FARM Heirloom-quality axes

[Delta]

Fifty years ago, when I was a log truck driver, it occurred to me that we were the last men who actually used an ax in the woods--chopping hanging bark on redwood logs just before we hit the public road. We each had a shovel and double bitted ax mounted on our truck's "headache rack". That ax was swinging two or three times a day. Never used the shovel--which I presume was there in care we encountered a fire. A few modern guys used small chainsaws instead of the ax. Now, I realize firewood burners/dealers may use an ax sometimes--but I have only used a hatchet to split kindling, or a wedge and maul to really split. I've never seen a faller drop a tree with an ax. Has that even been done since the development of the "clean-out" tooth on the crosscut saw? Do you guys make a living with your axes--what do you use them for?

 

[The Mountain]

Fifty years ago, when I was a log truck driver, it occurred to me that we were the last men who actually used an ax in the woods--chopping hanging bark on redwood logs just before we hit the public road. We each had a shovel and double bitted ax mounted on our truck's "headache rack". That ax was swinging two or three times a day. Never used the shovel--which I presume was there in care we encountered a fire. A few modern guys used small chainsaws instead of the ax. Now, I realize firewood burners/dealers may use an ax sometimes--but I have only used a hatchet to split kindling, or a wedge and maul to really split. I've never seen a faller drop a tree with an ax. Has that even been done since the development of the "clean-out" tooth on the crosscut saw? Do you guys make a living with your axes--what do you use them for?

In my case, I need to cut a tree stump that's right up against a chainlink fence. I can't get a handsaw all the way through it, since it's so tight against the fence and is a foot thick, and that goes double for a chainsaw. An axe is pretty much the only option, and since I need one anyway, I figure I might as well get a really good one.

 

[CaryC]

Fifty years ago, when I was a log truck driver, it occurred to me that we were the last men who actually used an ax in the woods--chopping hanging bark on redwood logs just before we hit the public road. We each had a shovel and double bitted ax mounted on our truck's "headache rack". That ax was swinging two or three times a day. Never used the shovel--which I presume was there in care we encountered a fire. A few modern guys used small chainsaws instead of the ax. Now, I realize firewood burners/dealers may use an ax sometimes--but I have only used a hatchet to split kindling, or a wedge and maul to really split. I've never seen a faller drop a tree with an ax. Has that even been done since the development of the "clean-out" tooth on the crosscut saw? Do you guys make a living with your axes--what do you use them for?

I have used an Axe to fell trees, a few. Since they always start. Mostly just for clearing purposes. Fall all the medium sized trees in a pile, and then later burn. Used it mostly to split wood. Never used a maul.

When I realized that I was getting old, I bought a 27 ton hydraulic splitter.

Have also used the hatchet. Mostly for campfire wood.

And while one doesn't have to keep an axe extremely sharp for splitting (you do for cutting) the hatchet should be kept sharp enough to shave with. Mine are. Never know when you might have to throw it across an acre lot and take an Indian in the forehead.

 

[mecoastie]

In my case, I need to cut a tree stump that's right up against a chainlink fence. I can't get a handsaw all the way through it, since it's so tight against the fence and is a foot thick, and that goes double for a chainsaw. An axe is pretty much the only option, and since I need one anyway, I figure I might as well get a really good one.

Get a cheap one to do that work. You are going to wreck it working a stump.

 

[The Mountain]

Get a cheap one to do that work. You are going to wreck it working a stump.

In my defense, it's a fresh stump. I just took the rest of the tree down two days ago. It's not a hardwood, it's some kind of trash tree.

 

[CaryC]

In my defense, it's a fresh stump. I just took the rest of the tree down two days ago. It's not a hardwood, it's some kind of trash tree.

Probably need:

1-Axe
2-shovel
3-mule

It's how my dad cleared land so he could plant cotton.

 

[mecoastie]

In my defense, it's a fresh stump. I just took the rest of the tree down two days ago. It's not a hardwood, it's some kind of trash tree.

It’s not the wood but all the dirt and rocks as well as the chainlink fence. That is going to kill the blade. One bad chop or hit and you could damage it badly.

 

[BadMedicine]

In my defense, it's a fresh stump. I just took the rest of the tree down two days ago. It's not a hardwood, it's some kind of trash tree.

yeah but probably rocks in the ground and stuff. I would definitely hit up a second hand, not too expensive axe for THAT job! :-O Here's a picture of a "root cutting axe" that came in the lot I bought.

 

[mecoastie]

yeah but probably rocks in the ground and stuff. I would definitely hit up a second hand, not too expensive axe for THAT job! :-O Here's a picture of a "root cutting axe" that came in the lot I bought.

That’s a brush axe or brush hook. Meant for clearing brush.

 

[KFhunter]

I still use an axe, it doesn’t take much of a notch on a tree across the road to give it a break point of your choosing, then a tow strap on the tree, a bit of a tug with the truck….*pop* tree breaks at the notch and swings nicely out of your way

 

[doctor_fungcool]

I'm looking for heirloom-quality axes. My current favorite is the Council Tool 4lb American Felling Axe. Granfors Bruk, Hults Bruk, and Helko Werk all make good looking tools as well, but are not US-made.

Anyone here know about axes?

Axe me no questions and I'll tell you no lies.

 

[dvo]

Love the quality stuff, but I’m not felling or even splitting any longer. Did a bunch of splitting in the day to feed a rapacious wood stove. Couldn’t do that any longer. I’ll just have my campfire wood delivered…thanks. But Gransfors Brucks Is pretty nice. If we get back to the world where this is necessary, I’m checking out.

 

[nielsen]

It’s obviously been used and abused over the years, so nothing special, but it’s a neat wallhanger.

That is a nice axe.