A broadaxe is a large broad-headed axe. There are two categories of cutting edge on broadaxes, both are used for shaping logs into beams by hewing. On one type, one side is flat, and the other side beveled, a basilled edge, also called a side axe,[1] single bevel, or chisle-edged axe.[2] On the other type, both sides are beveled, sometimes called a double bevel axe, which produces a scalloped cut.
On the basilled broadaxe the handle may curve away from the flat side to allow an optimal stance by the hewer in relation to the hewn surface, and to allow clearance for the hewer's hands. The flat blade is to make the surface flat but can only be worked from one direction and is right-handed or left-handed. The double bevel axe has a straight handle and can be swung with either side against the wood. A double-beveled broad axe can be used for chopping or notching as well as hewing. When used for hewing, notches are chopped in the side of the log down to a marked line, a process called scoring. The pieces of wood between these notches are removed with an axe, a process called joggling,[3] and then the remaining wood is hewn to the line.
- ^ Salaman, R. A. Dictionary of tools used in the woodworking and allied trades, c. 1700-1970. New York: Scribner, 1975. ISBN 0684145359
- ^ Mercer, Henry Chapman. Ancient carpenters' tools: together with lumbermen's, joiners' and cabinet makers' tools in use in the eighteenth century. 5th ed. Doylestown, Pa.: Horizon Press, published for the Bucks County Historical Society, 1975. 81.
- ^ Foxfire - Volume 19 - Page 246. /books?id=u0bYAAAAMAAJ