Pewter casting /inlay work I did last week on a hawk handle

[kobrakommander]

I tried this for the first time last week with my nephew. He wanted to make a tomahawk so we both picked up one of the pipe hawk kits from TOTW so I could show him how to put it together. We also decided to amp up the difficulty level by trying pewter casting inlays in the handles. I will post pics of what I came out with for the first time.

I also did the turtle piercing on the blade as well.I still need to do the final fitting and drill the smoke hole through the head into the channel of the haft and plug the end of the haft.

 

[Flint311]

Looks to have turned out well. My 'hawk handle is the same as yours with the bulge in the handle, 'cept I made mine out of Ash. Didn't try the inlays, but I like it.

 

[MSW]

looks great!

 

[Peter LeRay]

Could you share with us how you did the pouring? I am curious how you make a "cup" around the area to be poured etc

 

[kobrakommander]

I used a manilla folder and cut 1 inch strips one for each side of the ring I carved out. I then taped them down to the shaft. I cut out a piece big enough to cover the strips and the carving with a notch in the center for the funnel and taped it over the strips. I made a funnel from same folder materials and taped it over the notch I cut in the cover and poured the hot pewter into the funnel and tapped the handle to make sure it flowed all the way and filled the carved cavity.

 

[necchi]

Very nice!
Not over done and compliments the curl of the wood,, nice color choice too.

 

[kobrakommander]

Thank you for the compliments. :bow:
To get the figure to pop I use an old luthiers trick for flame maple topped guitars.
I apply a thick coat of ebony oil based wood stain and let it soak for about 5 mins and wipe it off. I then sand it off once it dries and the stain holds onto the figure in the wood. I then apply a thick coat of oil based red mahogany and let it set in for about 5 hours or so and wipe it off. Added one coat of boiled linseed oil and that was it.