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Straight and Gutter Adzes

Straight and Gutter Adzes from Gränsfors Bruk are traditional Scandinavian woodworking tools designed for precise work close to the log. Depending on the shape of the cutting edge, they are used either for shaping flat surfaces or hollowing out timber.

What are straight and gutter adzes used for?

Straight Adzes are used to square off logs and planks and to create smooth, even surfaces. They are also suitable for shaping beams and purlins and for forming ribs in boatbuilding. The straight, transverse edge makes the tool work much like a chisel that can be used with chopping strokes.

Gutter Adzes are used for hollowing out timber. Their rounded cutting edge makes them ideal for tasks such as making troughs, old-style gutters and notchwork in log construction, where a curved hollow is required.

Characteristics of Straight Adzes

Straight Adzes are characterised by a straight, transverse cutting edge designed for controlled chopping and precise shaping of timber. The straight edge makes the tool work much like a chisel, allowing for accurate control when shaping flat surfaces.

Straight Adzes are used for squaring logs and planks, smoothing surfaces, shaping beams and purlins, and for detailed work such as forming ribs for boats. They are intended for work close to the log, where control and surface finish are essential. Handle length and size determine whether the adze is best suited for close work or for working while standing over the log.

Gränsfors Bruks Straight Adzes comes in three sizes:

  • Gränsfors Bruks Small Straight Adze, 56 mm

  • Gränsfors Bruks Small Straight Adze, 80 mm

  • Gränsfors Bruks Large Straight Adzes

Characteristics of Gutter Adzes

Gutter Adzes are characterised by a cutting edge that is rounded at the ends. This rounded shape is specifically designed for hollowing out timber and shaping curved surfaces.

They are used for tasks such as making troughs, traditional gutters and notchwork in log construction, where a concave form is required. Like straight adzes, gutter adzes are designed for controlled work close to the log. The choice between smaller and larger models depends on working position, with shorter handles offering greater control close to the timber and longer handles suited to work performed standing over the log.

Gränsfors Bruks Gutter Adzes comes in three sizes:

  • Gränsfors Bruks Small Gutter Adze, radius 25 mm

  • Gränsfors Bruks Small Gutter Adze, radius 40 mm

  • Gränsfors Bruks Large Gutter Adzes

Which adze should i choose?

The choice of adze depends on the type of work you intend to do and how you work in relation to the log.

If your work involves hollowing out timber, such as making troughs, traditional gutters or notchwork in log construction, a Gutter Adze is the right choice. The rounded cutting edge is designed specifically for shaping curved hollows.

If your work focuses on shaping flat surfaces, such as squaring logs and planks, smoothing surfaces, shaping beams and purlins, or forming ribs for boats, a Straight Adze is the more suitable option. The straight, transverse edge works much like a chisel and allows for precise control.

The choice between a small or large adze depends mainly on your working position. Smaller adzes are typically used when working close to the log, where a shorter handle provides better control. Larger adzes are preferred when standing over the log and chopping between the legs, where the longer handle allows you to adjust your arm length and control the cut to achieve very smooth surfaces.

Straight Adzes

Straight Adzes feature a straight, transverse cutting edge. They are versatile tools used for squaring logs and planks, shaping beams and purlins, and for detailed shaping work such as forming ribs for boats.

Both small and large versions share the same basic design and areas of use. The difference lies mainly in handle length and working position.

  • Gränsfors Small Straight Adze
    Commonly used when working close to the log, often on the outside of the project where access is needed from another angle. The shorter handle provides better control. Available in two widths: 56 mm and 80 mm.

  • Gränsfors Large Straight Adze
    Used when standing over the log and chopping between the legs. By controlling the cut with arm length, very smooth surfaces can be created.

Gutter Adzes

Gutter Adzes have a cutting edge that is rounded at the ends. This shape makes them particularly suitable for hollowing out timber, such as when making troughs, traditional gutters and notchwork in log building.

As with straight adzes, smaller and larger gutter adzes are chosen based on whether the work is carried out close to the log or standing over it.

Gränsfors Gutter adze:

  • Gränsfors Small Gutter Adze 25 mm:
    Features a cutting edge with a 25 mm radius. Suitable for smaller projects and smaller bowls and troughs.

  • Gränsfors Small Gutter Adze 40 mm
    Features a cutting edge with a 40 mm radius. Suitable for larger projects and flatter hollowing, such as larger troughs, boats, or chair seats.

  • Gränsfors Large Gutter Adze