WOODMAN'S TOOLS AND IMPLEMENTS 



CHAPTER II. CUTTING OPERATIONS. 



PARAGRAPH IV. 

 WOODMAN'S TOOLS AND IMPLEMENTS. 



(A) AXE. It consists of a handle, 32 inches to 42 inches long, made of hickory, ash, locust or 

 mulberry, either straight or "S" curved, and of a blade or head forming a steel wedge of particular temper. 

 The cheeks of the wedge are slightly curved in the midst, falling down gradually towards the upper and 

 lower line. The weight lies either close to the bit or close to the handle, according to local predilection. 



The best make is the Kelly axe. The woodman of Northern Maine prefers a homemade axe forged 

 by the village smith. 



Double bit axes, requiring straight handles, are largely used in the Lake States and on the Coast. 

 Special splitting axes, of greater weight and broader cheeks, are rarely 

 used (for sugar barrel bolts and retort wood). 



For hardwood, a thin and light axe (a cutting axe) is preferred, while 

 for softwood a broad and heavy axe (a tearing axe) is used. 



A box of axes contains an assortment of various weights. In Europe 

 the bit is relaid with steel, after wearing off. 



The axe is used :- 



1. For cutting trees entirely or partly; 



2. For swamping (axe to be '/.' 'b. heavier); 



3. For splitting; 



4. For nosing logs; 



5. For driving wedges. 

 Price of axes from -v6 to -vS a dozen. Handles are fl a dozen. 



(B) ADZ AND BROADAXE. The adz and broadaxe are used for 

 trimming and barking export -logs, squares, ties, and construction timber. 

 The blade of the adz has such curvature as corresponds to the curve of 

 the sweep through the air. The cutting edge is ground concave on the 

 inner side. 



The broadaxe is either right or left sided, the plane oft he blade forming 

 an angle of 5" to 10" with the plane of the handle. The handle is usually 

 short, the blade very heavy and wide. 



(C) PEAVIES. The peavy is a typical American tool, unknown in 

 the Old World. The best make is Morley Bros.' line of "blue tools." 



The hooks are distinguished as round bill, duck bill, and chisel bill 

 hooks, made of hammered steel. The socket is either solid or it consists 

 of rings. The square-butted pick (point) is driven cold into the round 

 bored point of the handle. The handle (airdried; not kilndried) is 4 to 6 ft. 

 long, straight, 2'/., inches to 3 inches through and is made of hickory, ash, 

 or usually hard maple. Price per dozen is #10 to #22. 



A peavy must answer the following requirements: — 



1. Hook adapted to any size log; 



2. Bill to be so constructed as to catch securely through any layer 

 of bark ; 



3. Proper length, greatest strength, and low weight. 



