Log-building

hewing with a broad axe

The log that is to be hewn is placed on two special stands to give the right working height. A wedge driven from the side locks the log in place. The right height of the stand is when you can sit astride it and have your feet flat on the ground. Your hands should be kept quite close to each other. Your right hand should be kept nearest to the head of the axe.

The thumb of your right hand should be kept up on the shoulder of the handle, and not around the handle, to avoid the risk of damaging your thumbnail.

Often the log twists in the drying process. If the log is twisted with checks (cracks) going downward from left to right, you have to hew away from you on the upper half of the log and towards you on the lower part. If the log is twisted in the opposite way, with checks going upward from left to right, you have to hew in the opposite direction. In so doing you avoid working in conflict with the structure of the wood.

1: Seasoning checks
2: Upper half of log
3: Lower half of log

how to hew a log

Move backwards while working so that you can always check the quality of the surface you have hewn. The log should be hewn as evenly as possible for best water repellency. Since flakes of wood must not create pockets for rainwater, the log is placed upside-down for hewing, compared to how it will later be placed in the house wall. The seasoning checks are turned inwards if the inside is to be covered with panelling. Otherwise they are turned outwards to make the inside attractive and easy to clean.