If you’ve ever wanted to tap into your inner warrior and feel the power of a medieval weapon in your hands, look no further than a wooden battle axe. Crafting your own wooden battle axe allows you to unleash your creativity and create a unique piece that is both functional and visually appealing.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary materials. You’ll need a strong and durable piece of wood, such as oak or ash, for the handle. The length of the handle will depend on your personal preference and the desired size of the axe. Additionally, you’ll need a piece of metal for the axe head, which can be salvaged from an old tool or purchased from a blacksmith.
Once you have your materials, it’s time to get started. Begin by shaping the handle of your axe. Use a saw or a chisel to shape the wood into a stout and comfortable handle. Keep in mind that the handle should be large enough for a secure grip, but not so thick that it becomes unwieldy. Add any decorative elements, such as carvings or patterns, to personalize your axe and make it truly your own.
Step 1. Choosing the right wood
When making a wooden battle axe, the first step is selecting the right type of wood. The wood you choose should be strong, durable, and able to withstand the impact of battle. Additionally, it should be easily workable, allowing you to shape it into the desired axe head and handle.
There are several types of wood that are commonly used for making battle axes. Some popular choices include:
- Oak: Oak is a dense and hard wood that is known for its strength. It is a popular choice for axe heads due to its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Ash: Ash wood is tough and resilient, making it another excellent option for axe handles. It has a straight grain, making it easy to shape and work with.
- Hickory: Hickory wood is known for its strength and shock resistance, making it an ideal choice for both axe heads and handles. It is also relatively abundant and affordable.
- Maple: Maple wood is strong and resistant to impact, making it a good choice for axe handles. It also has a smooth texture, allowing for comfortable grip.
When choosing the right wood, consider your own preferences, the availability of the wood, and the specific requirements of your battle axe design. It is recommended to select a wood that is readily available in your area and suits your needs in terms of strength, durability, and workability.
Step 2: Preparing the wood for shaping
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to prepare the wood for shaping. Follow the steps below to ensure you have a smooth and sturdy wooden battle axe:
1. Choose the right type of wood
Start by selecting the right type of wood for your battle axe. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or ash are ideal choices as they are strong and durable. Avoid using softwoods like pine or fir as they may not be able to withstand the rigors of battle.
2. Measure and mark
Measure and mark the dimensions of your battle axe on the wood. Use a measuring tape and a pencil to ensure accuracy. You can refer to a reference image or a pre-made template to help you with this step.
3. Cut the wood
Using a saw, carefully cut the wood according to the marked dimensions. Take your time during this step to ensure clean and precise cuts. Safety goggles are recommended to protect your eyes from any flying wood chips.
4. Smooth the edges
Using sandpaper or a wood file, smooth the edges of the cut wood. This will prevent any splinters or rough areas when handling the battle axe. Make sure to round off the corners and create a symmetrical shape.
5. Drill holes for the handle
Using a drill and an appropriate-sized drill bit, create two evenly spaced holes near one end of the wooden piece. These holes will be used to attach the handle later on. Make sure the holes are deep enough to securely hold the handle.
6. Shape the wood
Now it’s time to shape the wood into the desired battle axe form. Use a combination of chisels, rasps, and files to carefully remove wood and shape it. Take your time during this step to ensure accuracy and symmetry. Refer to your template or reference image for guidance.
| Materials | Tools |
|---|---|
| Hardwood (oak, hickory, or ash) | Saw |
| Measuring tape | Sandpaper / Wood file |
| Pencil | Drill |
| – | Chisels / Rasps / Files |
| – | Safety goggles |
Step 3. Shaping the Axe Head
Once you have selected a suitable piece of wood for your axe head, it’s time to begin shaping it. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a well-crafted and functional axe:
1. Mark the Design
Using a pencil or marker, trace out the shape of your desired axe head onto the selected piece of wood. Make sure to include the cutting edge, beard, and eye, which is where the handle will be inserted.
2. Cut Out the Rough Shape
Using a bandsaw or a coping saw, carefully cut out the rough shape of the axe head following the marked lines. Take your time and make precise cuts to achieve the desired shape.
3. Shave the Edges
Once the rough shape is cut out, use a carving knife or a chisel to shave and refine the edges of the axe head. Pay close attention to the cutting edge and beard to ensure they are sharp and symmetrical.
4. Hollow Out the Eye
Using a chisel or gouge, carefully hollow out the eye of the axe head to create a space for the handle. Take your time and make gradual cuts to prevent any accidental damage to the wood.
5. Smooth and Sand
Once the shaping is complete, use sandpaper or a wood file to smooth out any rough edges and surfaces on the axe head. Aim for a smooth and polished finish.
6. Check for Balance
Before proceeding to the final steps, hold the axe head in your hand and check for balance. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the weight distribution feels comfortable and effective.
7. Apply a Protective Finish
To protect the wood from moisture and wear, apply a suitable protective finish to the axe head. Options include varnish, linseed oil, or a dedicated wood finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Now that the axe head is shaped and finished, you are ready to move on to the next step of the process: attaching the handle.
Step 4. Creating the axe handle
Once you have prepared the axe head, it’s time to work on the handle. The handle is an important part of the battle axe as it provides stability and grip. Follow these steps to create a strong and durable handle for your wooden battle axe:
| Materials needed: | |
| – Piece of hardwood (preferably oak, ash or hickory) | |
| – Saw | |
| – Rasp or file | |
| – Sandpaper (coarse and fine grit) | |
| – Wood stain or finish (optional) |
1. Measure and mark the desired length for your handle. The typical length for a battle axe handle is around 30 inches, but you can adjust it according to your preference.
2. Use a saw to cut the handle from the piece of hardwood. Ensure that the cut is straight and smooth.
3. Now, use a rasp or file to shape the handle. Start by rounding the corners and edges to create a comfortable grip. Gradually shape the handle into a taper towards the top end where the axe head will be attached.
4. Once you are satisfied with the shape of the handle, use coarse-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas. Then, switch to fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth and polished finish.
5. If desired, you can apply a wood stain or finish to protect the handle and enhance its appearance. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.
6. Allow the handle to dry completely before attaching the axe head.
Congratulations! You have successfully created the handle for your wooden battle axe. Proceed to the next step to complete your axe by attaching the head.
Step 5. Assembling the Axe
Once you have prepared all the necessary components, it’s time to assemble your wooden battle axe. Follow these steps:
1. Take the wooden handle and position it vertically on a flat surface.
2. Place the axe head on top of the handle, aligning the holes in the head with the holes in the handle.
3. Insert the screws through the holes, starting from one side and going all the way through to the other side.
4. Use a screwdriver or a drill to tighten the screws securely. Make sure the head is firmly attached to the handle.
5. Once the head is securely attached, check for any loose or wobbly parts. If you find any, tighten the screws further or adjust the components as needed.
6. Give the axe a few test swings to ensure it is balanced and functions properly. If you notice any issues, make the necessary adjustments before using it for actual battle or display.
7. Optionally, you can sand the handle and head to smooth out any rough edges and apply a protective finish for a polished look.
Congratulations! You have successfully assembled your wooden battle axe. Now it’s ready for use or display. Use it responsibly and enjoy!
