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Want to build a target #20613 07/13/09 03:38 AM
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brad_bb Offline OP
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Ok, Now I finally understand that this axe throwing is. I went to the Kentucky rendezvous and got to try it for the first time and I'm hooked! I want to build a target here at my house. I'm sure there are any number or was "a" target can be made, but is there a good commonly accepted design? I'm assuming that a target of endgrain would hold up better? Should it be oak? The one at the rendezvous was build from some scrap cedar timbers where the target was not endgrain. By the end of the weekend, the center of the target was pretty trashed. Any help appreciated.

Re: Want to build a target [Re: brad_bb] #20615 07/13/09 10:33 AM
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TIMBEAL Offline
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Brad, I too have been chucking axes. I used a large chunk of pine, a cookie cut of the end of a log around 24" across, I have knots in mine, these should be avoided. End grain should hold up better than cross grain, would be my first impression. Having a saw mill makes gaining the material needed a snap. I used scrap 2x4's for the 2 legs with a back leg as well, these were tied together forming a base for the triangle. GRK screws of course and an impact driver.

What distance from the target were you using? What were the axes like?

Tim

Re: Want to build a target [Re: TIMBEAL] #20617 07/13/09 04:53 PM
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Thane O'Dell Offline
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I used spruce for mine and drilled 2.0" holes for legs then fastened a 4x4 pc of plywood to the front with center cut out. This creates a larger front to prevent glancing. However if you often hit the plywood with the axe it will be short lived.
Thane


Life is short so put your heart into something that will last a long time.
Re: Want to build a target [Re: Thane O'Dell] #20625 07/14/09 03:00 AM
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brad_bb Offline OP
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We were 20 feet away using Granfors throwing axe (double headed with shorter handle). I'll have to go to the local tree cutter and see how bit a chunk I can get. How thick should the cookie be? 4 inches? 6 inches? Is there a regulation sized target? What should the ring diameters be?

Re: Want to build a target [Re: brad_bb] #20627 07/14/09 10:47 AM
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TIMBEAL Offline
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I often forget about search engines. They sometimes end with good results. Time is a limiting factor, but here is one of many sites out there.

http://www.axtwerfen.de/Thr_0300_ENGL.htm

I didn't see any 2" framing chisels in the mass of thrown items.

Tim


Re: Want to build a target [Re: TIMBEAL] #20629 07/14/09 01:24 PM
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OurBarns1 Offline
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That's a neat site, Tim.

I was thinking about how to make a target last night. Since the axe edge will most always hit vertically, why not arrange a few beams or thick planks (4-5 feet long) side by side vertically? Kind of like a giant laminated cutting board.

Glue and clamp them together then secure some cauls to the back or a backing of 3/4" plywood. A couple of legs (attached to the back w/ hinges?) and you're ready to take aim.

It would be heavy, but should hold together as the axe will penetrate parallel w/ the grain.


Don Perkins
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to know the trees...


Re: Want to build a target [Re: OurBarns1] #20631 07/14/09 02:51 PM
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Gabel Offline
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Axe throwing information on the Guild website

Don, have you made a target like you describe?

I bet it would get shredded pretty quick -- and be harder to stick the axe. Regulation targets always use endgrain -- helps the axe to stick and requires no fabrication. Every one I've seen is around 6-8" thick.

Re: Want to build a target [Re: Gabel] #20634 07/14/09 09:33 PM
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Gabel Offline
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Actually, 6" is too thin now that I think about it. Ours at the shop is more like 10".

Re: Want to build a target [Re: Gabel] #20636 07/15/09 02:02 AM
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OurBarns1 Offline
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Hi Gabel:

I've actually not made a target like I described earlier. Just trying to come up w/ a design that's easier to come by than the traditional 3' diameter cut-off. Seems like that's why this thread began.

I do appreciate your comments and experience.

I tend to think my design would hold up pretty well actually. I envision mine made out of planks or beams at least 4" thick and 4-5 feet long. 8x8s would be best. Gluing them together like a giant cutting board would make them act as one solid slab, but w/out the warping issues. And the longer the better to resist splitting.

I do agree that it would be harder to stick the axe than in an end grain target. Maybe use pine. Just kicking around some ideas.



Don Perkins
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to know the trees...


Re: Want to build a target [Re: OurBarns1] #20638 07/15/09 03:16 AM
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brad_bb Offline OP
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Well, someone sent me this link. Grandfors has this on their site:
http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/index.html
Now I have to find a 3'+ diamter chunk, 10" thick or so.

Ourbarns, that is how the target was made that we used at the rendezvous. Some culled cedar 6X6's were glued and screwed with timberlocs with the grain running vertically. It worked just fine, but throught the course of 2 or 3 days, the center of the target was pretty trashed. If you could have easily removed and replaced the center timber, it would be alright. I just could help but hit it in the center each time.....and if you believe that one....

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