What is a broad axe used for in construction?
An indispensable tool used for personal needs to square timber to build log houses, construct timber-frame buildings, and for larger projects such as building bridges and dams, the broad axe was also the basic tool required in lumbering, the first industry in the region.
What is another name for a broadaxe?
For the weapon sometimes referred to as a broad axe, see Dane axe. A broadaxe is a large- (broad) headed axe. There are two categories of cutting edge on broadaxes, both are used for shaping logs by hewing. On one type, one side is flat and the other side beveled, a basilled edge, also called a side axe, single bevel, or chisle-edged axe.
What is the history of axes?
The history of axes begins with axes like a broad axe. They have paved the way for revolutionizing the modern axes that we use today. Before, it was a broad axe that was a hero among all other axes. You can still see these axes, but they are not as widely popular as they used to be.
What is a double beveled axe used for?
The double bevel axe has a straight handle can be swung with either side against the wood. A double beveled broad axe can be used for chopping or notching and hewing. When used for hewing, a notch is chopped in the side of the log down to a marked line, called scoring.
How old is a broad axe?
One broad axe was found discarded in the Smithfield well (built c. 1617 and filled in during the 1620s), highlighting that these tools were always needed and were used even after the initial construction years of the settlement.
Who invented the broad axe?
The Broad Ax (1895–1931) was a weekly newspaper that began publication on Aug. 31, 1895, originally in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Julius F. Taylor.
Who brought the broad axe to America?
German settlersThe goose–wing broad axes (Figure 16) brought to America by German settlers were the earliest hewing axes commonly used in this country.
When was the broad axe invented?
This replica of a Danish style axe from the 11th century is characterized by its long-extended edge and its curved handle. The broad axe was first and foremost a tool used for woodworking, such as in cutting and smoothing planks for house and boat construction.
What were axes used for in medieval times?
Definition of a Axe The Axe was a weapon used in Medieval Times by Foot Soldiers and occasionally knights. The axe was cheap to produce and required limited skill so was suited as weapons for foot soldiers. The axe is comprised of two primary parts: the axe head and the haft, or handle.
What is a long axe called?
A battle axe (also battle-axe, battle ax, or battle-ax) is an axe specifically designed for combat. Battle axes were specialized versions of utility axes. Many were suitable for use in one hand, while others were larger and were deployed two-handed.
Can an axe be left handed?
A left hand broad axe is used on the left hand side of the log (when looking down the length of the log.) Consequently, a left hand broad axe has a head that is flat on the right side and a handle that deflects to the left (away from the flat face) so that it clears the log.
What is a double headed axe called?
Labrys (Greek: λάβρυς, romanized: lábrus) is, according to Plutarch (Quaestiones Graecae 2.302a), the Lydian word for the double-bitted axe. In Greek it was called πέλεκυς, pélekus.
Are Kelly axes still made?
Production was downscaled in the 1960s, and the old Kelly Axe Factory closed for good in 1982, marking the end of nearly 80 years in business.
Why are wives called battle axes?
If someone calls an older woman a battle-axe, they mean she is very difficult and unpleasant because of her fierce and determined attitude. This use could cause offence. A battle-axe is a large axe that was used as a weapon.
What was the first axe made of?
The first true hafted axes are known from the Mesolithic period (ca. 6000 BC), where axes made from antler were used that continued to be utilized in the Neolithic in some areas. Chopping tools made from flint were hafted as adzes. Axes made from ground stone are known since the Neolithic.
What is the point of a double-bit axe?
Double-bit axes have two symmetrically opposed cutting edges. The single-bit ax is used when safety is paramount. Some workers prefer the double-bit ax. One edge is maintained at razor sharpness and the other is kept somewhat duller for chopping around rocks or dirt.
Did he carry a broad axe?
“The man I saw… had something on his hand – like a branding.” Ichabod perks up. “Did he carry a broad axe? The mark on his hand — was it a bow?”
What is a double headed axe called?
Labrys (Greek: λάβρυς, romanized: lábrus) is, according to Plutarch (Quaestiones Graecae 2.302a), the Lydian word for the double-bitted axe. In Greek it was called πέλεκυς, pélekus.
How much does a Viking axe weigh?
The haft, while not original, is ancient. The total weight of the axe is only 770g (1.7 lb.), less than some swords.
Can an axe be left handed?
A left hand broad axe is used on the left hand side of the log (when looking down the length of the log.) Consequently, a left hand broad axe has a head that is flat on the right side and a handle that deflects to the left (away from the flat face) so that it clears the log.
When was the broad axe found?
One broad axe was found discarded in the Smithfield well (built c. 1617 and filled in during the 1620s), highlighting that these tools were always needed and were used even after the initial construction years of the settlement.
How many broad axes are there at James Fort?
A total of five broad axes have been found at James Fort, three of which were excavated from early fort period features.
What tools are used in James Fort?
Axes, hatchets, and other woodworking tools are found in many of the features of James Fort. While different types of axes can technically be used interchangeably, it is notable that different types were brought to Jamestown and intended for different purposes.
What is an axe used for?
An axe is an ancient tool, with a rich history of uses including felling trees, hunting animals, and weaponry. Today, the axe is most commonly used in the yard or outdoor pursuits, such as camping, but the type of axe you need will depend on the purpose you intend for it. The most popular axe used today is the felling axe, ...
Why is the throwing axe important?
The axes used in this sport can vary in type and design, but their main feature is that they need to be incredibly durable and sturdy so that they can cope with the pressure they are put under from numerous throws.
Why is a carpenter's axe important?
The blade of a carpenter’s axe is important when selecting one to use, as a straighter edge is a sign of a higher quality axe which will make a better and more accurate cut. Modern carpenter’s axes also have the addition of a groove in them, which can be used to remove nails from wood.
How big should a felling axe handle be?
The standard length of a full-sized felling a xe is 36 inches, but this should be the maximum length most users should consider. A person who is six foot tall would be best with a handle measuring around 32 inches, as this will offer a good balance between accuracy and force.
What is the most popular axe?
The most popular axe used today is the felling axe, which is also known as the American axe. There’s a huge range of designs available amongst felling axes, with blade patterns being named after the locations they were created. These patterns include the following. Table of Contents. Common Patterns of Axes.
How long is a full size felling axe?
The standard length of a full-sized felling axe is 36 inches, but this should be the maximum length most users should consider. A person who is six foot tall would be best with a handle measuring around 32 inches, as this will offer a good balance between accuracy and force.
Why are axes used in sports?
The axes used in this sport can vary in type and design, but their main feature is that they need to be incredibly durable and sturdy so that they can cope with the pressure they are put under from numerous throws.
What is the broad axe?
The Broad Axe. Carol Martin and Dave Yuill. The broad axe, the logo chosen by the Gatineau Valley Historical Society (GVHS), is symbolic of the earliest days of this region’s settlement.
Where were broad axes made?
A forge and blacksmiths trained in the United States repaired and produced broad axes, among other essential tools. By the 1840s, an axe-making industry had developed in Hull and Ottawa. The largest and heaviest broad axes were made in or for the Ottawa Valley, in a distinctive design with a small poll (the point where the handle joins the head) and a broad blade that became known as the "Canada pattern." These axes were as heavy as 5.4 kilograms (8.4 pounds), and had heads made of iron with cast steel-edged blades as wide as 38 centimetres (14 inches). An idea of the value of axes in the late 1830s comes from an Ontario firm’s catalogue (Andrew Hurd & Co., of Maitland, Ont.), whose broad axes sold for the equivalent of two week’s pay, while their chopping axes cost half that. By the end of the century they could be bought with the earnings of an hour or two.
How much does a Sheffield axe weigh?
The Sheffield family axe depicted in the GVHS logo weighs 3.8 kilograms (8.4 pounds), with a 30.4-centimetre blade (12 inches) and a 68.5-centimetre (27 inches) handle.
How many axe makers were there in Ottawa?
Between 1860 and 1915, the Ottawa Valley had 150 axe-makers. In July 1986 the Gatineau Valley Historical Society authorized purchase of a broad axe from Ottawa’s Bytown Museum for $50, to use for display purposes.
What tools did the pioneers use to cut down trees?
Along with household goods and livestock, a broad axe was one of the essential tools brought by the pioneers who settled Hull Township and the Ottawa Valley, along with the chopping or felling axe, used to cut down trees and trim branches.
When was the Gatineau axe made?
Description: Broad axe used by the early settlers of the Gatineau Valley. Year made: circa 1860-1900. Made by: Unknown. Materials/Medium: Wood, iron, steel. Colours: Brown, black. Provenance: Owned by the Sheffield family of Old Chelsea, Quebec. Size: 30.4 cm x 68.5 cm (weighs 8.4 pounds, with a 12-inch blade and a 27-inch helve)
Where did the idea of axes come from?
An idea of the value of axes in the late 1830s comes from an Ontario firm’s catalogue (Andrew Hurd & Co., of Maitland, Ont.), whose broad axes sold for the equivalent of two week’s pay, while their chopping axes cost half that. By the end of the century they could be bought with the earnings of an hour or two.
How to use a broad axe?
You generally work standing to one side of the log with the flat side of the broad axe to the wood. The log or beam can either be on the ground, or raised depending on how you're gripping the handle. You can use a full over the head swing or more of a short chopping motion. Broad axe handles can be angled to the left, right or centered. Just to make things confusing, even the blades can have a variety of sharpening profiles. If you think of cutting edge of a regular axe, it is angled, or sharpened, on both sides, making a sort of “V.” You can have that profile in your broad axe or have one side left flat and the other side sharpened. Take a look at a pair of scissors and you’ll see this style of sharpening. Depending on which side of the blade is sharpened, this is called scissor sharpened or reverse scissor sharpened. As you can see, you can have a wide range of combinations to best suit how you work — right angled handle with reverse scissor sharpened blade, etc. Probably the most versatile type for the beginner will be the centered handle with the double sharpened blade.
What is the name of the sharpening on a broad axe?
Take a look at a pair of scissors and you’ll see this style of sharpening. Depending on which side of the blade is sharpened, this is called scissor sharpened or reverse scissor sharpened.
What are adzes used for?
They can be used for hewing logs for building (the focus here) and for other uses as diverse as carving chair seats and making totem poles. Adzes come in a range of styles and handle lengths. The blades can be flat or curved and the handles can be as short as 8 inches up to 35 inches long.
What is a curved adze called?
The adzes that have a curved blade are often called gutter adzes. It’s easy to remember that name if you think of a rain gutter and the shape of the adz needed to hollow out the inside of the gutter to catch the rain. Ship carpenter’s adzes have a flatter blade.
What is a short handle adze?
Short handled adzes are used with either one or two hands with the wood you're working on located between knee and waist height. Long handles are often used when straddling your work on the ground, or close to the ground. In effect, you swing the adz between your legs.
Can you sharpen a broad axe with a V?
You can have that profile in your broad axe or have one side left flat and the other side sharpened.
