Forging a Railroad Spike Tomahawk
The Tomahawk is a uniquely American hand-tool and weapon that arose during the pre-Colonial fur-trade era. In this class we will make a tomahawk using very non-traditional materials and modern tools. Along the way, you’ll learn some metallurgy, a little history, and a lot of procedural information on how to use some Red Tools.
On the first day we will forge out the head of the tomahawk and learn how to use Nova Labs’s 16-ton pneumatic press. On the second day we will heat-treat the blade, learn to use the 2x72 inch belt grinder on metal and wood, and test out the efficacy of our tomahawks on a ranged target.
Survivors will go home with a tomahawk and sign-offs for the press and the grinder.
Prerequisite: You MUST have taken the Blacksmithing 101 safety sign-off class to take this project/sign-off class! It is highly recommended that you have attended a few of the blacksmithing Open Office Hour (OOH) sessions and that you are comfortable with the basic blacksmithing tools.
Sign-Offs: This class will serve as a safety sign-off for two red tools: The 16-ton pneumatic press and the 2x72 inch grinder (Members only).
Cost: $175 (total for both parts of the class)
** This is a two part class: four hours on Saturday and four hours on Sunday - you must attend both sessions to be eligible to receive the tool signoffs.
October 29, Noon to 4:00:
Introduction to tomahawks & railroad spikes
Introduction to the 16-ton Pneumatic press
Forging, punching & drifting the tomahawk
Grinding the eye
Cleanup
October 30, Noon to 4:00:
Heat-treating
Introduction to the 2x72 Inch Grinder
Shaping the blade
Sharpening the edge
Shaping the handle
Ill-advised throwing exercise
PREREQUISITES: Must be 16 or older. Ages 16 and 17, parent must remain on premises in case of emergency.
SAFETY:
- Must wear cotton or wool clothing – no synthetic materials.
- Shoes must be made from leather or canvas; plastic-topped sneakers will not be allowed
- Eye protection (goggles) are provided, but you may bring your own for the best fit.
- Gloves: It is highly encouraged that students bring a pair of leather work-gloves to assist in the chiseling process. Nova Labs can provide welding gloves if necessary… but they are stiff and kind of stinky; you’d be a lot happier supplying your own, honest!
- Failure to wear appropriate clothing may result in being turned away from the class without a refund.
