 | Basic Techiques of Blacksmithing: A Manual for Trainers (Peace Corps, 1982, 102 p.) |
 |  | Day 4 |
|
|
Session: 14. Forging an African tang-type axe
Total Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Objectives:
* To make an African axe
* To build endurance by working
heavy metal in several consecutive heats
Resources: Attachment 14-A, "African Tang-Type Axe"
Materials: One section of leaf spring (car), ¼” thick per station; prototype axe with handle; several branches of wood suitable for handles (see Step 13).
Procedures:
Step 1. (5 minutes)
Briefly explain the objectives and pass a
prototype axe among participants for observation.
Step 2. (10 minutes)
Ask the group to identify the metal
source and components of the axe, and list on newsprint the
steps involved in
its production.
|
Trainer Notes * Be sure the following components of the axe are mentioned in the discussion: - cutting edge * Participants, at this point in the training, have 1 earned and used most of the techniques involved in making an axe. As they identify the steps involved, assist only at points where new techniques are being introduced; e.g., forming the tang. Their list should include the following steps: - hot-cut the leaf spring * Mention that in a more industrialized situation, the axe surface would be finished using a flatter, but for training purposes, this is not necessary. |
Step 3. (5 minutes)
Distribute Attachment 14-A, and ask
participants to refer to it as they watch the trainer's demonstrations and
during their forging process.
|
Trainer Notes Explain to the group that since axe forging entails considerable labor, only one axe will be made per team. |
Step 4. (10 minutes)
Discuss the leaf spring as a source
metal and demonstrate how to hot cut it.
|
Trainer Notes * Ask for a volunteer from the group to test the leaf spring for hardness and discuss its properties. * Have the group discuss the local availability of leaf spring and suggest alternative materials for axe-making. |
Step 5. (15 minutes)
Have the teams go to their stations and
hot-cut their leaf springs.
Step 6. (10 minutes)
Explain and demonstrate the upsetting of
the work-piece and peening of the axe head.
|
Trainer Notes Be sure to discuss the following points: * proper techniques for using cross- and straight-peen hammers * use of quick, light blows to keep the heat in the metal, to allow longer workability and to reduce bending. |
Step 7. (30 minutes)
Have the teams upset the blades and
draw-out the tangs on their axe heads.
|
Trainer Notes * Circulate among the stations providing assistance when requested. * Pay particular attention to participants' hand hold on hammers, force of blow, quickness and posture. |
Step 8. (10 minutes)
Demonstrate how to finish the axe
surface and forge the wedge tang.
|
Trainer Notes While forging the wedge tang, mention the danger of burning the small tang in the forge. |
Step 9. (20 minutes)
Have participants finish and forge the
wedge tang.
|
Trainer Notes Assist any teams who appear to be experiencing difficulty. |
Step 10. (15 minutes)
After the teams complete the forging
process, have the participants, as a group, identify problems encountered in
each step and discuss possible solutions.
|
Trainer Notes To provide structure to the discussion, chart their responses in the following manner on newsprint: |
|
Step |
Problem |
Avoid By |
Correct By |
|
upsetting etc. |
Bending, folding etc |
light, quick hammer blows etc. |
corrective, quick straightening etc. |
Step 11. (25 minutes)
Have the teams grind and temper their
axes.
Step 12. (5 minutes)
Briefly discuss the handle of the axe
and demonstrate how to align and mount the axe head.
|
Trainer Notes * Have the group identify suitable wood types for making handles and discuss shaping techniques. * Explain the significance of the burl on the end in keeping the handle from splitting and adding weight to the axe. * Mention that axes may be soaked in mud to keep handles from splitting and to keep the axe head secure. |
Step 13 (30 minutes)
Have participants find suitable wood for
handle-making, form the handles, and mount their axe heads.
|
Trainer Notes * If appropriate wood types are available in the vicinity, ask the teams to explore the area and find branches from which to form the handles. * If wood is sparse, provide the group with several pieces of raw material from which to choose. |
Attachment 14-A
STEP BY STEP ILLUSTRATION OF AXE-MAKING PROCEDURES
African Tang-Type Axe
1. Material
2. Upsetting
3. Spreading
4. Drawing Out Edge
5. Drawing Out Tang
6. Mounting
Handle
|
|