The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Timber Framing/Log construction => Topic started by: knowslittle on February 07, 2018, 09:12:02 PM

Title: Cupped Axe
Post by: knowslittle on February 07, 2018, 09:12:02 PM
Question for those who know a lot more than I.
   I purchased a broadaxe from hundred year-old hardware store, 6.5" blade length, beveled one side, handled for a righty I suppose.  Looking at the tool while laying flat on a table, the blade is straight, not radiused, but when looking down the length and sighting down the handle it cups about 1/16".  The center of the cup is to the timber.
  What is this purpose? Or is this simply an abused tool?
  I'd include a photo, but my old flip phone (or me) doesn't do this so well.

Thank you in advance,
bob
Title: Re: Cupped Axe
Post by: Dave Shepard on February 07, 2018, 09:50:45 PM
I suspect it is not a hewing axe based on the width and the lack of significant radiuses. Also sounds a little wide for what I would call a hewing hatchet, which usually has a straight edge.
Title: Re: Cupped Axe
Post by: Roger Nair on February 08, 2018, 12:42:28 PM
Seems like a carpenters side hatchet, the cup could be of benefit for trimming.  In many older building one can find ends shaped by hatchet rather than sawn, especially the top side of ceiling joist sistered to rafters.
Title: Re: Cupped Axe
Post by: knowslittle on February 11, 2018, 09:48:00 AM
Thank you Dave and Richard for your time, appreciate the information.