Hey all
I’m planning on making a froe in the coming days. I have 8” of 1/2” steel bar and a few inches of 1 1/4” steel tube that will get welded after I grind a cutting(riving?) edge on the bar. Mild steel will be used as I’m not super worried about edge retention or hardness really on a froe and this will be for riving small parts, mainly spoon blanks and milking stool legs. Until now I’ve gotten by using a hatchet and sledge or bandsaw. Freshly riven red maple will be used for the handle, still wet as it was harvested from the street in Flatbush Brooklyn less than a week ago.
The blacksmith at my shop is urging me to use the forge and draw out some of the steel and make an eye for my turned handle to avoid any welding. That does sound fun but I assume he’s just being a blacksmith.
Anyone here made themselves a froe? Any advice? I know I could pick one up for a song at the flea market on any given Sunday but this sounds more fun until my dad gives me my granddad’s old froe. He thinks he just might use it one day. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I looked the Ashley Iles froe over today at Tools for Working Wood and its just an eye welded to a bar, although it was forged and likely with better steel.
I believe I read here that mild steel could be advantageous in the manner that it transfers the blow whereas harden tends to deflect.
Would love to hear from those experienced or just thoughtful enough to respond.