Reasoning, research, practice, and concept statement ADAD1002 assignment 2
In response to my first assignment I aim to further develop the link between ‘man’ and the ‘environment’ through the application of ergonomics in the increased physical relation between man and their environment. I aimed to create a more ergonomic set of tools/ tool handles through the alteration of the typical handle into that resembling an axe, this was placed into the form of a set of striking tools being the mallets and the hatchet. This process was developed over a series of weeks and evolved to form a tool ergonomically suited for my personal use.
Week 5: During this week the most basic of research was commenced in the form watching videos related to axes and mallets and the finding and ordering of relevant materials (as in research materials not physical materials) so as to aid the development of my general understanding of what I was be creating and if it is possible to feasibly do so with my limited skills. This research led to the further development of the concept through experimenting with potential dimensions as well. During this week if I had been more productive I may have been able to generate another work (additional mallet) through the utilisation of Fusion 360 and gotten a mallet head cast and delivered in time for the final project.
Week 6: During this week I commenced the creation of a prototype in the form of a softwood (pine) version of what I wanted to create ( for the reasoning that it is easier to work and thus allowed the process of creation and shaping to be understood as the final handle was also to be made of a wooden material and thus provide me with crucial experience in the process, and be a faster process). During this time I was also conducting material research in regard to a set of criteria that was developed in week 5 in regard to what was needed for the tools I wanted to construct as had been established during my development of the concept, however, material was also categorised by cost and its general availability to me. During this week I also did some drawings of how I believe I may be able to attach and construct the various tools and if I had been productive with the 3D modelling would have been able to find an appropriate timeframe to outsource any tasks I was unable to do to create the product (i.e. the casting of something in metal). However, I was productive in other ways in that I was able to advance during this week into a state where I was already progressing into what I had planned to be doing in week 7.
Week 7: During this week I began the process of shaping the tools I had chosen after having been able to get to the workshops at the university the week before so as to fasten the process even if only slightly, I was also able to begin the sanding of the products and the attachment of the heads to the mallets.
Week 8: During this week I was able to begin placing the finishing touches on the works in the form of further sanding and placing a coat of oil over the works (excluding the prototype). During this week I planned on finishing the final product and beginning the construction of the final Tumblr posts which were to be posted in the last week so as if anything unexpected comes up the post may be adapted or altered to provide the most accurate representation that the work will have undergone. However, as nothing can ever go to plan some processes took longer than expected or unexpected circumstances arose and I was unable to keep on track between week 7-8 and had little time to produce and polish final posts.
Week 9: Early this week the final Tumblr post was to be posted along with the research post as they were to be developed throughout the construction of this project so as to ensure accuracy regarding inspirations and general research on whatever topics become relevant however were delayed.
Reflection: If I had been more time conscious and resource-aware I believe I may have been able to further follow the critique provided to me from the first assignment and in the end produce a better product. However, for the tools I had available and the research conducted I still believe that The tools are of a reasonable finish, however, if I were to do it again I know I could do it better.
At the beginning of my assignment, I had simply the idea of the changing of the handle style on some mallets, however, I had no idea what kind of mallets I was after to alter, the materials I was after, or even how to make a hatchet handle. This led me down the deep rabbit hole which became my research for this assignment.
I started by selecting the type of mallet I would potentially make by basing it on mallets commonly used in carpentry these included the potential construction of several mallets including a joiners mallet, carvers mallet, dead-blow mallet, rubber mallet, or alternatively a brass or journeyman’s mallet (1) from previous experiences in using hammers a tap hammer was also contemplated. The joiners mallet is simple in its construction compared to some of the other mallets and is commonly used in carpentry with its primary use is in its use for chiselling, I believe due to the larger head on this mallet in the way of weight distribution this may be the most similar to that of an axe and ergo would act as a good control for this assignment. Next on the list is the carvers mallet this most typically is turned from a single piece of wood and is utilised for hammering gouging tools for carvings typically, this would be interesting with the weight distribution of the mallet as it is more balanced than the joiners mallet and shall be constructed. (Note: due to not being able to get an introduction to the lathe this will not be of a single piece of wood but rather be put together with some creative joinery instead). The dead-blow mallet is used for the more gentle driving of wood together with less potential of damaging the piece due to the use of plastic or rubber ends reducing the impact produced from the packing of the dense material inside of the tool. I do not believe that with my current access to tools or time to complete this assignment that I would be able to successfully create this hammer along with the joiners and carvers mallet as it would involve my focus being shifted onto the creation of a 3D model and other tasks that would quickly consume my limited time, ergo I will not be creating a dead-blow mallet. Following the dead-blow mallet in many physical attributes is the rubber mallet which is predominantly a general purpose tool doing much the same as the dead-blow however lacking the dense material packed inside of it, however, the issue in my creating one of these is that I do not believe it possible with the supplies available to me to create a rubber head that could possibly be fixed to the end of a mallet in any other way that they typically are which is to say with an industrial strength glue and the handles professionally made to fit. Although I am up for a challenge I know my limits and yet again the creation of such a handle with the tools available to me would be folly, a waste of material and time, as after all even if I altered the head to allow for wood joining methods to fix it to the handle the damage to the head would lead to accelerated deterioration of the mallet head. Lastly on the list was the Brass head mallet/ journeyman’s mallet, these can vary in sizes but is most typically small and are utilised for small precise striking typically in joinery. Due to the inability to find suitable ends for this hammer that would arrive both on time and not cost me an arm and a leg this mallet was forgone however would have had potential to be made with the simple method of creating a fusion 360 model and having it printed and then sent to be cast, however, this would mean the metal was soft from lack of being forged to withstand multiple blows and thus I would end up having created little more than an ornamental piece in the shape of a hammer. In conclusion after some research and contemplation, I have decided to create a carving mallet and joiners mallet for the second assignment along with an actual hatchet handle for the demonstration of an association between the two in regard to shape and to develop my understanding of the needs of the handles.
(maybe some images of the hammer types?)
After the hammers were decided upon I did further research into the features of the handle in a hatchet/axe and the different variations, during this research I also found out what made them strong or weak. Firstly I looked into the variations on the typical axe/hatchet handle, which are listed below:
- cruisers double bit (3)
(Note: The bit refers to the actual head that would be placed on the handle so whilst the boys axe would be classed as a single bit, because there was only one bladed face on the axe, the cruisers axe would be classed as a double bit because typically there would be two bladed faces on the axe head attached to it thus giving it more balance (4.))
After this list was created a series of inquiries were rose up, such as, what were the reasons for these major or slight variations in axe shaping? and which would best suit a mallet? After scouring the internet like a madman I was able to find a few sources on the subject. The most dominant difference that bothered me was the difference between the handle being straight or being curved as if the straight handle was more practical then all things done so far would be void of any potential, however, I have found out that the key difference is in the axis within the handle during the swing, for a straight handle the axis is in the centre of the handle when being used and ergo is more suited to larger axes where both hands are required to swing, examples of this can be easily seen in medieval weapons such as spears and polearms which were designed to have both hands used and ergo used a straight pole rather than a curved one as the power output would be lessened. The curved axe actually has its axis of rotation on the lower bend (usually where the hand grip is) thus allowing for more control by the swingers hand. (5.)) as can be seen with the Swedish carving axe/ Gränsfors (6.). So in order for the best outcome in regard to the energy efficiency of the blows produced by the mallets due to their size they should have curved handles, but what about the other types of alteration of axes such as the fawn foot and scroll foot? In terms of practicality, these make little difference as they are actually more of a personal preference for the user (7.) and so, as a result, I shall be in the drawing of my own hatchet and mallet handles be drawing inspiration from my personal experience with varying axe handle shapes and choose key features that I prefer and be applying those to the handles. However, there was one uniformity amongst all axe handles and that was that the grain must run along the axe not across it so as to allow for greater strength
In conclusion, the curved axe-style shall be applied to the mallets and the hatchet as it allows for both greater control and power to be applied for the scale that this project is being made at, and a scroll end shall be applied at the knob of the axe whilst the handle shall be curved with a double shoulder with an oval-shaped handle.
After having decided on what I wanted to construct I did further research into how to construct it, this involved research for inspiration purposes and to deepen my understanding of the processes that needed to be undertaken.
The list of videos following are what was watched for inspiration and development of understanding as to how to approach parts of this project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgS01B1MTQU&index=21&t=25s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
an alternate method of attaching mallet head, potential alternate mallet head construction method. (.8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDZZoLyThr4&index=40&t=9s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
As it turns out someone had already come to my conclusion in regard to the hatchet handle on a wooden mallet, his approach is intriguing, however, I do believe that I can improve upon what has appeared in this video and will create a varied result as I am doing more than the typical joiners hammer. My planned method and the one he has utilised are different however it has raised some ideas as to the attachment of the handle to the head as I do not plan on using a wedge to keep it in place. (.9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed6Iuc-v5Es&index=53&t=9s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
The utilisation of the file I find agreeable as unlike other videos so far I don’t have continual access to and band saw and don’t wish to spend copious amounts of time in the uni workshop and lugging pieces of wood to and from uni, so this method of shaping would allow me to continue development at home with minimal use of the bandsaw. The handle wrap and drawing on the haft I find excessive thought as it provides no practical purpose if he got the width of the handle correct. (.10)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJoJd7Oahc&index=54&t=7s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
A good example of a straight handle and an interesting ending to the wedge on the end of the axe. After having seen one utilised so many times so far I am beginning to think that I may need to invest in a spokeshave. (.11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUshg3DsGD8&index=55&t=7s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
I am beginning to see patterns in the style and tools used to create these, however, one of the factors of the construction of the handle I find myself disagreeing with in the design many seem to be implementing is that they do not have a catch on the handle (I am unsure of the official jargon for it but it is when the end of a handle expands in thickness and occasionally general size so that if the grip is lost on the handle than it still remains in the hand rather than flying off elsewhere). However, I do like the angles on some of the curves of this axe and may implement something similar in my own design. (.12)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07TaE9S5ZWI&index=56&t=7s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
SOMEONE USED THE CATCH!!! I don’t know why this makes me happy... however, his utilisation of the tools he has available is quite similar to what I may have to resolve to and has given me some ideas as to alternate ways from power tools to approach parts of this project. (.13)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-1ATzrQufo&index=57&t=8s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
What seems to be becoming a pretty standard approach to the creation of an axe, however, the spike/spine things he has on the haft I believe could prove to have a practical purpose, however, I believe the placement would have to be different. (.14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyXaJl0vd2Y&index=58&t=8s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
Again what seems to be becoming pretty standard in the approach to the creation of an axe, however, the implementation of the curve strikes me as off I am unsure why, unlike the other axes I feel like the curve should be reversed to the way it was done so that the concave part at the base of the handle is more accentuated rather than the first bend. (.15)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3oJCxNNzBg&index=61&t=12s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
Nice mallet and cute dog, however, the end result whilst looking brilliant to me feels more like a display piece rather than something that would actually be used for fear of damaging it, not to say it wouldn’t function just that I feel less emphasis should be placed on the looks of the object and move on if it can get the job done. I also don’t have access or official training in how to use a lathe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNG3mSTIb6Q&index=62&t=10s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
A clear and simple approach to creating multiple mallets, and I again reiterate what I have said up to this point about access to particular tools and training in those tools. (.17)
Books that I read on the subject:
‘The Art of Japanese Joinery’ by Kiyosi Seike (.18)
People researched as inspiration:
Harry Mcnish, the carpenter on Shackleton's expedition on the endurance around the Arctic(.19)
Horace Kephart an American bushcraftsman who had published numerous books on woodworking/bushcraft and camping in the 1900′s(.20)
1. Patrick Harper 2015, Craftsy, Accessed 25th of August 2018, <https://www.craftsy.com/woodworking/article/types-of-mallets/>
2.Brant & Cochran 2017, accessed 25th of August 2018, < https://www.bnctools.com/blogs/news/get-a-handle-on-it-part-2>
3. An axe to grind, n.d., accessed 25th of August 2018, <https://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm99232823/page03.htm>
4.Brett 2016, Art of Manliness, accessed 25th of August 2018, < https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/a-primer-on-the-ax-how-to-choose-the-right-ax-for-you/>
5. Axe connected 2011, accessed 25th of August 2018, < http://axeconnected.blogspot.com/2011/02/straight-versus-curved.html>
6. Dieter Schmid Werkzeuge n.d., fine tools, Accessed 25th of August 2018, < https://www.fine-tools.com/G307314.html>
7.Pros cons of octagonal and oval handles, Blade forum, 2013, Accessed 25th of August 2018, <https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/pros-cons-of-octagon-handles.1036378/>
8.Epic Thors Carving Mallet, 2017, epic workshop, youtube, online video, accessed 25th of August 2018, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgS01B1MTQU&index=21&t=25s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
9.How to build a (hatchet inspired) woodworking mallet, 2018, Paul Jenkins, youtube, online video, accessed 25th of august 2018 < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDZZoLyThr4&index=40&t=9s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
10.Viking inspired throwing axe, 2017, black beard projects, youtube, online video, accessed 1st of september 2018, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed6Iuc-v5Es&index=53&t=9s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
11.DIY Axe Handle, 2016, Hassan -Abu Izmero, youtube, online video, accessed 1st of September 2018, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJoJd7Oahc&index=54&t=7s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
12. Making a viking style battle axe, 2016, Miller knives, youtube, online video, accessed 1st of september 2018, < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUshg3DsGD8&index=55&t=7s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
13. Restoration - camp hatchet (zero tools),2017, Make N’ Create, youtube, online video, accessed 1st of september 2018, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07TaE9S5ZWI&index=56&t=7s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
14. Viking battle axe, 2016, Marek Tabi, youtube, online video, accessed 1st of September, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-1ATzrQufo&index=57&t=8s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
15.DIY Building an Axe out of scrap, 2016, Hassan - Abu Izemero, youtube, online video, accessed 1st of september 2018, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 2018VyXaJl0vd2Y&index=58&t=8s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
16.IBuilding beautiful wooden mallets, 2017, third coast craftsman, youtube, online video,accessed 1st of september 2018, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3oJCxNNzBg&index=61&t=12s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX>
17 Making three types of mallets for wood working, 2017, Marek Tabi, youtube, online video, accessed 1st of september 2018, <.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNG3mSTIb6Q&index=62&t=10s&list=PLfHFbm6IWZdhTXpDECffwIELlORMa7JiX
18. Seike, K 2017, The Art of Japanese Joinery,Weatherhill, Colorado
19.Harry Mcnish, n.d., accessed 25th of August 2018, <https://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/History/biography/mcnish_henry.php>
20. Horace Kephart,n.d., accessed 25th of August 2018, <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Horace-Kephart>
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