]

I love the video and how it illustrates that even in a traditional craft we are reliant on electricity. While you could do everything you did today without electricity given different tools and methods; at the end of the day you still need to make some money. Also, the forge noise really wasn't bad in the background. I didn't even notice it until I saw the forge running in the background of a shot.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks.

[@michaelrowland1326]

Great device for any shop or home

[@mtn.homeforge351]

Nice job. And a fair product review. Thanks for all your work John.

[@richardsolomon8076]

Nice job John and Jackery 👍 awesome project, was cool to Doc's hot shop in the background during the axemask sew up. Stay safe team 🙏

[@paradisefalls37]

Great video! The Jackery looks super useful, I like how the solar panel folds out and yet is compact . Nice work on the camping axe and leather sheath ! You have many talents! Thanks for sharing your time and skills!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it

[@robertayers9424]

Very enjoyable! The forging, woodworking, leather working and Jackery trial, appreciate it all. Thanks!

[@scottyuhrich]

John, I am so glad you made this video, not so much for the Jackery but for showing the camp axe from start all the way through handle and sheath. Don't get me wrong, I was intrigued by the Jackery and will be checking them out because I think its a great product, but I wanted to say that the length of the video was entirely worth it! I started getting interested in in blacksmithing at the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag MN, which is not far from my home and have attended religiously for over 30 years, by watching the blacksmiths there. After years of searching, I finally bought a coal forge at auction a few years ago and when trying figure out how to make good use of it, I found you on You Tube and you have taught me so much! Funny thing, when I could not find a coal forge that wasn't beyond repair, I began to think they were made of unobtainium, but once I got my first one, 3 more seemed to just fall in my lap. Each one has a planned purpose, so I'm not hoarding them for no reason, but it is strange how fate works that way. Although I have mastered a great amount of understanding from you, tempering and hardening still remains a bit of a mystery to me in a number of ways, so I appreciated you taking the time to show the process on the camp axe. It appeared that you were using the heat stored in the larger mass of the rear of the axe to expand into the blade portion, is this correct? I also liked the commentary on the changing of the colors, I would have appreciated a little more commentary on exactly what was happening in order to better understand the process. Some people can watch a process and derive all the information they need from that, but the way my mind works, i need to understand how the process works, and once I do that, it is mine forever. I know that you have touched on this subject a number of times as a course of demonstrating a project, but have you ever made a video dedicated to how to temper and harden and the different ways it can be done and explaining what is happening to the metal as it goes through it? If not, I think it might make a very interesting video. Finally, as a side note, my two sons, as is often the case, share different aspects of my personality. My youngest is totally into my interests in collecting old farm machinery, while my oldest prefers the more solitary aspects of my love of reading and other indoor pursuits. As a result. I have spent a lot more time doing things with my youngest son, that is, until I got my first forge and found out that my oldest had long desired to do blacksmithing. Now we both watch your videos and work on skills that you have demonstrated, so for that, I owe you a debt of thanks! I apologize for the length of my comment, but I do owe you much and would like to learn more.

[@owenkuhnke3785]

I don’t care much about sponsorship things usually… but this generator actually interests me🤔

[@stoneinthefield1]

Great video.

[@rogergadley9965]

The video length was just fine, no fuss from me.

[@billygoat126]

7:26 watch your fingers lol great video as always. i wish i could be this guy’s apprentice i would work for free just to learn from him and ask him questions

[@aaarcs8895]

Hi John, fantastic video mate! The extra time spent showing the tempering colours was great. Thanks for your effort

[@jandastroy]

Love your work! It's always a joy watching what you've been up to. You always put so much care into your work and it's just really nice to see.

[@rmircovich6871]

I always enjoy your videos. I liked seeing you also doing the leather work.

[@tylerhebert8237]

I like the new touch mark, looks good. I need to make that lap vice you used for the leather work.

[@jeffgrier8488]

John, that axe turned out fantastic, and that Jackery looks super handy, i could definitely figure out some uses for one of those!

[@Aco747lyte]

Last year we had a goal zero, but Jackery and its solar generator was just so much better in so many ways that I bought their top one. So it is heartening to see you're being sponsored by them, and what a magnificent, well-planned video you produced! I wish you a wonderful Sunday and thank you for this great presentation. All the very best from Wendi, UK 🌻

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MASI_forging]

Another great work 😃😃

[@danandashleyhayes3159]

Another well done video. I'm in the be market for a solar generator so this is timely. Not to mention a nice little axe. I like that style handle, too. As always, thanks for the time you put in in these things. It's sincerely appreciated. Also, the VO with the ribbon burner worked really well.

[@r3ngokuking]

Beautifully practical little axe, John! Love seeing these smaller useful tool projects, and this one has given me the inspiration I needed for a camping knife and axe pair that I've been meaning to make.

[@rickward4384]

I was just reading up on these units, very interesting and quite impressed. thank you

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great videos John, the Jackery Solar Generator did a good job in the shop today. Hope they reach out with the 3000 model to you. The axe turned out great, stay safe and keep up the good work and videos. Fred.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Great job John. That forged out very well there. Hopefully you get great use out of both of them for many years to come my friend. Can't wait to see more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep forge lit. Keep making. God Bless.

[@dadegroot]

Very interesing John. The Jackery AU site only lists the 1000 Pro (nothing larger here yet), but then, we also run 220-240V rather than the Nth American 110V, so maybe that's the reason.

[@bigredbeard65]

Nice video, I really enjoyed seeing the generator work out so well, must be a quality product, I also enjoyed seeing the leatherwork you did. How about a video about doing some leather work and explain the different tools you use on it? I always learn at least a little bit from your videos, thanks for your hard work.

[@jesseayers7933]

Once again, another great tutorial. Keep up the great work

[@timocsutube]

Thanks John, thoroughly enjoyed the full process build!! That Jackery system would be great for mobile demonstrators out there!! Much quieter than even a named brand lownoise generator. Speaking of noise, that new forge is soooo quiet!!

[@mandolinman2006]

I'd never thought of pine tar and boiled linseed oil. I do have a quart mixed with turpentine and a quart mixed with Dicitrusol. For the record, the smell of orange oil and pine tar isn't the best in the world, but it is easier to mix with the pine tar than the turpentine.

[@bluudat1site]

hey john love the new touch mark, would love to see the process of making one. still havent made mine yet not too sure the best way to go about it. cheers and thanks for being an inspiration.

[@BlackBearForge]

I don't make these. I send the art work to Henry A Evers company and they make the stamps. They aren't cheap, but I've never worn one out.

[@bluudat1site]

@@BlackBearForge wonderful thanks for the info

[@sladoeii]

I had issues using two panels to charge the 800w I have at work, on a single solar cell it pushed 95w in, but ganging in two only pushed ~160w. Was slightly disappointed in that. Otherwise I've used them a few times now without any complaints.

[@woodcutter4670]

all the tools and equipment you have, I surprised that you don't have a handled hot drift for doing the axe eye

[@chrismaloney3680]

Great video, as always. I was wondering if you had tried using the Jackery to run the induction forge? That way you could have an all electric off grid shop.

[@BlackBearForge]

The induction forge would draw more power when heating plus its a different voltage. A larger solar system with the right inverter would be able to do it though.

[@pjamestx]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, I'm definitely thinking about getting one of these for my shed/shop, as right now I have to run an extension cord from the house every time I'm out there, and it's not a huge deal, but it does add up (and I don't like running that cable if it's raining!). Great axe, love the sheath and the new touchmark is great! I didn't recognize the smith you had playing in the background while working on the sheath, is that another youtuber? Keep up the great work, as always!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thats Docs Hot Shop and Forge kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3StZaNui5iAeZY

[@BlackHoleForge]

Hey John. I was very curious about your leather sheath making setup. I have some questions. Probably too many. Do you think you could do a video on how you do your leather work? Like maybe what kind of stitching did you use? I've tried several threads from Walmart, but none are strong enough. And where do you get leather in rolls? Thanks John for another good video, and thanks jackery for supporting.

[@BlackBearForge]

I will add that to my list of video ideas. There is a little bit of information in this video from my personal channel - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3StZaNui5iAeZY But I will try to do a more detailed video

[@OuroborosArmory]

Should have asked them to send you one that can run the power hammer LOL

[@BlackBearForge]

That would be nice. But they don't really give you much choice.

[@stevefarley7014]

Careful with that Wilton. Seems like that’s kinda broken and shorting out in my opinion.

[@markmoreno7295]

I was curious to see if the pack would power a fridge overnight, just cuz around here when the power goes out, that is mostly what I worry about and our power seldom goes out for longer than 4 hours.

[@BlackBearForge]

I'm pretty sure it will run a fridge, but for how long depends on how large it is. Might be worth contacting them to see what they say.

[@mikehodges6598]

I wonder why you were using that short drift, as your glove was actually touching the O-1 at 7:28 for several seconds and the middle fingertip caught fire. That's a really good glove that you didn't feel that! Is that drift much smaller than the bigger one you normally use?

[@giveemtheboot5123]

I don't know much about blacksmithing but wondered if you could use a holdfast to keep the piece in place while hammering. I know holdfasts are typically used in woodworking but wasn't sure if that would work with your anvil.

[@BlackBearForge]

You can in some anvils. But mine doesn't work well with a holdfast

[@landonsfoodreviews7619]

Any advice on making the eye. Because that is something I struggled on, on the railroad spike hatchet.

[@rickbrasche8781]

Whats the power draw on the induction forge? maybe run that off their bigger battery they sell?

[@DrewDiaz]

Had you used the induction heater off of this I’d have had it overnighted

[@BlackBearForge]

That would have been great, but there are limits

[@richardsurber8226]

Say John, I just thought of a dumb question watching your video about using alternate power. Those radius at the waist of your anvil. Ever thought of using those in a particular project?

[@jaredbranham5112]

Can you make a mowing sythe

[@Brian-bn3qp]

Looks like you got some new quench oil. Is that the stuff you found that happened to be named Black Bear quench oil?

[@BlackBearForge]

No, this is from McMaster Carr

[@tonypadilla6404]

Hi . IF I like One Of the Stuff what you Make ,For Exemple those Axes Tell Me .Thanks

[@sirkai007]

Does O1 not forge weld? Would you not be able to make a wrapped eye axe out of it?

[@BlackBearForge]

If you have O1 thats too thin to punch, a wrapped eye should be an option. But forging the heavier material down just to wrap and weld the eye seems like a lot of extra work. Generally I use forge welding and wrapped eyes for mild steel bodies with a higher carbon edge.

[@michaelmongillo1237]

Good Day John, What oil do you dip your tools in.? I have just been using oil motor oil.

[@BlackBearForge]

To cool them while working I generally use water and then some punch lube from quick and dirty tools as needed. For quenching oil hardening steel I use a commercial heat treating oil.

[@tonyfolin3589]

I thought you where goning to use an induction forge. Do think it would be possible to test?

[@BlackBearForge]

This unit is 120V 15A, the induction forge is 240V 40A. You could run it off of a battery system, but it would have to have an inverter sized for it.

[@Thumper1944]

Looks like a new forge you have what kind is that?

[@BlackBearForge]

The new gas forge is from Dark Star Forge

[@Fiddsterix]

whats that "drill bit" you use around 21:00 ?

[@BlackBearForge]

Thats a carbide burr. Its essentially a rotary file.

[@CapoSilverback]

It looks like your tongues are too pointed. Every time you strike it the piece is pivoting left and right I know it makes it easier to turn over but when you’re turning it over, you’re losing its relationship to the tongs can you explain that

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

Nice! 👍. 🐻⚒️🪓

[@chefboyrdanbh]

Where do you get your touch marks?

[@BlackBearForge]

I have them made at Henry Evers. henryaevers.com/

[@stevesalles6047]

would it charge a electric car while you are driving ???

[@OneWheelDrive365]

I dare them to send one to Matthias Wandel. He would be honest what he think of the Jackery solar generator.

[@Jiminycroquet]

interesting that they call it a "generator" when it's really a battery pack with an inverter.

[@thomascorner3009]

Silly me! I thought you were going to use the induction forge. 😄 Now that would have been impressive: 0 carbon footprint for the whole operation.

[@BlackBearForge]

It would be possible in theory. But would require 240V 40A output

[@thomascorner3009]

@@BlackBearForge Yes, and if the induction forge did not exceed the maximum current output of the battery. But black smithing with zero CO2 emission would be quite an achievement, and a benefit for all. I think it would be worth exploring, if it is possible.

[@vedamaritabullockashley2770]

Good morning John, Beautiful axe! What type of quench oil do you use?

[@BlackBearForge]

I use a commercial quenching oil purchased from McMastr Carr

[@fanert1]

fun but pointless fact, about 25 years ago i worked for AUSON that made your pine tar