LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

A Decent Ax

1K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  johnstoneb 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey guys,

I once again turn to my fellow LJs for some tools advice. I need to ask for a good all purpose ax for Christmas. I live down in Texas, so I don't split a billion cords of firewood every year or anything, but right now I don't even have an ax. I will be using it for lots of general work such as splitting, chopping small limbs, etc. Anyone have good experience with a product? I am looking for a $50ish dollar ax but could probably go a little more expensive. Unfortunately John Neeman and Gransfors are probably out of the question. I realize this is sort of on the fringe of woodworking, but as an excuse, I have been thinking a lot more about green woodworking…

Thanks
 
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
You are trying to do two different things. Split and cut or chop. Axes cut and or chop. Mauls split. Axes can be used for light small splitting jobs but are not heavy enough for larger splitting jobs. Axes are tend to sink into the log you are trying to split and don't wedge it apart very well.
A maul is heavier and has a blunt edge (compared to an ax) and is wide. When splitting the maul sinks into the end grain and wedges the cut apart. A maul is absolutely no good for chopping. A maul can be used to drive a wedge when splitting also. If you try driving a wedge with an ax you will spread the eye and eventually the ax head will not hold a handle. The maul has a round eye for the handle like a sledge.

The box stores and most hardware stores have good quality axes and mauls. The axes will need sharpened.
As DonW says flea markets and antique shops are good also.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top