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How to hew a log |
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Of
course you can shape your logs with a chain saw or electrical
equipment but then you will not have as nice a surface as you
would using a Broad Axe. We are not going to show in this text
how to make a log house, but we will try to describe how to hew
a log. Nowadays machines are used to a great extent and only
the final work is done by hand. Before hewing by hand begins,
the log has to be debarked and sawed on two sides (and often
stored 6–12 months or longer to dry to avoid shrinking after
the construction work).  The log that is to be shaped is placed on two specially made stands which will cre-ate the right working position. |
 Your hands should be kept quite close to each
other. Your right hand should be kept nearest to the head of
the Broad 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 being hurt. 1: Seasoning checks 2: Upper half of log 3: Lower part of log Often the log is twisted in the drying process. If the log is twisted with checks going downward from left to right, you have to hew in the direction away from you on the upper half of the log and in the opposite way, with checks going upward from the left up to right, you have to hew in the opposite direction. In so doing you avoid working in conflict with the structure of the wood. |
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 Move backwards while working
so that you can always check the surface you have hewed.The log should be hewed as evenly and water repellently as possible. Downward cuts and flakes of wood are not allowed to create pockets for rain water. Therefore the log is placed upside-down for hewing, compared to how it will later be placed in the house. |
The
seasoning checks are turned inwards if the inside is to be covered
with paneling. Otherwise they are turned outwards so that the
inside becomes attractive and easy to clean. 1:
Right |
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