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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: bigcountry on May 30, 2008, 10:32:00 PM

Title: Hatchet Question
Post by: bigcountry on May 30, 2008, 10:32:00 PM
Hey guys, I have seen these axe's or hatchest before that some guys use to rough out timber framed houses.  Figured it would be the ticket for roughing out selfbows.  Its kinda like a hewing hatchet or one sided beveled broadaxe is, but the handle is short like a hatchet but the head is long and narrow like 8-12" long but only like 1.5-2" tall.  

Does anyone know what these are called?

I know its a silly question.  But figured with the old time brain power we have here, someone would know.
Title: Re: Hatchet Question
Post by: Mike Orton on May 30, 2008, 11:18:00 PM
Mark,

Gransfor Bruks is the world authority on axes.

http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/index.html

They offer the single bevel axes you seek in your post.  Single bevel offered on both left and right sides
Title: Re: Hatchet Question
Post by: bigcountry on May 30, 2008, 11:52:00 PM
Thanks Mike, but I am not just looking for a hewing ax but one that is long and slender.  I see em use them on yankee workshop before.
Title: Re: Hatchet Question
Post by: bigcountry on May 31, 2008, 12:07:00 AM
But I see simular ones on that page.  I heard this guy wants a fortune for his stuff.
Title: Re: Hatchet Question
Post by: ChuckC on May 31, 2008, 03:17:00 AM
Are you describing a "froe" ?.  The blade extends out from the handle those 8 - 12" with the bevel on the top side ?  These are / were used to split out shakes or wooden shingles for the roof or outside walls.  

If yes, you might look at antique shops in areas that had / have a lot of country side.  

Might find one sorta reasonable.
ChuckC
Title: Re: Hatchet Question
Post by: Fallguy on May 31, 2008, 08:34:00 AM
It is some times refered to as a carpenters hatchet. The head weight is around 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. I have seen them at second hand stores and antique stores.
Title: Re: Hatchet Question
Post by: bigcountry on May 31, 2008, 11:34:00 AM
Yep, thats what it is.  A froe.  I see one on that page that mike put out.  Wouldn't that be handy for roughing out a bow?