How to Make a Spear Out of Recycled Materials
Creating a spear can be as complicated or as simple as the materials you have for construction. From the simple hand-carved javelin with a single sharpened tip to a fully functional trident with metal spear head, homemade spears can be a creative and fun endeavor. Dowel rods, broom sticks and tree branches all excel in making spear shafts, while recycled metal trash can lids can be shaped and sharpened to make a spear head. With a keen eye for sturdiness in your materials and a careful attention to detail, you can craft your own spear from recycled materials.
Things You'll Need
- Broomstick or dowel rod
- Metal trash can lid
- Miter-box saw with carbide-tipped blades
- Electric sander
- Electric grinder
- Industrial-strength glue
- Hemp
- Marker
- Measuring tape
- Safety gloves
- Safety goggles
- Earplugs
Instructions
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Prepare the area that you intend to use as a working surface and clear the space of any excess dirt, dust or debris.
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2
Decide on how long you wish your spear to be and test your spear shaft by transferring it from hand to hand and spinning the shaft in a slow figure-eight motion. Notice any areas where you feel uncomfortable with the length, or if it hits the floor at any point. Estimate your desired length and measure the point on the shaft using measuring tape. Mark the point using the marker.
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3
Put on your earplugs, safety goggles and gloves and insert the shaft into the "fence" of the miter-box saw. Turn on the saw and make the cut at the mark you indicated.
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4
Test the durability of your metal trash can lid by attempting to bend the outward edges of the lid. Locate the sturdiest areas of the metal and, using a marker, draw out the desired shape and size of your spear head. Draw a thin 2- to 3-inch "base" where the spear head and shaft will be connected. Return to the miter-box saw and carefully cut along the lines drawn into the lid. Place your new spear head aside.
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5
Choose which end of the broomstick or dowel rod you wish to insert your spear head into. Make a small even line directly down the middle of the shaft end and measure a point 2 to 3 inches into the shaft. Mark this area with a small "X."
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6
Secure the spear shaft with one hand (tightly holding the shaft under your armpit for support as needed) and use the miter-box saw to cut directly along the line you drew at the end of the shaft. Continue cutting into the shaft until you have reached the point of the "X" you marked on the shaft's surface.
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Apply generous amounts of industrial-strength glue on both sides of the base of your spear head and carefully insert it into the groove you just carved into the shaft. Tightly secure the spear head until the point evenly emerges from the shaft groove. Bind the area where the metal meets the wood with hemp until the coils are tightly bound together and tied.
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Sharpen the tip of your spear head with the electric grinder while carefully avoiding any sparks. Continue until a smooth light-colored crease forms along both edges of the spear, and the point is sufficiently sharp. Sand any corners or rough areas of the spear shaft using an electric sander and decorate as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Exercise creativity when acquiring your recycled materials: while broomsticks and dowel rods make excellent lightweight spears, corrugated metal pipe could also be used for the construction of a heavy-duty weapon. If a metal trash can lid is not available, try using broken or discarded items such as kettles, knife blades or bake pans for constructing the spear head.
Always practice caution when using power tools such as the miter-box saw, grinder and sander. Keep children and animals away from your working area as you work and ensure that no power tool is left plugged in while unattended.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit golden halberd image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
