Making a bronze hatchet with a steel blade - Dovetail Axe

[@robinson-foundry]

If you're interested in any of the tools or equipment I use and you want to help support the channel then don't forget to check out some of the affiliate links in the video description. Thank you for the support!

[@HolosunGodOfOdin]

Man the foresight to cast those tig rods was incredible. Kudos! Looks great!

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Would have never thought of that!

[@williammaxwell1919]

​@Watchyn_Yarwood you and me both

[@Hellsong89]

Nah just experience in both welding with tig and foundry work. One solves a issue of another.

[@jsnthurst1]

And he even needs them in his next video!

[@natedawg3483]

Because of your I've bought a 3d printer and built a furnace. Thank you, brother.

[@TamahaganeSteel]

Because of *you

[@robinson-foundry]

That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear it!

[@Hoolahups]

@@TamahaganeSteel bro stfu mans just had a typo

[@znefas]

​@@TamahaganeSteelthey probably meant to say "because of your videos"

[@Mdg87]

I think he meant to say, "Because of your sick vidz brah, I bought a 4d printer."

[@tinman7551]

The trap for sparks on the grinder is genius, looks so much better than a bucket of nasty water on the floor 🤮. Love the videos 🥰❤️

[@lazarusrex9545]

Yeah, id' love to see a video on ow that was made.

[@ValTek_Armory]

looks like simple stovepipe material with a jar added to the end. @@lazarusrex9545

[@greerbriggs8421]

gotta catch the sparks to reuse them later, otherwise it's just a waste

[@eccomi21]

@@greerbriggs8421The spark jar

[@patriciusvunkempen102]

why you so mean to me bucket :c

[@benediktpaul157]

Hi, blacksmith here: I really like the concept! Unfortunately that hardening you did was WAY too cold. The entire piece has to be glowing at least dark red, you can check with a magnet: as long as it is magnetic it is still too cold. Also there is a high chance that the casting got the steel too warm again to retain any hardness that would have been there

[@fishman2586]

I do agree about the quinch temp and you could be right about removing the heat treat with the bronze but I figure with the amount of steel there and the bronze only touching the back it should only temper the back abit and not the whole piece of steel but could be wrong, its possible that using an induction heater to only heat the edge of the steel and harding it after its been casted could work better but youd need an induction heater to get that controled of heat placement

[@anvilsbane]

Also a smith, I had the same concerns. It is super cool to look at, but my hangup is our predecessors didn’t make axes this way for a reason. Not saying it CAN’T be done, but alot of work to make it correctly.🙂

[@billynomates920]

oh. that axe looks nice. click. what an interesting video. i wonder if other commenters agree? "hi, blacksmith here, dark red, anealing, glass transition temp, something something" down the rabbit hole i go! 😄

[@neil356]

Only aesthetic improvement for me would be a bronze wedge.

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

You forgot the most important part that seems goes over all the forging channel's heads: galvanic corrosion. That axe will just crumble to dust but what do I know? Nothing about lame channels and their quest for the daily trend.

[@becauseican2607]

The spark collector is genius! This way you always have some spare sparks at hand👍

[@FinkleStickMcgee]

i just gave u the 69th like, i am honored, i am high also

[@anzaca1]

0:28 3D Printing is a revolution for making casting molds, easily. An accurate, reliable form with little effort.

[@The_Envix]

Sand in a crate process never gets old

[@TheZombieSaints]

Making the little tig filler sticks out of the same alloy wad a genius idea mate! Well done indeed! 👍

[@Darkwolfe73]

So nice to see someone who still uses old school machinist tools and measuring instruments. My dad was a machinist, my grandfather a carpenter. This video was like watching both craftsmen at once.

[@dallenpowell2745]

That's awesome! We're opposites. My grandfather is a machinist and my dad is a carpenter. It's cool that we both ended up here to watch this beautiful creation come together.

[@haydenc2742]

I think the steel really sets it apart...MUCH stronger and can be sharpened much easier than the bronze! Plus the two tone of the axe is incredibly beautiful! Love the shape of the handle and the overall look...DEFINITELY a beautiful piece! Keep em coming!!!!

[@TheMaskedArcanum]

I also wonder if this axe would be surprisingly usable since it's not uncommon to use soft steel for the body and hard steel for the blade to get the best of both worlds. I suppose the only issue would be a crack between the two, but that extra loop seems to be more than enough to stop that

[@MediocreNed]

@@TheMaskedArcanum I'm more worried about galvanic corrosion, aluminum and steel do not like to be touching each other. Maybe the copper will prevent said corrosion but I don't know enough about metallurgy to be sure.

[@TheMaskedArcanum]

@@MediocreNed Looking it up, the steel he used is a low-alloy steel, and likely has an anodic index of -0.85, and apparently aluminum bronze with his proportions might have one around -0.35. That's a 0.5 volt difference, which from what I can gather means it needs temp and humidity control to be fine long term. Aluminum bronze itself is fairly great at being corrosion resistant, but it'd be much lower maintenance if he flipped his ratios since aluminum casting alloys have a -0.95. Then it'd be fit for harsh environments.

[@MediocreNed]

@@TheMaskedArcanum So it won't corrode at the dovetail joint like I was worried about but it will be more vulnerable to patina/rust overall? If so, as long the axe is oiled it should be fine, tedious but doable.

[@aikonlatigid]

There is no such thing metal like aluminium in the bronze age, it was tin & lead back then

[@Sharpbevel]

A bronze wedge would have looked cool but I love this project. Great job.

[@Enterprising_Aim]

Bronze wedge, and a bronze endcap for the handle would be nice touches.

[@itoibo4208]

it looks like it needed a groove along the edge of the steel to support it from side to side. Although he did put in that little hoop of steel, this looks like it will 100% move sideways if used as an axe a few times. very good looking art piece, though.

[@MisterBones2910]

@@itoibo4208 The pressure from the differential expansion and contraction of the metals might make it a more secure joint than you'd expect. For example look at the Canadian 2 dollar coin, after some early problems with the center falling out because of just how cold it gets up here were fixed they're generally very durable. Only way to tell would be to make a less-nice one and give it a good torture test.

[@itoibo4208]

@@MisterBones2910 maybe. One common action of an axe is to pull the handle sideways to split things. I feel like this would start coming loose after doing that several times. There are also side forces from just hitting things slightly off. I realize this is an art piece, and it is beautiful, but I would be afraid to actually use it, because it might be ruined fairly quickly. As you said, a test would be nice.

[@MisterBones2910]

@@itoibo4208 I'm a welder so I've got a good amount of experience with thermal expansion in metal, while I can obviously guarantee nothing I'd personally feel quite safe using it. Keep in mind that it's the same sort of pressure joint (not the dovetail, just the expansion part) that holds the head of the axe on the haft, at least when it's cut down flush with the head. The only worry I might have is if the bronze began to deform, but it's got quite a bit of meat to it and I'd imagine you'd notice it happening before it came off and took a bite out of your shin.

[@duanelee6208]

Absolutely beautiful. I really enjoy seeing young men create not only beautiful, but useful tools.

[@sexypeople8036]

I just want to say, that I appreciate the effort to pre-harden the axe, but there is a 0% chance that it stayed hardened after casting. Especially not when you preheated it as well. But other than that, Beautiful work. I would suggest that you edge quench it with a torch after you cast it. If you’re careful you wont melt any brass. Great work!

[@angrysheepdog9744]

The merging of colors and materials plus mechanical interlock is work of art.

[@Swingylad]

I remember watching your hammer making videos and loved them I'm so glad i rediscovered this channel.

[@FelipeBittencourt999]

It looks beautiful! It's great to see how organized you are with your tools and the attention to detail that you put in each project. Hope to see more!

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

Beautiful work, lovely axe head! The dovetail is a great idea. As a woodworker, 2 things I'd have done differently about the handle: 1- use a sturdier wood than walnut, like ash, white maple or hickory, walnut is a bit fragilw if you mean to actually use the axe 2- finish the surface with a card scraper instead of sandpaper, it gives more of a sheen after oiling, whereas sanding has a more "dull/mate" look, which might make sense if meant as a showpiece. 🙂

[@zenhydra]

On a handle as short as that I don't think walnut will be an issue, and I don't imagine it's going to see a lot of hard use. On anything longer, or on a tool that's going to be a workhorse, I agree with you.

[@Yaboyycrunch]

@@zenhydra yeah i agree, and a lot of things people forget it grain orientation. and if its just a showpiece then this little hatchet is fine but I worry about the eye deforming

[@drmusrudloff]

@@Yaboyycrunch that head will be loose within the first 3 uses, the eye wasnt seated properly, it hits the bottom of the handle before even getting snug in the eye, you can see he just push it on by hand

[@Yaboyycrunch]

@@drmusrudloff yup

[@1xm_mx1]

Another beautiful handcrafted tool with the help of 3d printing and modern technology. Well done!

[@wampuscat7433]

Nice job! Very impressive workmanship, design and final execution. You have a right to be proud.

[@villiersman951]

an absolute work of art true craftsmanship at its finest

[@Yaivenov]

Beautiful. It has me imagining a version with fleur-de-lis in place of the dovetails.

[@AnthonyIlstonJones]

A most vicious and beautiful idea, I like it.

[@wessonw2-td7kh]

Such a positive and refreshing approach toward having an axe to grind... Next level craftsmanship, entertaining and educational. Subscribed

[@madhukeshnp]

Those pin holes in the cast to make pins/slug to fill in the voids was very thoughtful… loved the idea. Very good.

[@SethKotta]

New frames need analyzing; click Analyze.

[@mattke5etc]

@6:38

[@boiboi505]

New frames need analyzing; click Analyze.

[@SethKotta]

@@boiboi505 New frames need analyzing; click Analyze.

[@theoldcyberguy3299]

I wouldn’t change a thing. You are an artisan of the highest level. I LOVE this axe and I’m envious of your supreme skill.

[@TrevorDennis100]

Seeing you hold the hammer by the middle of its handle @7:45 reminds me of when I was doing my toolmaking apprenticeship at the Ford UK Apprentice Training School at Harrold Hill in Essex. We rarely saw the boss of us all, but he had a workshop at the end of one of the workshops, so one day when walking through the workshop he say an apprentice using a hammer as you were. So he took the hammer and cut off the rest of the handle telling the apprentice that you _always_ hold a hammer by the end of its handle. I am 74 now, and long since retired, and I am not sure I agree with him as I am sure there have been times when I used a hammer that way. On the other hand, I have just counted, and I have fifteen, all different, hammers in my toolbox, so I'd argue that if I found myself wanting to use a hammer holding the middle of its handle, then I was probably using the wrong hammer.

[@constantinbarbu.]

i find that swinging a hammer just to hit something hard, its best to use the end of the handle, but for a more delicate or finer approach the middle or any other part is preferable for balance and control, and thats what i do mainly because i dont have many hammers of diffrent dimensions

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Just out of high school, I worked on a crew building corrals, cattle pens and fences from wood and wire all over Texas and Oklahoma. Try hammering a nail or staple into oak wood and you'll soon learn the only way that's gonna happen is if you hold the hammer on the end.

[@vaelophisnyx9873]

middle for control, end for maximum leverage

[@maxb3248]

That is beautiful. A very common way of making an axe is to use a lower carbon steel or iron for the main bofy and a higher carbon steel for the edge, but to use two completely different metals? Never have I even heard of something like that before. Amazing work good sir.

[@whocares6698]

If anyone asks us, it was perfect the first time, no problems LOL. Turned out great.

[@marshallb9924]

Just to second what Natedawg said, thanks to your videos, i found out how approachable something like sand casting is. It's one of my favorite hobbies now. I made half the Christmas presents i gave away last year, and I'm making my own tools for the garden now. Thanks, man.

[@eyeofbass]

Next-level craftsmanship. Meticulous attention to detail. Nicely done.

[@ronlandis8639]

I love this. In ancient times, steel was a rare commodity, available mostly as meteorites. So the early mints made dies in a similar manner by making the die faces about 1/4" thick and attaching it to a bronze body. Come to think of it, the engraving tools were probably made similarly.

[@markservatius290]

Amazing work. Hard to imagine how much time and energy you put into this. Thanks for posting.

[@erikm9768]

Man i wont be able to cast metal in an apartment but i'm living that life through your videos

[@postopken2789]

This is definitely my favorite of all your projects on this channel! This isn't too different in concept from the way a lot of axes were made historically, with a mostly iron head and a steel edge forge welded together. Putting the steel in the mold and casting around it is such a cool idea too! The dovetail turned out amazing, and I love how the steel and bronze look together.

[@garycornelisse9228]

That turned out very well. I do watch a lot of videos about projects much like this, and I constantly find myself asking the same question, "don't any of these guy own a milling machine or a router table". Yes, it turned out well with the hand tools, BUT.

[@LegendaryLootForTheSoul]

That looks awesome. It's very dwarven looking. Well done.

[@conservative-ku3lz]

What a creative mind, and very practical at that. Awesome job. What a beauty.

[@andyfleege8504]

In dwarven accent "fine craftsmenship!" Good works sir! I wish you would have added a logo in the casting! Awesome. Thanks

[@roblesmetalart]

Awesome work. I love how you combined 3-D printing, steel shaping, sand casting Bronze, and woodworking into one project. And it looks sooo good. Well done my friend!👏👏👏

[@rhianGT]

Love the steel tip idea and the dovetails. Beautiful piece.

[@davek8409]

You are a very patient and talented artist and craftsman. The axe is a work of art! Very impressive!!

[@longrider42]

I said it once, and I will say it again, you are an Artist, your work is extremely well done. Keep using that brain to think up new and different things to do. Oh, and you have a GREAT work shop.

[@tobiasfranz5155]

Fantastic as always. I love the content you create. It's especially enjoyable to see the troubleshooting you go through to make these amazing metalworks. Thanks for sharing your videos!

[@paulfryman6371]

dude this video I was kinda suspicious of the thumb nail and then I watched it it was the actual thing you made awesome work keep it up I'm am dropping a sub because of this one

[@chuckdog7901]

You did a really good job. I'm going to start my axe project this weekend. Thanks for the great idea. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@matthewmarting3623]

This man knows a thing or two! As soon as I saw your spark collector I started taking notes but I would never have thought to include tig wire in the original mold. It would occur to me that I might want to cast some with leftovers but putting those holes in there is genius.

[@archangel6497]

Absolutly amazing 100 times better than that just random damascus stuff. 10/10 great job!

[@charlesdebarber2997]

I adore your videos when they drop. Only a few a year, but always top quality. I'm proud of you for how your skills have improved over time too.

[@bruderk4257]

I've not yet seen something like this. This axe is an absolute beauty without loosing any functionality. I love it.

[@YolandaTheBastard]

too many people on youtube making axes with flat or even hollow grinds, glad to see someone doing it right with the convex.

[@TwigPB]

Good work! You should try making a dovetail pickaxe as well but have say the left side be steel and the right side be aluminum bronze. Would be cool to see the dovetail "armory" grow

[@Krazykal]

I really like that belt grinder setup, never seen one with a catch tube like that before.

[@rayreus7138]

the ocd inside my head tells me its wants to see the axe polished to a mirror finish. and always love this kind of crafting video.thank you verry much for the entertainment

[@longrider42]

Interesting idea. Back when "Steel" was harder to make, you would often see an Axe with a bit of hardened steel. with softer steel/iron wrapped around it. I believe they called it the Plow Share method.

[@blacklight481]

this is a really nice bimetallic hatchet. the steel blade does the job of cutting while the softer bronze body absorbs the shock.

[@warrior4christ777]

I made a centrifuge with a bike,wheel once for making silver jewrey that worked well that is another way to force the metal into the gaps. I made silver hearts in silver then recast like you and forced gold into a hole I made in the middle of the heart.it was more work than its worth at the end.not enough contrast between the bit of gold and silver in the end. You on the other hand is awesome

[@filmmaka77]

Love the project turned out gorgeous! My only suggestion would be some sort of acid treatment on the head. It would make that border between metals pop like crazy

[@az80311]

I love hatchets and axes. Your work is so complex but easy to understand and appreciate. I watched two of your videos in a row and enjoyed the watch. You have a way with metal and wood. Keep up the good work and thank you for the entertainment and education.

[@samschad]

awesome techniques. I love casting bronze against anything silver- the seams are magical. Great idea for letting the bronze cast over the seam as well as the extra loop welded onto the steel. Just awesome

[@Gogsnik]

I love the catch bowl on the grinder, I don't know why they don't all come with one of those fitted, so much more efficient and tidy! :D

[@kameljoe21]

Its super. Couple things I might add in your casting are some wedges for the axe handle. If you were to make a axe with a hammer end you could use flat stock to weld the end on and then bent just right towards the handle end. As long as the flat stock has holes in it, it should hold. Super cool dove tail.

[@rosellabill]

I smiled at that. When you used the same colour hammer to put the wedge in. Great job

[@chrisnorton3494]

Reminds me of a dwemer axe. I need this. ❤ it's a work of art

[@Dellpodder]

Great project! It's cool seeing how you've expand both your craftsmanship skills and your workshop over the years.

[@jameselkins7022]

Absolutely beautiful workmanship. I am an old long time design & production engineer and I am impressed.

[@mickeylickey123]

Excellent video. Your shop is super clean and organized. I like it

[@sethwiles1255]

Clever idea! Excellent execution! And I definitely learned a few things

[@opa_plays_mw5318]

Well thought out, and well executed. Love that Grizzly!

[@jessewilliams4152]

I dont care if that is a function tool or not. To me its art and id have that displayed in my house somewhere. Well done.

[@Twitchsucks2]

The dovetail look is so satisfying when it's a perfect fit

[@Sharper_Than_Most]

The collector you made for the belt grinder is super cool!

[@Webby123]

Awesome idea on this build, and I think it came out beautiful. After you welded that loop on the edge, steel, I thought next time you could also drill some holes on the inside of the dovetail pattern to lock in the Bronze. I like the added loop for sturdiness, and also a little handle to lift it out of your kiln. Great job, you’re very talented

[@Richard-ug4el]

That is an awesome looking hatchet. Really great job.

[@KenFullman]

Great looking project. Might have been a cool idea to construct the handle out of two woods (say Ash and Teak), dovetailed together down the entire length of the handle.

[@dwightvoeks9970]

It's beautiful. Great job and creativity. I was originally thinking those dove tails need to be super precise to get them to fit but nope. Not if you cast them in you don't. Kudos!

[@LiquidAudio]

Mate that is phenomenal work, absolutely beautiful!

[@DT-vw7zs]

Nice work, I've only seen this done one other time... About twenty years ago I was in an antique shop and came across an old scythe with this type of dovetail construction and a crazy high price tag. I've never seen another or found any info on a company making scythes with bronze spines and tangs, but dovetailed steel blade bits. The two metal construction can however be found on hand sickels with rivets or pins holding the pieces together.

[@Lappmogel]

Really gorgeous axe. The first time i saw alu bronze i thought "this alloy looks amazing, i wonder if you could merge it with steel and make a real tool" and this is basically how i imagined how it would be done. Dovetail joints and an anchor. Glad to see it work, well done. Make a rough sledgehammer with the same method and use and abuse it. I'm really interested how that joins holds up to repeated heavy blows.

[@donaldlococo954]

What a beautiful axe you made. Walnut is my favourite wood to work. The colors are perfect.

[@travisbowman1529]

man I really really really like that hatchet you made. Very inspiring for someone like me who has know previous knowledge or expierence in doing that type of work. Glad that it turned out well for you.

[@jamespierce7723]

Beautiful work great craftmanship .something this nice needs your makers mark.thanks for the video

[@Arceus3251]

The tick welding idea with the same alloy was brilliant! Worked well. Finished product looked gorgeous too :)

[@jasonvandervalk3679]

This is true passion we need more of this in todays world

[@cptairwolf]

Some engraving on the handle and etchings on the blade and you've got yourself a museum piece!

[@gafrers]

Fantastic, interesting, great final results.

[@Boslandschap1]

It looks amazing, a job really well done, also really smart how you organised your project I'd say you can really be proud of this project!

[@isosev]

Superb work on that handle. Clearly took a ton of time and a lot of patience.

[@H2ydrogen]

You had a couple of smart approaches - I learned some new tips and tricks, nice video and nice axe!

[@timelyrain]

Hi, Luke from Zen-Wu Toolworks here. I do dovetail laminated blades all the time! Love to see someone else doing it too 😊

[@Enigma-Sapiens]

That's beautiful, excellent work! Yes, I would love to see it incorporated into other projects!

[@JoeDebono]

Well done young man, not only is the design, process and forging top class, the no-nonsense commentary, videography and editing is excellent. Taking the time and making the effort, as you say, pays off in all aspects of life.

[@joesmith1574]

That is pretty slick! I like the difference between the metals, really stands out. Walnut handle is cool, too!

[@Sphendrana]

I'd like to have one of those!

[@AdvancedUSA]

Beautiful work. Display this one and chop wood with a store bought.

[@anzaca1]

I love seeing the dog!

[@realamerican1555]

Incredible, young man. Pass that gift onto some on else, least it be lost

[@jlunde35]

Wow, more art that function. Beautiful and magnificent.

[@homedad3324]

I was the first in my hight school metal class to press brass, copper, steel together to make awsome effects. The teacher just wanted the day to be over and never suggested anything. Started a trend until all expensive metals started turning into multicolor baseball bats.

[@chucklangshaw6485]

Wow, that thing looks fantastic