To effectively use a side axe, master its specific grip, body positioning, and unique cutting techniques that leverage the tool's weight for precise wood shaping and hewing.
A side axe, also known as a broad axe or hewing axe, is a specialized tool primarily designed for shaping logs and squaring timbers. Unlike felling or splitting axes, a side axe typically features a bevel ground on only one side of its head, creating a chisel-like edge ideal for shaving wood off a flat surface without digging in too deeply.
Understanding the Side Axe
The side axe is distinct in its design and purpose. Its asymmetrical grind allows for highly controlled cuts, making it indispensable for traditional timber framing, log cabin building, and other woodworking projects requiring precise flattening and shaping of raw timber.
Key Features of a Side Axe
- Single-Bevel Grind: The most defining characteristic, allowing for flat, consistent cuts.
- Offset Handle: Often designed with a slight curve or offset to provide knuckle clearance when working close to the timber.
- Weight and Balance: Heavier than many axes, its weight is crucial for generating the necessary force and momentum for effective hewing.
Essential Safety Precautions
Before picking up any axe, safety must be your top priority.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or a face shield to guard against flying chips.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from splinters and improve grip.
- Foot Protection: Steel-toed boots are highly recommended.
- Hearing Protection: If working for extended periods, ear defenders can be beneficial.
- Work Area:
- Ensure a clear working radius around you. Remove any obstacles, tools, or people.
- Secure the log or timber firmly so it cannot shift during use. Use reliable sawhorses, log dogs, or clamps.
- Axe Condition:
- Inspect the axe head for any cracks or damage.
- Check that the handle is securely attached and free from splinters or damage.
- Ensure the edge is razor-sharp. A dull axe is dangerous and inefficient.
Mastering the Grip and Stance
Proper grip and stance are fundamental for control, power, and safety.
Grip Techniques
- Two-Handed Grip: For most hewing tasks, a firm two-handed grip is used. One hand grips closer to the head for control, while the other holds the end of the handle for leverage and power.
- Sliding Grip: For larger, more powerful swings, the bottom hand may slide up and down the handle, extending the reach and increasing momentum.
Stance and Body Mechanics
- Balanced Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, providing a stable base.
- Timber Positioning: Position the timber at a comfortable working height, typically around waist level, to minimize bending and strain.
- Swing Arc: Plan your swing path carefully, ensuring it's clear of obstructions and people. Your body should rotate with the swing, generating power from your core and legs, not just your arms.
Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Using a side axe involves a combination of initial scoring, precise hewing, and clearing cuts.
1. Scoring the Timber
Before you begin hewing, it's often helpful to score the timber.
- Chalk Line/Snap Line: Mark the desired finished dimension on the log with a chalk line.
- Notching (Kerfing): Make a series of vertical cuts (notches or kerfs) down to your chalk line, approximately 6-12 inches apart, along the length of the log. This can be done with the side axe or a saw. These cuts act as depth guides and weaken the wood fibers, making subsequent hewing easier.
2. Hewing Techniques
The essence of using a side axe lies in its unique hewing motion.
- Initial Cuts (Rough Hewing):
- Position yourself to the side of the log, facing perpendicular to it.
- With a controlled swing, let the weight of the axe do the work, allowing the sharp edge to cut through the fibers along the length of the timber, starting from one end and working towards the next notch.
- Focus on taking off small, manageable chips, rather than trying to remove large chunks. The bevel should guide the cut, creating a relatively flat surface.
- Aim for a shallow angle of attack to shave off layers rather than embed the axe deep into the wood.
- Clearing and Shaping:
- Once the initial fiber-cutting passes are made, chop away the freed wood between the notches. This often involves a more direct, downward chopping motion to remove the larger pieces.
- Work systematically between the kerfs, always keeping your marked line in sight.
- For refined shaping and achieving a smoother surface, use shorter, more controlled strokes. The goal is to gradually remove material until the surface is flat and square.
3. Finer Work and Finishing
- Shaving: For very precise work or creating a smoother finish, use lighter, more controlled shaving motions, letting the axe glide along the surface.
- Cornering: When squaring a log, work on one face at a time, then rotate the log to work on the next face. This helps maintain squareness.
Maintenance for Longevity
Proper maintenance ensures your side axe remains effective and safe.
- Sharpening: A sharp edge is paramount.
- Use a sharpening stone (whetstone) to maintain the single-bevel edge. Always sharpen only the beveled side, maintaining the original angle. Deburr the flat side occasionally.
- A leather strop can be used for a razor-sharp finish.
- For detailed instructions on sharpening, refer to guides from reputable sources like Gransfors Bruks.
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe down the axe head to remove sap, dirt, and moisture.
- Storage: Store your axe in a dry place, preferably with a sheath over the head to protect the edge and prevent accidental injury.
Side Axe Techniques Overview
| Technique | Description | Purpose | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoring/Notching | Making initial vertical cuts along the desired line with an axe or saw. | Defines depth, weakens fibers, and guides subsequent hewing. | Precision in marking and consistent depth. |
| Rough Hewing | Using the axe's weight to slice and remove material in thin layers. | Rapid removal of bulk material, establishing the general flat plane. | Leveraging axe weight, cutting through fibers with a shallow, controlled angle. |
| Clearing Cuts | Chopping away the freed wood between notches after initial fiber cuts. | Removing larger pieces of wood efficiently. | Direct chopping away action, ensuring the main cut face remains clean. |
| Finishing/Shaving | Light, controlled strokes to refine the surface and remove remaining high spots. | Creating a smooth, flat, and accurately dimensioned timber surface. | Gentle touch, consistent angle, and attention to detail for a clean finish. |
Remember, proficiency with a side axe comes with practice and patience. Always prioritize safety and allow the tool's design to do most of the work.
