Throwing axes can be a great way for kids to learn new skills while having fun outdoors. With proper guidance and supervision, making a throwing axe can be a rewarding project that will keep your kids engaged and excited.
Before you start, it’s important to ensure the safety of your child by using appropriate materials and following the instructions carefully.
To make a throwing axe for kids, you will need a few basic materials:
- A wooden handle or dowel rod
- A piece of lightweight but durable material for the axe head (such as foam, plywood, or plastic)
- Strong adhesive or screws
- A saw or knife for cutting the materials
- Sandpaper for smoothing and shaping the handle
Once you have gathered the materials, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Throwing Axe for Kids
If your child has a passion for outdoor activities and enjoys practicing their aim, making a throwing axe can be a fun and engaging project. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a safe and age-appropriate throwing axe for your kids.
Materials Needed:
- 1 wooden dowel or branch
- 1 small piece of plywood
- Wood screws
- Saw
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Paint and paintbrush
Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Dowel or Branch
Start by selecting a wooden dowel or branch that is approximately 1 inch in diameter and 12 inches long. Cut the dowel or branch to the desired length using a saw, ensuring that the edges are smooth.
Step 2: Create the Axehead Shape
On one end of the wooden dowel or branch, use a saw to cut a V-shaped notch. This will serve as the axehead. The depth and width of the notch can be adjusted based on your child’s age and skill level.
Step 3: Attach the Plywood Handle
Cut a small piece of plywood into a rectangular shape, approximately 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Sand the edges to remove any roughness. Position the plywood piece perpendicular to the dowel, about 2 inches from the axehead end. Use wood screws to securely attach the plywood piece to the dowel.
Step 4: Customize and Decorate
Allow your child to personalize their throwing axe by painting the handle and axehead in their favorite colors or patterns. Encourage them to get creative and make their throwing axe unique!
Step 5: Practice Safety & Supervision
When your child is ready to use their throwing axe, it’s important to emphasize safety. Practice in an open outdoor area away from people and animals. Always supervise your child during their throwing axe activities and ensure they follow proper throwing techniques.
Note: This throwing axe is intended for fun and recreational use under adult supervision. It is not designed for competitive throwing or use as a weapon.
By following these simple steps, you can create a safe and enjoyable throwing axe for your kids to explore their aim and coordination skills in a controlled and supervised manner.
Gather the Necessary Materials
Before you can make a throwing axe for kids, you will need to gather the necessary materials. Here is a list of items you will need:
Wooden Plank
- Find a piece of wood that is about 1 inch thick and 12 inches long.
- Make sure the wood is sturdy and does not have any cracks.
Axe Head
- Purchase a small axe head from a hardware store or online.
- Make sure the axe head is designed for throwing and has a secure attachment point.
Nails
- Get a pack of nails that are long enough to securely attach the axe head to the wooden plank.
- Choose nails that are durable and have a strong grip.
Sandpaper
- Get some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges on the wooden plank or axe head.
- Choose sandpaper with a medium to fine grit for best results.
Paint
- Get some paint in your desired color to add some decorative touches to the throwing axe.
- Choose paint that is safe for use on wood and non-toxic.
Once you have gathered all of these materials, you will be ready to move on to the next steps of making a throwing axe for kids.
Prepare the Wooden Handle
Before starting the process of making a throwing axe, it’s essential to prepare the wooden handle properly. Follow these steps to ensure a sturdy and safe handle:
- Choose a suitable wooden material for the handle. Hardwoods such as hickory or ash are ideal options due to their durability and impact resistance.
- Measure and cut the wooden material to your desired length. A typical throwing axe handle is around 12 to 14 inches long.
- Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or splinters on the handle. This step is crucial to prevent any injuries during use.
- Shape the handle using a rasp or file. Create a comfortable grip by rounding out the edges and removing any sharp corners.
- Apply a wood sealer or finish to protect the handle from moisture and prolong its lifespan. Allow the sealer to dry completely before proceeding.
- Optional: Add a leather or rubber grip to enhance handling and provide extra comfort. Secure it tightly to the handle, ensuring it doesn’t move or slide during use.
Once the wooden handle is prepared, you can move on to attaching the blade to complete your homemade throwing axe.
Shape the Axe Head
Once you have chosen your desired material for the axe head, it’s time to start shaping it. Make sure to use proper safety equipment such as gloves and goggles before you begin.
Start by marking the outline of the axe head on the material using a pencil or marker. Then, use a saw or a grinder to cut out the basic shape of the axe head. Take your time and be careful to follow the outline as accurately as possible.
Next, use a rasp or a file to refine the shape of the axe head. This will help you achieve a smoother and more precise shape. Keep checking your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Once you are satisfied with the shape of the axe head, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. This will give the axe head a finished look and make it safe to handle.
Remember to take breaks as needed and never rush the shaping process. It’s important to be patient and pay attention to detail to ensure a well-crafted throwing axe for your kids.
Attach the Axe Head to the Handle
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to attach the axe head to the handle. This is an important step that requires careful attention to ensure the axe head is securely fastened.
Here are the steps to follow:
| Step 1: | Start by placing the axe head on a flat surface with the cutting edge facing up. Make sure the handle hole aligns with the hole in the axe head. |
| Step 2: | Apply a small amount of epoxy or wood glue to the inside of the axe head hole. This will help ensure a strong bond between the head and the handle. |
| Step 3: | Insert the handle into the axe head hole, pushing it in as far as it will go. Twist the handle slightly to spread the glue evenly and create a secure connection. |
| Step 4: | Wipe off any excess glue that may have squeezed out from the hole using a damp cloth. This will prevent it from drying and hardening on the surface. |
| Step 5: | Let the glue dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes around 24 hours, but be sure to check the label for specific drying times. |
| Step 6: | Once the glue is fully dry, give the axe head and handle assembly a few gentle taps on a solid surface to ensure it’s securely attached. |
Following these steps will ensure that the axe head is firmly attached to the handle, making it safe and durable for kids to use. Remember to always supervise children while they are using this throwing axe.
Sand and Finish the Axe
After you have shaped and smoothed the wooden handle and cut and shaped the metal blade of the axe, it is time to sand and finish the axe to give it a polished and professional look.
1. Sand the Handle
Start by sanding the wooden handle using sandpaper with a medium grit, such as 80 or 100. This will help remove any rough spots or imperfections on the surface of the wood. Sand along the grain of the wood, using long, smooth strokes.
Once you have sanded the handle with the medium grit sandpaper and it feels smooth to the touch, switch to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 120 or 150. Continue sanding the handle with the finer grit sandpaper to achieve a even smoother surface.
Finally, finish sanding the handle with an even finer grit sandpaper, such as 220 or 240. This will give the handle a very smooth and polished finish.
2. Apply Finish
After sanding the handle, it is important to apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. There are several options for finishes, such as varnish, polyurethane, or wood oil.
If you choose to use varnish or polyurethane, follow the instructions on the packaging for application and drying times. Apply multiple coats of the finish, sanding lightly between each coat to achieve a smooth and even finish.
If you prefer a more natural look for the handle, you can use wood oil. Apply the wood oil using a clean cloth, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the oil to penetrate the wood, then wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. Repeat this process several times, until you achieve the desired color and finish.
Remember to let the finish fully dry before using the axe.
By sanding and finishing the axe, you not only enhance its appearance but also protect and preserve the wood for long-lasting use. With proper care, your throwing axe will be ready for hours of fun and excitement!
Teach Kids How to Safely Use the Throwing Axe
When it comes to teaching kids how to safely use a throwing axe, it is important to prioritize safety above all else. Doing so will allow them to enjoy the activity while minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while teaching kids how to use a throwing axe:
1. Start with the Basics: Before introducing kids to the throwing axe, it is crucial to teach them about safety measures and proper handling techniques. Explain to them how to hold the axe correctly and always emphasize the importance of wearing protective gear like gloves and safety glasses.
2. Establish a Designated Throwing Area: Set up a designated throwing area in an open space away from any obstacles, pets, or other people. Make sure the area is clear and has enough room for the child to safely throw the axe without any hindrances.
3. Demonstrate Proper Technique: Show kids the proper technique for throwing the axe, starting with a simple underhand motion. Encourage them to practice their aim and focus on hitting the target instead of just throwing the axe forcefully.
4. Emphasize Safety Rules: Teach kids about the safety rules that must be followed at all times. This includes never throwing the axe while someone is in front of the target, never attempting to catch a stray axe, and always waiting for their turn to throw.
5. Supervision is Key: Ensure that kids are always supervised by a responsible adult while practicing how to use the throwing axe. This will help prevent any accidents and allow for immediate intervention if necessary.
6. Start with Lightweight Axes: It is best to begin with lightweight axes specifically designed for kids. These axes are smaller, lighter, and easier for them to handle, reducing the risk of injuries and accidents.
7. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is essential for kids to develop their skills and become proficient in using the throwing axe. Encourage them to practice regularly while also reinforcing safety guidelines.
8. Encourage Sportsmanship and Respect: Teach kids about the importance of good sportsmanship and respecting others while engaging in this activity. Remind them to be patient, take turns, and support each other’s efforts.
By following these guidelines and focusing on safety, you can help children learn how to safely use a throwing axe while having an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
