[rayman]

I'm a garage tinkerer. I want to make a utility big knife that does axe dutys. Tribesmen in South America & Asia have their machettes & bolos that do everything from butcher meat to frame houses. They do everything with them. I want to make such a tool. What are your thoughts?

[CWL]

Machettes are very thin by design and also very cheap, it probably wouldn't make sense for you to make them.

The Bolo would be a nice edged tool to make & customize.

[steeltiger]

this feild is somewhat equipment limting, what do you have ive made a few knives with truck springs and a 3.5in handheld grinder (makes a decent convex edge) if you have some 1/8in stock and and a cutting torch youl be able to cut to shape and grind the edge for a finnished tang/blank. my sugestion is to make a full tang / wooden handle and a three inch nail makes a good pin ( as you dont have to peen both ends ).
Pocket knives and some sand paper is about all you need for a good handle :D

do a google search for knifemaking it,l take a while but if you happen to come across a page of links run by an ex marine ( page is blue but cannot remember the address) it is extremely well prepared and informitive
Sorry i cant be more spefic.

[Heavy Metal Hero]

I dunno, you can buy a fine Cold Steel Bolo Machete for $7.

[The Deer Hunter]

make a "woodsman's pal"

http://www.goldrushtradingpost.com/woodman_s_pal?gclid=CMmd446epYoCFQwbgQodDxNpqw

[rayman]

I know you can buy stuff cheaper out there but the idea of a one-off is very appealing. I'm going with deer hunter's idea. I got time. I'll post a pic when I'm done. Any pics for ideas will be much appreciated.

[steeltiger]

I'd love to see the finished project good luck:D ;)