Help needed in choosing materials

[Jimmah]

I'm hoping to have the materials decided before Feb. so I can get to work on it asap. I was thinking about Cherry or Ebony (if I can find it) for the handle and 1010 or 5120 steel for the head, pack carburized for strength. I would love to use stainless, I just don't think it'd be hard enough. Plating is an option as well for corrosion resistance.

So, I'm inept with woods and what I really should use here, and some suggestions on what steel would be very helpful as well. I don't mind spending a lot for the right materials (metal I might get cheap though).

 

[scarpent]

Is it for use or for looks?

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: Jimmah
I'm hoping to have the materials decided before Feb. so I can get to work on it asap. I was thinking about Cherry or Ebony (if I can find it) for the handle and 1010 or 5120 steel for the head, pack carburized for strength. I would love to use stainless, I just don't think it'd be hard enough. Plating is an option as well for corrosion resistance.

So, I'm inept with woods and what I really should use here, and some suggestions on what steel would be very helpful as well. I don't mind spending a lot for the right materials (metal I might get cheap though).

Topic Title: Help needed in choosing materials
Topic Summary: Making my brother a firemen's axe for his bday

Why not buy one?>

Stainless is very hard to sharpen,and is hard to machine.{For the handle opening etc}.

Ash and Maple would make good handles.

 

[Ronstang]

IIRC most wood handles on tool are made of hickory. You can purchase handles at most hardware stores and even WalMart. See if you can find a handle that meets your needs and looks correct. I do not know the exact shape of the handle on a Fireman's axe but you might be able to find one that is close enough to suffice. Handles are usually pretty cheap too. I think they will run you $10 or less in most cases.

 

[cavemanmoron]

http://www.fireawards.com/fdawards/axesaxeplaques.html
http://www.planoamerica.com/store/

 

[Jimmah]

Its partially for looks, I think it should be useful too. I have access (job access, not 'a friend of a friend owns this shop' kinda deal) to all the machining tools required, so machining a hard metal isn't a problem. I want to make it semi-decorative though, especially the handle (whatever material I get will be formed and hand sanded, possibly carved with his department and name too) so pre-made one just won't do.

Some searching has yeilded minor results. Stainless won't heat treat (something I never knew), so a nice 5120 steel will probably end up as the metal of choice (probably with lead inserts to balance and weight) unless something else is mentioned.

Ash and Maple? What kind of stress will they take (heat, shock, bending)?

Also, I have a plain design of a firemen's axe, are there any other designs or shapes that are specialized? As in, are their different types or versions?

Thanks for the help guys, sorry if I seem difficult on this, I really want him to like it.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Hickory is more durable,
Ash,and Maple more good looking.

If its going to hang on a wall,thats not as important.

You can get a store bought one engraved,
there are someplaces that sell "Presentation" grade chrome axes,see earlier links.

Most look similar,
have a "pic" on one side. 6 to 8 lb weight.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe

http://www.counciltool.com/category.asp?cat=FR



http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?item=C80P32&ID=161
The granddaddy of fireman's axes -- an 8# pickhead axe with a 32" jacketed fiberglass handle.