machete mark II

[gfish]

I started a second machete blade over Christmas in Spokane, using 9/16" W-1 toolsteel drillrod from OnlineMetals. I didn't get the tip flared like I wanted, but other I was really happy with the forging. The flats were far more regular this time, with no major hammer marks. Last week I spent a lot of time finishing the blade. I filed the flats of it flat this time, which took a ridiculous amount of effort. I just want to get one of these done completely by hand and then I'll buy a belt sander.

Next step will be heat treating, but I'm having a lot problems getting clay to properly adhere for fancy differential-quenching. If I can't get that to work after a couple more attempts, I'm going to fall back to a basic full quench plus temper. Oh well.

Comments

[gfish.livejournal.com]

I was just using my standard cross-peen hammer. It has a rounded edge, but it's still easy to leave big indents if you're not careful. A flatter is the next thing I plan on getting. :)

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Or making? coz, after all, YOU have a FORGE!