For Christmas my wife got me a Lutel Halberd =) I had been coveting it for some time. As many of you may know, Lutel sends the heads alone, so now I have the task of hafting it.

I have spent the evening reading old posts on how to attach it and I'm feeling pretty confident that I can do that part. My problem is finding an ashwood shaft.

I know that Kult of Athena has them for $24, but the problem is that shipping adds an extra $35... Home Depot didn't have anything but pine in lengths that are required for this. I went to a shop that has tons of specialty woods, but they only carried ash in boards.

So does anyone have an excellent suggestion for me? I was thinking of using my table saw to cut an octagonal shaft from an ash board. The table saw blade can be tilted to a 45 degree angle, so this shouldn't be too hard. However, if there is a better way I would appreciate the advice before I waste time and money.

Just FYI, the socket hole is 1.25 inches at the base, measured from the inside.

Thanks all.

http://www.woodenswords.com

I know purpleheart armory sells hickory staffs but its probably more expensive than KOA.

How long of a haft are you looking for? Sean Flynt has used replacement wheel-barrow handles, which are hardwood and about 60" long. Just FYI

Thanks guys for you suggestions.

Alex Spreier wrote:

How long of a haft are you looking for? Sean Flynt has used replacement wheel-barrow handles, which are hardwood and about 60" long. Just FYI

I remember that, now that you mention it. I was under the impression that a Halberd should be a bit longer, like around 6 or 7 feet rather than 5. Is that right?

Also, I know that Arms and Armor uses ash, but as Bryan mentioned, purple heart sells hickory staffs. What woods are ok?

Has anyone had any experience with these:

http://www.amazon.com/FRED-MARVIN-ASSOCIATES-...-2-catcorr

I am intrigued, but a little wary.

Have access to a table saw? I ripped several shafts from one ash board from a hardwood lumber yard for about $20. I have a pole arm and three spears made off the same board. If you want it round rip it down to a hex shape then use a hand plane, electric plane, palm sander, or combo of all of these. My Lutel pole arm is on a square shaft:

My back is to the camera here:

[ Linked Image ]

Eric, I was in the same boat trying to make pikes, and opted for doing it myself. My local full-service lumber specialty store had the ash. The first time I did all the ripping myself, the second time, I had them rip them to squares, and I did the octagonals (a 45 degree pass and then a 22.5 degree pass).

I was after a huge volume (a dozen pikes) and it made sense financially across that number. Especially considering I burned out a table saw ripping the beam myself... :)

If I have any advice to ripping a beam yourself, it would be to have several long, large screwdrivers on hand, in case the grain and twist of the wood try to clamp it shut on you after the blade has passed.

Not to hijack the thread but Jean if you made that........great work!

Eric, we have a wonderful wood in this country. The French called it "Bow Wood". The indians used it for bow making. Find a "Horse Apple" tree and pick your piece. They may not grow in your area, but they are all over the east. It's tough as your father, and flexible as your grandfather's memory.

Additional thought; do NOT use a saw on the wood you use as the staff. Use a natural limb. Split it like Ole Abe did, then use wood working hand tools. The grain adds immense strength to the shaft. Do it like they did way back when.

Jean,

That its absolutely amazing, and no worries, you absolutely did not hijack the thread. I honestly think that your staff looks very nice. And I really appreciate the advice. This joint is wonderful for ask the knowledgeable people.

D. Phillip Caron wrote:

Additional thought; do NOT use a saw on the wood you use as the staff. Use a natural limb. Split it like Ole Abe did, then use wood working hand tools. The grain adds immense strength to the shaft. Do it like they did way back when.

I appreciate that advice, but the problem is that I live in Arizona. In my area we have palm trees (which are ugly and worthless for giving shade) mesquite trees, and saguaro... Northern AZ has a lot of pine... Worthless. I do know a guy that makes some really nice bows. I will ask him before I go rip a board on a table saw.

It seems a simple thing, but fact is, hand tools on wood give a stronger product. A saw is destructive to strength. If you talk to that person about bow making you will get a lesson on weapons making.