Build A Disc Brake Utility Hatchet

This build came about as I was going through my shop and looking at some random parts. I figure the bike brake is pretty good steel and will hold a nice edge. I found some other parts and leather to really make this a nice project. Enjoy

I also made a carving knife set with other parts of the disc brake, check it out here!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-Bike-Disk-Brake-Carving-Knife-Set/

Step 1: Round Up Your Parts And Tools

For this build I can't give an exact parts list, I kinda threw together some odds and ends I had laying around. But I will give a quick run down. I put the back spike and cap to add weight. The thin metal from the brake is pretty light. Parts: used bike disc brake, wood for the handle (I used diamond willow), 1/2 or bigger steel round rod, steel cap, leather, paint & primer. Tools; band saw, grinder, belt sander, leather working tools

Comments

[troopersmachine]

Very cool, I like giving new life and purpose to old parts. I made a hatchet from a window regulator gear.

[desertsniper]

Thanks, I love repurposing old parts into something useful. Feel free to post a picture of that hatchet you made in the comments, I'd love to see it!

[troopersmachine]

I made as a gift for my brother.

[Xthinker]

Looks great, however that looks more like a battle ax than a hatchet!

[desertsniper]

That thing looks pretty gnarly man! Good job.

[basementhacker]

I made a hatchet similar to this one, but instead of a disc brake, I forged the head. Unfortunately I was too zealous in my youthful pounding and made the head a little too thin, so I can't actually use it for anything really helpful - it's maybe limited to home defense. :P
I did make an easy, effective case for it though, which I have been planning to make an I'ble for.....

[Absyrd]

большей ерунды в жизни не видел...

[eyewalk]

This is a cool idea - I had a free afternoon and my bent brake disc and so, why not? All made with an angle grinder (steel cutting wheel, sanding wheel) and hand drill. Easy! Thanks for the inspiration :)

[RangerJ]

That is a nice looking job.

[mammasboy]

what was your disk brake from? it looks far too big to be from a regular bicycle

[abadfart]

it might be a motor bike brake

[mammasboy]

yep, i looked at my dads motorbike and its disk brakes are the perfect size, gonna ask around and see if any shops have a few to spare

[abadfart]

well it shouldn't be to hard sport bikes are well known for warping there front rotors

[mammasboy]

yep, i asked around and the first shop said i was welcome to them but they haven't done any brake jobs in a while, the second shop was all stingy and would let me have any xP

[desertsniper]

That's outstanding! I dig the lines in that hatchet. Great job.

[eyewalk]

Cheers! Got to find some better wood for the last piece left of that disc - a friend of mine really needs a tomahawk

[potatomansoup]

Fantastic!

[desertsniper]

Thank you! Please vote for me if you think this is a winner.

[SmellierCow]

Absolutely Awesome

[desertsniper]

Thank you very much! If you like what you see here please vote for me in the contests! Thanks.

[Ray from RI]

Very Nice... how often do you need to sharpen the ax... per amount of use?

Also do you know what kind of Steel that the disc brake made out of ....???

[desertsniper]

I have not had to resharpen it yet, as long as you don't over heat the steel while cutting and grinding you won't have to temper and heat treat. Not sure of the steel but it holds a great edge.

[Ray from RI]

Excellent to hear, then it might be made out of tool steel....!
If it was stainless that holds a very crappy edge and you would have to resharpen it often....

[cody.lomas]

really like the tommohawk if you want it to look more primitive try soaking raw hide dog treats and cut them into strips to wrap it around the handle

[jobard]

Outstanding!

[desertsniper]

Thank you!

[actionjksn]

That green belt and disk sander looks like the Harbor Freight model. I got the same one on sale for about 40 dollars with my Inside Track Club membership, it works pretty well. I would like to have the next size bigger model but it was out of my budget. I would make this hatchet but I don't have the disk brake. I will keep an eye out for one.

[desertsniper]

Yes that is the one from HF, it works ok I guess. Just keep an eye out for one!

[triumphman]

I like it! Almost looks like the "Assassin's Creed" tomahawk! Check out the trailer for that it is really cool!

[desertsniper]

Thanks!

[Basement_Craftsman]

Great build! I love seeing all your creations!

[desertsniper]

Thanks!

[cart562]

Great idea! Although I would probably need to modify it for me, just because I break anything that isn't strong enough.

[desertsniper]

It's meant to chop small wood and sharpen sticks. Small fast work.

[cart562]

I think I had my old crank shaft laying around here somewhere with the three big gears, do you think that would be good enough metal too? Although I could probably get a disc brake from someone I know.

[desertsniper]

You could build it out of a gear, but the edge would not hold up long. Ideally you want a harder metal with a high carbon content. An old file would work better. Great thinking though, let me know how it turns out.

[phillipnolan]

clever -- way to recycle.

[fred27]

Some nice recycling. Unfortunately I just threw away a bent motorcycle rear disc. (I rode off with a disc lock on. Doh!)

[desertsniper]

I bet that is some really good and thick steel! I had a buddy do the same thing, seems easy to do and a costly mistake. Thanks for the complement.

[Tupulov]

AAHHHH!!! Now it's even harder to keep from adding to my scrap pile!
Well done! :-)