Maker Camp 2021: DIY Cleavers & Dinner Bells
In the summer of 2021, a group of aspiring blacksmiths embarked on an unforgettable journey at the inaugural "High Caliber Camp." Guided by seasoned artisans, the campers delved into the ancient art of blacksmithing, honing their skills as they learned to forge Cleavers and Dinner Bells. From forging glowing metal to the sweet symphony of ringing bells, High Caliber Camp 2021 offered an experience like no other, leaving participants with not just mementos but also lasting memories of their forging adventure! In this article, we dive into the steps to recreate these projects for yourselves.
DIY Tools Needed
To make your Cleaver & Dinner Bell, you will need the following tools:
- Forging Hammer: Used to shape and manipulate the metal during the forging process.
- Anvil: A sturdy surface on which the metal is shaped and forged.
- Forge: A high-temperature furnace or hearth to heat the metal for forging.
- Tongs: Used to safely hold and manipulate the hot metal while forging.
- Grinder: For smoothing and refining the rough shape.
- Chisels and Files: For detailing and shaping the blade and handle.
- Heat Source: To reheat the metal during the forging process as needed.
- Safety Gear: Including safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing to ensure safe handling of hot metal and flying sparks.
- Quenching Medium: A container with oil or water to rapidly cool the metal and harden after forging.
- Sandpaper or Abrasive Pads: For further smoothing and finishing the surface.
Note: Blacksmithing is a skilled craft that requires proper training, knowledge, and safety precautions. Always exercise caution and seek guidance from experienced blacksmiths when attempting to forge or any other metalwork.
Let’s Make a Cleaver!
A cleaver is a powerful kitchen tool used for chopping and slicing through meat and bones. With its wide and thick blade it provides strength and precision. Cleavers are essential in professional kitchens and butcher shops for breaking down large cuts of meat. They are also handy for home cooks who want to tackle tough cutting tasks. A symbol of culinary skill, the cleaver is a must-have tool for anyone seeking efficiency and versatility in the kitchen.
DIY Cleaver Materials List
- 0.25" x 3" Tool Steel Rectangle Bar O1 Oversize - Part#: 11324
- 0.75" OD x 0.032" Wall x 0.686" ID Copper Round Tube 122 -Part #: 24326
- 1.5”x1.5”x6” Wood Handle
- Wood Honey
DIY Cleaver Steps
Step 1
The first step is prepping the steel and giving a rough cut of the outline and pre drilling a hole for the cleaver hole.
Step 2
Forging the edge down and spreading the material along the blade side.
Step 3
Now its time for the oil quench and tempering the steel.
Step 4
Turn the handle and glue the copper ring on.
Step 5
Burn the handle through tang & peen end to trap the handle.
Step 6
Sharpen the blade & your done!
Cleaver Camp Highlights
Let’s Make a Dinner Bell!
A dinner bell is a bell used to signal mealtime or gather people together. Typically made of metal, it produces a loud sound when rung or struck. Dinner bells were historically used on farms and in rural communities to call people to the table for meals. Today, they serve as nostalgic and decorative reminders of shared meals and community gatherings.
Dinner Bell Materials List
DIY Dinner Bell Steps
Step 1
First we form a taper in the steel.
Step 2
Then we use the first bending jig to create a hook.
Step 3
Then we use the triangle jig to bend the final shape dinner bell triangle & voila!
Dinner Bell Camp Highlights
About The Featured Expert
High Caliber Craftsman - Owner - Content Creator
After 16 years building custom surfboards and running a surf shop, Austin decided to try his hand at woodworking, metal fabrication and machining. He quickly fell in love with the precision and craftsmanship required to create beautiful pieces of furniture, custom writing pens and tools and shared his expertise through video to document his work. Since 2021, Austin has invited the maker community to a beginner blacksmith camp at his shop called High Caliber Camp and it has been a hit every since.
Would You Like To Know More?
About Online Metals
Online Metals is the world’s leading eCommerce metal supplier, specializing in small quantity cut-to-size metals and plastics, delivered in a fast and reliable manner.
Since 1998, Online Metals has expanded our catalog to over 85,000 different cut sizes, grown our national footprint to seven pickup locations across the U.S., and continued to improve upon our best-in-class customer experience.
Check out our materials: Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum, Beryllium Copper, Brass, Bronze, Carbon Steel, Copper, Cast Iron, Nickel, Nickel Silver, Plastic, Stainless Steel, Titanium, Tool Steel, Unistrut®, Wrought Iron, & Zinc
Shop by shape: Bars, Tubes, Sheets, Plates, and More.
Can't find what you're looking for? Submit a quote or contact our support team.
Continue modifying your quoted cart?